Head Shape: The head is rounded or domed, rather than the typical hexagonal shape of most bolts. This allows the bolt head to sit flush against the surface.
Square Neck: Directly under the rounded head, there is a square portion that helps prevent the bolt from rotating when tightened.
Smooth Shank: The shank of the carriage bolt has a smooth, unthreaded surface, unlike most other bolts which have threads along the entire shank.
Common Uses: Carriage bolts are commonly used for attaching wood or other soft materials, where the square neck helps prevent the bolt from turning. They are often used for furniture, decking, and other outdoor construction projects.
Ease of Installation: The round head and smooth shank make carriage bolts easy to install, as they can be inserted from one side and tightened with a nut on the other side.
Strength: Carriage bolts are available in a range of strength grades, from low-strength "common" bolts to high-strength "machine" bolts.