Best Carriage Bolts of 2026

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Carriage bolts are essential fasteners widely used in construction and woodworking projects. These bolts feature a dome-shaped head and a square or round shank, making them ideal for applications requiring a smooth and finished appearance. The square neck under the head prevents rotation when tightening, ensuring a secure and stable connection. Carriage bolts come in various sizes, materials, and finishes to suit different project requirements. Whether it's securing beams, fastening wooden structures, or assembling machinery, carriage bolts provide reliable and durable solutions for a wide range of applications.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

VGBUY 1/4-20 x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit Cover #TOP 1
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit Cover #TOP 2
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HROMIGRY 1/4" x 5" Hot Dip Galvanized Carriage Bolt Set Cover #TOP 3
HROMIGRY 1/4" x 5" Hot Dip Galvanized Carriage Bolt Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Carriage Bolts

#TOP 1

VGBUY 1/4-20 x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit

VG01903
Silver
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit Cover
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 2 Carriage Bolts Screws 18 Sets, 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Round Head Square Neck, Carriage Bolts and Nuts Kit, with Flat Washers

The VGBUY Stainless Carriage Bolts offer a reliable fastening solution with their dome-shaped heads and locking square necks that stop the bolt from turning when you tighten or loosen the nut. Made from 304 stainless steel, these bolts resist rust and wear, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. Each bolt, nut, and flat washer is carefully crafted with smooth heads and clean threads to ensure easy installation without any rough edges. Plus, the kit includes 18 bolts, nuts, and washers, giving you everything you need for wood or metal projects like building decks or benches.

What We Like
Locking neck design
304 stainless steel durability
Smooth, precise threads
Complete bolt, nut, washer kit
#TOP 2

VGBUY 1/4-20 x 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit

VG01902
Silver
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 1-1/4" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt Kit Cover
VGBUY 1/4-20 x 1-1/4" Carriage Bolts Screws 24 Sets, 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Round Head Square Neck, Carriage Bolts and Nuts Kit, with Flat Washers

The VGBUY Stainless Carriage Bolts are designed to give you a reliable fastening solution. These bolts feature a locking neck that keeps the bolt from turning when you tighten or loosen the nut, making your work easier and more secure. Made from 304 stainless steel, they resist rust and wear, so you can use them indoors or outdoors without worry. Each bolt, nut, and washer is carefully crafted with smooth heads and clean threads, ensuring a perfect fit and easy handling. This complete kit includes bolts, nuts, and washers, giving you everything needed for your wood or metal projects.

What We Like
Locking neck prevents bolt turning
Corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel
Smooth, precise threading
Complete bolt, nut, washer set
#TOP 3

HROMIGRY 1/4" x 5" Hot Dip Galvanized Carriage Bolt Set

MGCB14X5P50HDG
1/4" x 5"
HROMIGRY 1/4" x 5" Hot Dip Galvanized Carriage Bolt Set Cover
HROMIGRY 1/4" x 5" Carriage Bolts (50 PCS), Hot Dip Galvanized, Heavy Duty Round Head with Washers and Nuts

The HROMIGRY Galvanized Carriage Bolts come in a set of 50 bolts, each paired with washers and nuts, giving you everything needed for your project. Made from high-quality carbon steel and treated with hot dip galvanization, these bolts offer strong durability and resist rust, making them perfect for outdoor use. The square neck design keeps the bolt steady as you tighten it, preventing rotation and ensuring a secure fit. Plus, the smooth, rounded head adds extra security by making the bolt hard to remove. These features combine to give you a reliable and long-lasting fastening solution for wood and metal connections.

What We Like
Complete bolt, washer, nut set
High-strength carbon steel
Corrosion-resistant galvanized finish
Square neck prevents rotation
Secure, domed bolt head
#TOP 4

VGBUY 5/16-18 x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts Kit

VG01906
Silver
VGBUY 5/16-18 x 2" Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts Kit Cover
VGBUY 5/16-18 x 2" Carriage Bolts Screws 12 Sets, 304 Stainless Steel 18-8, Round Head Square Neck, Carriage Bolts and Nuts Kit, with Flat Washers

The VGBUY Stainless Carriage Bolts kit offers a reliable fastening solution with its dome-shaped heads and locking neck design, which stops the bolt from twisting when you tighten or loosen the nut. Made from durable 304 stainless steel, these bolts resist rust and corrosion, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. Each piece is carefully crafted with smooth heads and clean threads, ensuring easy installation and a professional finish. The kit includes bolts, nuts, and flat washers, giving you everything you need for a secure and stable connection in wood or metal applications.

What We Like
Locking neck design
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
Precision threading
Complete bolts and washers kit
#TOP 5

HROMIGRY 1/2" x 12" Hot Dip Galvanized Carriage Bolts with Washers and Nuts

MGCB12X12P12HDG
1/2" x 12"
HROMIGRY 1/2" x 12" Hot Dip Galvanized Carriage Bolts with Washers and Nuts Cover
HROMIGRY 1/2" x 12" Carriage Bolts (12 PCS), Hot Dip Galvanized, Heavy Duty Round Head with Washers and Nuts

The HROMIGRY Galvanized Carriage Bolts come as a set of 12, including matching washers and nuts, giving you everything needed for secure fastening. Made from high-quality carbon steel with Grade 307A strength, these bolts are hot-dip galvanized to resist rust and last longer outdoors. The square neck design prevents the bolt from spinning while you tighten it, making installation easier and more stable. Plus, the smooth, rounded head adds security by making the bolt harder to remove once in place. These features make this bolt set perfect for heavy-duty wood and metal projects like decks and fences.

What We Like
Complete bolt, washer, nut set
Durable hot-dip galvanized finish
Anti-rotation square neck design
Secure, smooth rounded head
Heavy-duty load capacity
#TOP 6

Small Parts 5032C8 Carriage Bolt

5032C8
1/2-13
Small Parts 5032C8 Carriage Bolt Cover
Small Parts 5032C8 1/2"-13 x 2" Carriage Bolt Grade 8 Fully Threaded Zinc Yellow (Pack of 5)

The Small Parts Carriage Bolt is a versatile fastener designed for strength and reliability. Its round head and square neck provide a secure fit, ensuring that your projects remain stable. Being fully threaded allows for easy installation and adjustment, which is particularly useful in tight spaces. With a Grade 8 rating, this bolt is built to withstand heavy loads, making it ideal for demanding applications. The zinc yellow finish not only enhances durability by resisting corrosion but also adds a touch of visibility to your hardware. This makes it a practical choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

What We Like
High strength Grade 8
Fully threaded for easy adjustment
Corrosion-resistant zinc finish
Secure fit with square neck
#TOP 7

Hillman 240168 Zinc-Plated Carriage Bolt 3/8 x 3-Inch, 50-Pack

240168
No Color
3/8 x 3-Inch
Hillman 240168 Zinc-Plated Carriage Bolt 3/8 x 3-Inch, 50-Pack Cover
Hillman 240168 Carriage Bolt, 3/8 x 3-Inch, Steel, Zinc-Plated, Silver, 50-Pack

The Hillman Zinc-Plated Carriage Bolts are perfect for securely fastening wood to wood or metal. Their flat heads give your project a smooth, semi-flush look, which helps create a clean finish. You won’t need to fuss with washers because the bolt heads are designed to work without them, saving you time and extra parts. The square shape under the head locks the bolt firmly in place, so you don’t need a special tool to hold it while tightening. These features make these bolts a convenient and reliable choice for your fastening needs.

What We Like
Flat head design
Washer-free installation
Self-locking square head
Secure fastening of wood and metal
#TOP 8

MAKERS BOLT 3/8" x 3-1/2" Zinc Carriage Bolt Kit, 50 Pack

CBK3856Z50
Silver
3/8 x 3-1/2
MAKERS BOLT 3/8" x 3-1/2" Zinc Carriage Bolt Kit, 50 Pack Cover
3/8" x 3-1/2" (50 Pack) Zinc Carriage Bolt Kit, Grade 307A by Makers Bolt

The MAKERS BOLT Zinc Bolt Kit offers 50 sturdy carriage bolts, each measuring 3/8 inch in diameter and 3-1/2 inches long, making them ideal for heavy-duty projects like decks and pergolas. The bolts come with a head diameter of about 0.8 inches, providing a semi-flush finish that blends well with your surfaces. Each bolt is paired with a 9/16-inch wrench size hex nut and a 1-inch washer, ensuring secure fastening and easy installation. Plus, the zinc plating helps protect the bolts from moderate corrosion, so you can count on durability and reliability in outdoor settings.

What We Like
Complete 50-piece set
Corrosion-resistant zinc plating
Semi-flush flat head design
Includes washers and hex nuts
Standard wrench size compatibility
#TOP 9

Small Parts Carriage Bolt 5024C8

5024C8
1/2-13
Small Parts Carriage Bolt 5024C8 Cover
Small Parts 5024C8 1/2"-13 x 1-1/2" Carriage Bolt Grade 8 Fully Threaded Zinc Yellow (Pack of 10)

The Small Parts Carriage Bolt is designed for strength and durability. With its round head and square neck, it offers a secure grip, preventing slippage during installation. Being fully threaded means you can easily adjust the bolt to fit your needs, making it versatile for various applications. The Grade 8 rating ensures that this bolt is suitable for heavy-duty tasks, providing you with confidence in its performance. Additionally, the zinc yellow coating enhances its resistance to corrosion, ensuring longevity even in outdoor conditions.

What We Like
Durable Grade 8 strength
Fully threaded for versatility
Corrosion-resistant zinc coating
Secure round head design
#TOP 10

Hillman Galvanized Carriage Bolt 5/16” x 6”

812563
Galvanized
50-Pack
Hillman Galvanized Carriage Bolt 5/16” x 6” Cover
Hillman Group Galvanized Carriage Bolt 5/16” x 6”, 50 Count, Blunt Point, Alloy Steel, Self-Locking Round Head Fasteners, for Wood and Metal, No Washer Needed, Rust-Resistant (812563)

The Hillman Carriage Bolt is designed to securely fasten wood to either wood or metal, making it a versatile choice for many projects. Its flat head gives a nearly flush finish, which helps your work look neat and professional. The bolt’s head is shaped to remove the need for a washer, simplifying installation and saving you time. Plus, the square underside of the head locks itself in place, so you won’t need extra tools to keep it steady while you tighten it. These features make the Hillman Carriage Bolt a convenient and efficient option for your fastening needs.

What We Like
Versatile fastening
Semi-flush finish
No washer needed
Self-locking head
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a carriage bolt used for?

Carriage bolts are commonly used to join wood with wood, wood with metal, and even metal with metal. Their unique shape allows them to be self-locking when inserted through a square hole, particularly when dealing with metal.

2. What is the difference between a carriage bolt and a coach bolt?

The main difference between a carriage bolt and a coach bolt is that a coach bolt has a self-tapping thread, which allows it to create its own threads in timber. In contrast, a carriage bolt has a machine thread and requires a properly sized pilot hole.

3. How much weight can a 1/2 carriage bolt hold?

A 1/2 inch diameter carriage bolt has a minimum tensile strength of 8,500 lbs. This means it can support a significant amount of weight, making it suitable for various applications.

4. Do you hammer in carriage bolts?

To install a carriage bolt, start by drilling a hole in the material of the appropriate size for the bolt. Then, insert the carriage bolt into the hole. If it's a tight fit, you can gently hammer it into position. Finally, secure the bolt by attaching a washer and a nut.

5. Are carriage bolts fully threaded?

Carriage bolts can be either fully threaded or partially threaded, depending on the project requirements. Many people choose carriage bolts for their projects due to their security, ease of use, and ability to support a substantial amount of weight.

6. What is the strength of a 3/8 carriage bolt?

A 3/8 carriage bolt has a minimum tensile strength of 4,650 pounds of force (lbf). This strength makes it suitable for various applications where a reliable and sturdy fastening solution is required.

Editor's Notes

During our carriage bolt research, we found 24 carriage bolt products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,154 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carriage bolts list. We found that most customers choose carriage bolts with an average price of $15.73.

The carriage bolts are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carriage bolts, including VGBUY, HROMIGRY, Small Parts, Hillman, MAKERS BOLT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 842 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.