.png)
What Size Drill Bit Do I Use To Drill A Hole For A Carriage Bolt?
A common question we get when discussing carriage bolts is “What size drill bit do I use to drill a hole for a carriage bolt?” The answer is simple. Use the same size drill bit as the diameter of the bolt. If you are using a 1/2″ diameter bolt use a 1/2″ drill bit.
Installing A Carriage Bolt
Carriage bolts are very misunderstood and yet very simple to install. Made primarily for wood, carriage bolts have a square shoulder right below the head. This shoulder is designed to catch on wood and be pulled into it (by tightening the nut). Often you will find the domed head of a carriage bolt countersunk into the wood. To learn how to make a countersunk hole 
you can check out this video we made: How To Drill A Countersunk Pilot Hole.
Step One
The first thing to do when installing a carriage bolt is to determine the diameter of your carriage bolt. After you figure out the diameter with a thread gauge or other measuring tool, find a wood drill bit with the same diameter and then get your drill ready.
SHOP THREAD GAUGES SHOP WOOD DRILL BITS
Step Two
Now that you have your drill bit, mark the wood and drill out the hole. Depending on the type of wood drill bit you use to make the hole, the carriage bolt may slide right into the hole or be very tight. If it is very tight grab a hammer and tap the rounded head of the bolt so it slides into the hole. *Pro Tip: Since you already have the hammer out, once the 
square shoulder gets down to the wood give it a couple solid hits, so the square portion begins to sink into the wood.
Step Three
Take a washer and nut and fasten them to the carriage bolt against the wood. As you tighten the nut against the washer, it will pull the square shoulder into the wood preventing it from spinning. Once the domed head of the carriage bolt is tight against the wood the carriage bolt is installed.
Conclusion
Carriage bolts are surprisingly simple to understand and yet many people still struggle with them. Hopefully this post will help you to understand which size
drill bit you will need and how to install a carriage bolt into wood.
Looking For More Blogs Like This One?
Sign up to get new blogs sent directly to your inbox!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact