What are coach bolts? Using them in DIY projects
*This is a collaborative post.
Have you been looking at DIY projects and noticed that you need coach bolts but you don’t know what they are? There are countless varieties of fixings and fastening, so it’s only normal not to know what they all are. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I found out what were coach bolts – it’s never too late to learn new things, right?
To explain anything and everything about coach bolts, I spoke to Speedy Fixings, coach bolts supplier. Speedy Fixings are a UK-based business that manufactures and supplies a variety of products for the construction industry and related industries. So, what are coach bolts?
Coach bolts are a special type of bolt. As the team at Speedy Fixings explain, these bolts are officially known as cup square hex bolts. The cup section of the name derives from the shallow domed head whilst the square refers to the square section beneath the head that bites into the timber.
Why use coach bolts?
“Coach bolts offer a strong and secure connection. Plus, due to their unique design, these bolts do not loosen or turn when being installed.” Explains Cuddle Fairy. These bolts can be used for a variety of projects. However, are mostly used for wood-to-wood applications.
Due to the square under the dome head, coach bolts will not require any tightening tools for the head and, when installed, will leave a shallow head which can squash down into the timber leaving a neater, almost flush finish.
Coach bolts vs coach screws
It is easy to get coach bolts and coach screws confused, after all, they share a similar name. However, coach bolts and coach screws are incredibly different. As Buckets of Tea comments coach screws are tapered fasteners while coach bolts are non-tapered fasteners.
“Tapered fasteners feature a tapered shaft that becomes narrower from the tip to the head. These types of fasteners can be driven straight into a material or fixed into a pilot hole. Non-tapered fasteners will need a nut to ensure secure fastening.” She explains.
Did you know about coach bolts?
