Installing carriage bolts in metal is not as difficult as it may sound. Carriage bolts have a square spine and domed head, and their design allows for much easier tightening of the nut with just a single tool. Installing them in metal however can be quite tricky and requires a bit of effort.
The first step to installing a carriage bolt in metal is to get the right size drills bit. Measure one side of the bolt and select a drill bit of the exact size, as having a mismatched size is disastrous and wastes much time. Once you have the right size, lubricate the drill bit with some cutting fluid to ensure smooth drilling.
After this, locate the area where the bolt is supposed to be installed, and mark the spot. It is important to wear safety goggles, as small bits of metal could fly into your face and cause serious injuries. Set the speed of the drill bit to low and carefully drill through the metal. Drilling at high speeds can scatter bits of metal and cause injuries as previously mentioned.
Once the drilling is complete, it is important to clear out all the unnecessary debris from within the hole. Use a damp rag with some acetone to clean all around the hole, as a clean surface is necessary for a secure fit. Finally, slip the bolt into the hole, thread a washer and nut at the end, and tighten the nut.
Installing carriage bolts in metal isn’t terribly difficult but if done properly it can make all the difference in regards to safety and reliability. The above guide should offer a good idea on how to get it done, plus the key is to ensure that the right sized drill bit is chosen, as selecting the wrong size will only lead to problems.
