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Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt: Durable And Secure Fastener for Structural Applications

Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-11-03      Origin: Site

Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt: Durable And Secure Fastener for Structural Applications

Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt: Durable and Secure Fastener for Structural Applications

The stainless steel carriage bolt, also known as a round head square neck bolt, is a popular fastener widely used in construction, woodworking, and solar mounting systems.
Designed with a smooth dome-shaped head and a square neck, it offers excellent resistance to loosening and provides a clean, finished look for both functional and aesthetic applications.


What Is a Carriage Bolt?

A carriage bolt is a type of bolt fastener featuring a round head and a square neck beneath it.
The square neck locks the bolt in place when inserted into a square hole or wood surface, preventing it from turning when tightening the nut.

Carriage bolts are commonly used with nuts and washers to form a secure joint in:

  • Solar mounting structures

  • Wood and metal connections

  • Furniture assembly

  • Automotive and mechanical equipment


Technical Specifications

ItemDescription
Product NameStainless Steel Carriage Bolt
Head TypeRound head, square neck
Thread TypeFull or partial thread
MaterialStainless Steel 304 / 316 / 316L
Diameter RangeM5 – M20
Length Range20mm – 300mm
Surface FinishPolished or passivated
Strength GradeA2-70, A4-80
StandardDIN 603, ISO 8677, ASME B18.5

Key Features of Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts

1. High Corrosion Resistance

Made from 304 or 316 stainless steel, carriage bolts resist rust and oxidation — ideal for outdoor or marine environments.

2. Secure Anti-Rotation Design

The square neck fits into wood or metal slots, preventing the bolt from spinning during tightening. This ensures a stable and reliable connection.

3. Smooth and Aesthetic Finish

The rounded head provides a neat, finished look, perfect for visible surfaces such as solar panel supports, furniture, and architectural projects.

4. High Strength and Durability

The A2-70 and A4-80 stainless steel grades offer strong tensile performance, withstanding vibration and heavy loads without deformation.


Structure and Working Principle

A carriage bolt assembly consists of three main components:

ComponentFunction
Bolt (Round Head + Square Neck)Provides the main structural connection
Nut (Hex or Flange)Tightens and secures the bolt in place
Washer (Flat or Spring)Distributes load and prevents loosening

When tightening the nut, the square neck of the bolt locks into the base material, eliminating the need for a wrench on the bolt head side — making installation faster and easier.


Applications of Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts

Application AreaUsage
Solar Mounting SystemsFixing support beams, rails, and brackets
Wood StructuresJoining beams, fences, decks, and furniture
Metal FramesConnecting panels and frames
Automotive & MachinerySecuring covers, guards, and mechanical parts
Public InfrastructureUsed in bridges, walkways, and outdoor installations

These stainless steel bolts are essential solar fasteners in modern solar PV mounting systems, providing both strength and corrosion resistance.


Benefits of Using Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts

FeatureBenefit
Material DurabilityStainless steel construction for long-term outdoor use
Anti-Loosening FunctionSquare neck locks into place
Aesthetic DesignSmooth dome head for visible applications
Easy InstallationNo need to hold bolt head during tightening
Wide CompatibilityWorks with nuts, washers, and mounting brackets

Material Grades

GradeCompositionKey PropertiesApplication
A2-70 (SS304)18% Cr, 8% NiGeneral corrosion resistanceIndoor and outdoor use
A4-80 (SS316)16% Cr, 10% Ni, 2% MoMarine and chemical resistanceSolar, marine, and industrial use
316LLow carbon variantBetter welding performanceChemical processing or food-grade systems

Choosing the right stainless steel bolt grade ensures reliability under different environmental conditions.


Carriage Bolts in Solar Mounting Systems

In solar panel mounting structures, carriage bolts are used to connect rails, posts, and ground screws.
Their square neck design prevents rotation during installation, while the stainless steel material resists corrosion in outdoor environments.

Typical solar assembly includes:

  • Stainless steel carriage bolt

  • Spring washer

  • Flat washer

  • Hex nut

These components form a secure and vibration-resistant connection for long-term performance.


How to Install a Carriage Bolt

  1. Drill or align a square hole or use a pre-designed slot in the metal or wood base.

  2. Insert the carriage bolt into the hole; the square neck fits tightly to prevent rotation.

  3. Place a washer and nut on the threaded end.

  4. Tighten the nut using a wrench or socket until secure.

  5. Check for alignment and ensure the bolt is firmly seated.


Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly check for loosening in high-vibration environments.

  • Apply anti-seize compound for marine or coastal installations.

  • Use matching stainless steel nuts and washers to avoid galvanic corrosion.

  • Clean exposed bolt heads periodically for aesthetic maintenance.


Conclusion

The stainless steel carriage bolt is a robust and reliable fastener that combines strength, safety, and visual appeal.
Whether used in solar mounting systems, woodworking, or industrial structures, it ensures long-term performance and resistance to environmental challenges.
With 316-grade stainless steel bolts, you can achieve maximum durability, making them the ideal choice for outdoor and renewable energy projects.


FAQ: Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt

1. What is a carriage bolt used for?
It is used to fasten metal or wood components where a smooth, rounded finish is desired — such as in solar systems, furniture, or decking.

2. What is the difference between a carriage bolt and a hex bolt?
A carriage bolt has a round head and square neck to prevent rotation, while a hex bolt has a hexagonal head for wrench tightening.

3. Are stainless steel carriage bolts rust-proof?
Yes, especially A4-80 (316 stainless steel) carriage bolts, which provide excellent corrosion resistance in outdoor and marine conditions.

4. What size carriage bolts are most common?
Common sizes range from M6 to M12, depending on the application and structural load.

5. Can I use carriage bolts for solar installations?
Absolutely. Stainless steel carriage bolts are widely used in solar mounting systems to secure rails, brackets, and other fastened parts.


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