Carriage Bolts.

[stuckmotor]

Carriage bolts and I seldom get along. They go in well enough when new but, after rough treatment and exposure to the elements the square part of the shank tends to slip in the hole or slot that's supposed to hold it still. Since they have a sloped cap, it's even a fight to get locking pliers to hold them still.
This mini-rant comes because I spent a good part of the afternoon trying to make one good hay ring from two and the carriage bolts wouldn't cooperate. I've got to remember to change all of them out for hex bolts before the next round.

 

[Fuddy1952]

An impact or drill if possible usually works better because it spins nut fast.

 

[4570Man]

If they’re really bad a torch is the best option. An impact usually works pretty good. The worst bolts to deal with IMO are stamped head bolts usually found in automotive. The hex area is tapered minimizing socket contact area.

 

[jaxs]

That's why hot wrenches were invented.:drink:

 

[bcp]

Carriage bolts should have a Torx socket in the head.

Bruce

 

[4570Man]

Carriage bolts should have a Torx socket in the head.

Bruce

Then you can just break the torx off.

 

[LouNY]

I've been known to weld a nut on the head before.:cool2:

 

[stuckmotor]

I hope I never assemble another hay ring with the carriage bolts that come with it. A big washer on either end of a sturdy hex head bolt and a lock washer under the nut prevents some problems. If the nut rusts to the bolt. I can usually wring the bolt in half and replace it.

 

[GaryM]

You need carriage bolt torque washers: Torque Washers for Carriage Bolts WCL Company

They lock onto the square shank and keep the bolt from rotating. Work great. I've used them on wood, but supposed to work on "ductile materials" as well.

 

[goeduck]

I am not a fan of carriage bolts either. I thought the comment about having a female Torx slot was a good idea. It still would leave a rounded head which is impoartant on many things, but would allow extra grip. I do not see bolt makers doing it though.

 

[jaxs]

I think carriage bolts sold at big box and hardware stores are intended for wood but not metal assemblies. If you measure square on carriage bolts and those such as used in bumpers of older cars,the latter square is larger. I favor carriage bolts over screws for wood trailer decks. I don't know how a remote farm or ranch can operate without a torch and welder.

 

[hslogger]

spring for stainless carriage bolt assembly(s)

 

[Tractor Seabee]

A lot has to do with the size drill used for the initial hole. Wood can always be dicey; never seen a good application there unless the smooth side is not accessible. Factory fabricated plates are usually sized right. Steel and other metals use the drill size equal to the bolt dia and broach them in (20# hammer/arbor press or weld the round head on rework.

Ron

 

[Quebecguy]

You need carriage bolt torque washers: Torque Washers for Carriage Bolts WCL Company

They lock onto the square shank and keep the bolt from rotating. Work great. I've used them on wood, but supposed to work on "ductile materials" as well.

I learned something new today - thanks for posting!

 

[DJ54]

If they are 1/4" or 5/16" grade 2 carriage bolts, they twist off pretty easy, by tightening them, until they twist off. An impact wrench whether air, corded, or battery powered, makes quick work of it, even in the field. Even a long handled ratchet will work. Years ago I used to buy worn out farm machinery, simply for the steel in them to use for projects. There's lots of angle iron, and C-channel in most machinery. At that time, I bought a Craftsman 1/2" electric impact wrench. I've torn apart more than several pull type combines, balers, and corn planters. That impact was the ticket for the small carriage bolts, that many had paint on the threads, that were nearly impossible to remove. That was back in the 70's, and 80's, and still have the wrench, and still works great.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I learned something new today - thanks for posting!

Yeah, those look very handy.

 

[GaryM]

As I said I've only used them on wood, but by "ductile" they mean soft steel etc. Worth a try.

 

[oosik]

I've had troubles with carriage bolts in wood. Things get corroded and the bolt spins when you attempt to loosen the nut. I will take my Makita grinder with a cut off blade and cut a single shallow slice in the head of the bolt. This allows me to hold a big 'ol flat blade screw driver against the head - hold it still - unscrew the nut. If it's a tough go - get the nut/bolt undone enough so the head can be raised up above the board and simply cut the head off with the grinder. If things are REALLY tough - put a cutoff wheel in the grinder and grind the entire head off the bolt.

It's always easy to replace a carriage bolt.

 

[stuckmotor]

I went to Tractor Supply this afternoon and hope I bought enough hex head bolts washers and lock washers to replace all of the carriage bolts on my hay rings. It'll be interesting to see how much more use I get from those rings before they're no longer worth patching.

 

[jaxs]

Sound's like the rings are constructed of hollow tube if they rusted away enough to alow bolts pulling through.
Oilfield sucker rod is used around here to build long lasting and durable rings.