The Forgefix Carriage Bolt and Nut (M10 x 200mm) is an essential fastening solution for professionals and DIYers tackling robust timber construction and general assembly tasks. It ensures a highly secure, non-spinning connection thanks to its unique square shoulder design, though precise pre-drilling and seating are crucial for optimal performance.
M10 x 200mm Size: Offers substantial fastening strength and reach for demanding applications.
Zinc Plated Finish: Provides excellent corrosion resistance, extending the bolt's lifespan in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Square Shoulder Design: Features a distinctive square section beneath the domed head that embeds into timber, preventing the bolt from rotating during nut tightening.
Domed Head: Presents a smooth, low-profile finish, reducing snags and enhancing aesthetics.
Versatile Application: Perfectly suited for a wide range of uses including timber construction, decking, fencing, and general fastening.
Convenient Pack: Each package includes 10 bolts and their corresponding nuts, streamlining project readiness.
Secure, Non-Spinning Connection: The square shoulder ensures the bolt stays put while the nut is tightened.
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Zinc plating allows for reliable use in outdoor and humid conditions.
Versatile for Timber: Ideal for a wide array of woodworking and structural applications.
Neat Finish: The domed head provides a clean, professional appearance.
Cost-Effective Pack: Comes with 10 bolts and nuts, offering good value for projects.
Requires Accurate Pre-Drilling: An appropriately sized and straight pilot hole is essential for proper seating and function.
Specific Application: Primarily designed for timber; less suitable for metal-to-metal connections without modification.
Removal Can Be Tricky: Once seated, the square shoulder can damage timber if the bolt is forcibly removed or spun.
Secure, Non-Spinning Connection: The square shoulder ensures the bolt stays put while the nut is tightened.
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Zinc plating allows for reliable use in outdoor and humid conditions.
Versatile for Timber: Ideal for a wide array of woodworking and structural applications.
Neat Finish: The domed head provides a clean, professional appearance.
Cost-Effective Pack: Comes with 10 bolts and nuts, offering good value for projects.
Requires Accurate Pre-Drilling: An appropriately sized and straight pilot hole is essential for proper seating and function.
Specific Application: Primarily designed for timber; less suitable for metal-to-metal connections without modification.
Removal Can Be Tricky: Once seated, the square shoulder can damage timber if the bolt is forcibly removed or spun.
The Forgefix Carriage Bolt and Nut is engineered for robust performance, particularly in applications where strong, tamper-resistant fastenings are needed. Its M10 x 200mm dimensions make it suitable for joining thicker sections of timber or materials that require a significant clamping force.
Typical applications include:
Decking Construction: Used to secure deck joists to ledger boards or to fasten support posts, providing a strong, weather-resistant connection.
Fencing Projects: Excellent for attaching fence rails to posts, where the smooth domed head prevents snagging on clothing or hands.
Timber Framing: Ideal for structural connections in sheds, pergolas, and other garden structures, where a secure, non-spinning bolt is crucial.
General Assembly: Useful for various DIY and professional tasks involving wood, such as building outdoor furniture, benches, or play structures.
The zinc-plated finish means it stands up well to typical outdoor exposure, resisting rust and maintaining structural integrity over time. The key benefit in use is the square shoulder: once hammered into place, it locks the bolt, allowing you to tighten the nut securely from the other side without needing to hold the bolt head. This is especially useful in situations where access to the bolt head is limited or impossible.
Drill Pilot Hole: Using a drill bit slightly larger than the bolt's shaft diameter (e.g., 10-11mm for an M10 bolt), drill a clean, straight pilot hole through all materials to be joined. Ensure the hole is perpendicular to the surface.
Insert Bolt: Push the carriage bolt through the drilled hole from the side where the domed head will be exposed.
Seat Square Shoulder: Gently tap the domed head with a hammer, using a protective block of wood or rubber mallet, until the square shoulder firmly embeds itself into the timber. This embedding action prevents the bolt from spinning.
Attach Nut: Thread the accompanying nut onto the bolt from the opposite side.
Tighten: Use an appropriate wrench to securely tighten the nut until the connection is firm and stable. Avoid over-tightening, which can strip threads or crush timber.
Material Compatibility: Primarily designed for use with timber and wood-based products where the square shoulder can effectively embed. Can also be used with thin sheet metal or plastic on the domed head side, provided the square shoulder has a material to bite into or is otherwise prevented from spinning.
Accessory Compatibility: Compatible with standard M10 washers to distribute load and prevent the nut from digging into the material.
Corrosion Resistance: The zinc-plated finish offers good resistance to rust. For prolonged outdoor exposure, inspect periodically for any signs of wear or damage to the plating.
Damage Prevention: Avoid scratching or abrading the zinc plating during installation, as this can expose the base metal to corrosion.
Cleaning: If bolts become dirty, wipe them clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, a mild soap solution can be used. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners that could damage the plating.