Lag Bolts vs Carriage Bolts: Which is Best for Your Project?
Both lag bolts and carriage bolts are used to attach two pieces of wood together; however, they differ in the thickness of the bolt. To determine which type of bolt best suits your project, you should consider three factors: cost, durability and ease of use. In this article, we’ll discuss these factors so you may confidently select the best bolt for your purposes.
When it comes to deciding which type of bolt to use for your project, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The paramount consideration should be safety. After all, you don’t want your project to come crashing down around you! Since the end of a carriage, the bolt is not threaded, adjusting its tightness after installation can be a challenge unless a nut is placed on either side of the bolt before it is fitted. If a carriage bolt should loosen up while being used, then additional nuts must be added onto the head to keep it tight again; otherwise, tightening will require even more force than usual. Lag bolts, which are threaded on both ends, are immune to this issue.
Lag bolts are threaded at both ends and do not have this problem. They have a more gripping force and are less prone to come loose due to the longer thread length. The amount of available space is also an important factor in deciding between lag bolts and carriage bolts. As its name suggests, lag bolts are used to attach objects from two different directions without the need for an anchor. Carriage bolts, on the other hand, are only threaded on one end; therefore, they may need an anchor hole or another support component if they are used independently.
When it comes to durability, both lag bolts and carriage bolts are great choices. The strength of lag bolts is well-known, while the durability and weatherproofing of carriage bolts have earned them renown. If you’re looking for a durable option, either one of these would be a good choice. With lags bolts, the only downside is that they can sometimes be difficult to install. There are less complications during installation with carriage bolts, although they may not be as weatherproof.
Carriage bolts are more affordable than lag bolts, but they need to have a hole drilled for them beforehand. However, lag bolts can be pushed into the wood without first drilling a hole, but they are more expensive. As a result, carriage bolts may be the most cost-effective choice. Get yourself a set of lag bolts if you would like to drive your bolt in with a single stroke of a hammer. The enlarged hex head of a lag bolt makes tightening it with a wrench a breeze.