A carriage bolt can provide a firm, secure connection in a variety of applications, but the ThruLOK system from FastenMaster can provide a faster alternative.
Which one is right for your next construction project? Let’s compare the two to see whether carriage bolts or the ThruLOK system is appropriate for your needs.
Carriage bolts are a type of fastener, made from a variety of metals, that are used to join two components together. In residential construction, the two pieces being joined together are usually wood, often a post with a parallel beam of some kind. Carriage bolts can vary in size depending on the application, but they are usually more than six inches in length.
The carriage bolt consists of a head, which may be a hex head for fitting a socket, or a rounded head with a brief square shaft below the washer component.
The process for installing a carriage bolt into a post and beam requires a few different tools. First, the builder needs a drill with the appropriate bit. The hole needs to span the entire depth of the connection so that the bolt can be inserted all the way through.
After the hole has been drilled, the installer needs to place the bolt into the hole. Usually the bolt needs to be hammered through. Once in place, a nut is twisted onto the opposite end. The nut will then be tightened down, which will require a socket or wrenches. One wrench or socket will be used to hold the bolt, while the other will tighten the nut.
The ThruLOK system is a screw that replaces a carriage bolt by connecting posts, beams, carrying beams, and other lumber components. It is used as a wood-to-wood fastener that meets code for deck building and new construction.
The ThruLOK system consists of three parts: a screw, a washer, and a nut. At the tip of the screw, there is a specially-designed paddle point that allows the screw to cut through dense lumber without creating a split. At the head of the screw, FastenMaster has included a hex head that allows for fast installation. A galvanized washer helps evenly distribute the tension created by the screw, while a ThruLOK nut has teeth to grip into the wood, as well as paddles that allow the system to be tightened without a wrench or socket.
Installation of the ThruLOK system requires fewer steps than a carriage bolt. To install, builders simply place the tip of the ThruLOK screw in the appropriate location and drive it into the wood until the washer is tight against the lumber.
After the screw is in place, the nut is fixed on the opposite end. Simply hold the nut and use a drill to tighten the system into place.
In this comparison video, ThruLOK requires only 11 seconds to install, while the carriage bolt requires a full minute.
For more information on the ThruLOK system, or to find a retailer in your area, contact us today!
