The Forgefix M8 x 160mm Zinc Plated Carriage Bolts and Nuts are designed for individuals and professionals seeking a robust solution for securely fastening timber to timber. Their key benefit lies in providing strong, corrosion-resistant joints, ensuring long-lasting stability for your projects. While highly effective for timber, it's important to note their specific design limits their optimal use to this application. Each bag contains 10 bolts, fully threaded to 100mm, complete with hex nuts, making them an essential component for construction and DIY tasks involving wood.
M8 x 160mm Dimensions: Standard metric size, 8mm diameter, 160mm length, suitable for substantial timber sections.
Zinc Plated (ZP) Finish: Offers excellent resistance against corrosion, ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications where moisture might be present.
Bag of 10: Conveniently supplied in packs of ten, providing ample fasteners for typical projects.
100mm Thread Length: Each bolt is fully threaded for the first 100mm, allowing for secure fastening across various timber thicknesses within this range.
Integrated Hex Nut: Comes complete with a matching hex nut, ensuring immediate usability and a secure, tight fit.
Carriage Bolt Design: Features a smooth, domed head and a square neck that bites into the timber, preventing rotation during tightening and providing a flush finish.
Timber-to-Timber Specialization: Specifically engineered for joining wooden components, providing optimal grip and stability in wood applications.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Zinc plating significantly extends the lifespan in various environments.
Secure Timber Fastening: The square neck design ensures the bolt grips timber effectively, preventing rotation.
Complete Kit: Each bolt includes a corresponding hex nut, saving time and ensuring compatibility.
Strong and Durable: M8 size provides significant strength for demanding timber applications.
Neat Finish: The smooth, domed head offers a clean, low-profile appearance on the fastened surface.
Specific Application: Primarily designed for timber-to-timber fastening; not ideal for metal or other materials.
Limited Thread Length: Only 100mm of the 160mm length is threaded, which might be a consideration for specific deep fastening scenarios where full threading is desired.
Requires Pilot Hole: A pilot hole is necessary to seat the bolt properly, adding a step to the installation process.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Zinc plating significantly extends the lifespan in various environments.
Secure Timber Fastening: The square neck design ensures the bolt grips timber effectively, preventing rotation.
Complete Kit: Each bolt includes a corresponding hex nut, saving time and ensuring compatibility.
Strong and Durable: M8 size provides significant strength for demanding timber applications.
Neat Finish: The smooth, domed head offers a clean, low-profile appearance on the fastened surface.
Specific Application: Primarily designed for timber-to-timber fastening; not ideal for metal or other materials.
Limited Thread Length: Only 100mm of the 160mm length is threaded, which might be a consideration for specific deep fastening scenarios where full threading is desired.
Requires Pilot Hole: A pilot hole is necessary to seat the bolt properly, adding a step to the installation process.
Forgefix Carriage Bolts excel in applications requiring strong, flush, and corrosion-resistant timber connections. Their design makes them particularly effective where one side of the connection needs a smooth, unobtrusive finish.
Decking Construction: Securely fastening deck boards to joists or joists to main beams.
Pergolas and Arbors: Creating sturdy joints for outdoor structures exposed to the elements.
Garden Furniture: Assembling benches, tables, or other wooden furniture that needs to withstand outdoor conditions.
Fencing: Attaching fence posts to rails, especially in sections requiring high stability.
Playground Equipment: Ensuring safety and durability in wooden playground structures.
To achieve the best performance:
Drill a Pilot Hole: Use a drill bit slightly larger than the bolt's diameter (e.g., 8-9mm for M8) to accommodate the bolt shaft and the square neck. This prevents splitting the timber and allows the square neck to properly seat.
Insert the Bolt: Push the carriage bolt through the pre-drilled holes in both timber pieces.
Seat the Square Neck: Using a hammer, gently tap the head of the bolt until the square neck bites firmly into the timber surface. This prevents the bolt from spinning when tightening the nut.
Tighten the Nut: Secure the connection by hand-tightening the hex nut, then use a spanner or wrench to fully tighten until the joint is firm. Avoid over-tightening, which can strip threads or damage timber.
The zinc plating provides reliable corrosion protection, making these bolts suitable for outdoor use without immediate concern for rust. Their strength ensures a long-lasting, stable connection in structural timber applications.
Setting up the Forgefix Carriage Bolt & Nut is straightforward but requires basic tools:
Tools Required:
Drill: With a wood drill bit matching or slightly larger than the bolt's diameter (e.g., 8-9mm for M8).
Hammer or Mallet: For seating the square neck of the bolt into the timber.
Spanner or Wrench: To tighten the hex nut (13mm for M8 nuts).
Preparation: Ensure the timber pieces to be joined are clean and properly aligned. Mark the drilling points accurately.
Materials: Exclusively designed and optimized for timber-to-timber fastening. While they can mechanically fasten other soft materials, their square neck feature is specifically for gripping wood.
Size: M8 diameter and 160mm length are suitable for medium to thick timber sections. Ensure the length is appropriate for the combined thickness of your timber pieces, allowing enough thread for the nut.
Storage: Store bolts and nuts in a dry environment to maintain their zinc plating and prevent premature corrosion. The original bag is suitable for this purpose.
Handling: Avoid scratching or damaging the zinc plating during installation, as this can compromise corrosion resistance.
Reusability: If removed carefully and undamaged, these bolts can be reused. Inspect threads and plating before re-installation to ensure integrity.