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This guide is for anyone looking to achieve robust and secure timber-to-timber fastenings, such as in decking, fencing, or general construction. The Forgefix M6 x 100mm Zinc Plated Carriage Bolt & Nut provides a strong, anti-rotation connection with enhanced corrosion resistance. While highly effective for wood, its design is optimized for timber applications and may require specific considerations for other materials. This product includes a fully threaded M6 x 100mm carriage bolt with a domed head, square anti-rotation neck, and a compatible hex nut, all conforming to DIN 603 and DIN 934 standards.
All features
| Colour | White |
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| Model Part Number | 10CB6100 |
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| Brand | Forgefix |
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Extended Product Information
FAQs
What does 'M6 x 100mm' mean?
The 'M6' refers to the bolt's metric diameter of 6 millimeters. The '100mm' indicates the total length of the bolt from the underside of the domed head to the tip of the thread.
Can I use these bolts for outdoor projects?
Yes, the zinc plating provides a good level of corrosion resistance, making these bolts suitable for various outdoor applications such as decking, fencing, and garden furniture.
What is the purpose of the square section under the head?
This square section is designed to embed itself into the timber as the bolt is driven in. This prevents the bolt from spinning when you tighten the hex nut from the other side, allowing for single-tool fastening.
Do I need to drill a pilot hole before inserting the bolt?
Yes, it is highly recommended to pre-drill a pilot hole with a 6mm drill bit for an M6 bolt. This prevents timber splitting and ensures the square neck seats correctly for optimal performance.
How do I choose the right length of carriage bolt?
The bolt length should be equal to the combined thickness of the materials being joined, plus the thickness of any washers, plus enough length for the hex nut to fully engage its threads. For a 100mm bolt, you might join two 40mm thick timbers with a washer and nut.
Are these bolts suitable for joining metal to metal?
While they can pass through metal, these bolts are primarily designed to have their square neck grip into timber. For metal-to-metal connections, other types of bolts or rib neck carriage bolts designed to grip metal would be more appropriate.
Troubleshooting
Bolt spins when trying to tighten the nut.
The square neck under the bolt head is not fully seated into the timber. Ensure the pilot hole is the correct size (6mm for M6) and use a hammer or clamp to firmly embed the square section into the wood.
Difficulty pushing the bolt through the timber.
Check that the pilot hole is correctly sized (6mm for M6) and free of obstructions. If the timber is very dense, a slight chamfer around the hole on the head side can help guide the square neck in.
The zinc plating appears to be failing prematurely.
While zinc plating offers good corrosion resistance, it can be compromised by extreme environmental conditions (e.g., saltwater), mechanical damage, or harsh chemicals. Ensure proper application and consider additional protection in highly corrosive areas. Store unused bolts in a dry place.
Connection feels loose after installation.
Re-tighten the hex nut. Timber can compress or settle over time. For critical applications, consider using a lock washer or self-locking nut to enhance long-term stability.
Pros & Cons ### Pros - Secure & Stable: The square neck design ensures the bolt doesn't spin during tightening, allowing for a very firm connection. - Corrosion Resistant: Zinc plating significantly reduces the risk of rust, making it suitable for outdoor and damp conditions. - Strong Joint: Ideal for structural timber-to-timber connections, providing reliability for decking, pergolas, and other timber structures. - Ready-to-Use: Supplied with a matching hex nut, simplifying the purchase and installation process. - Standard Compliance: Conforms to DIN standards, ensuring a tested and reliable product. ### Cons - Timber Specific: Primarily designed for timber applications; less effective for metal-to-metal unless one part is wood or specially prepared. - Visible Head: The domed head remains visible on the surface, which might not be desirable for all aesthetic requirements. - Installation Requires Preparation: Requires accurate pre-drilling and seating of the square neck for optimal performance.
Setup, Compatibility & Care Instructions ### Setup 1. Drill Pilot Hole: Using an electric drill, create a pilot hole through all timber pieces to be joined. For an M6 bolt, use a 6mm drill bit. Ensure the hole is straight and extends through the full depth of the materials. 2. Insert Bolt: Push the carriage bolt through the aligned pilot holes from the domed head side. 3. Seat Square Neck: Gently tap the domed head with a hammer (using a block of wood to protect the head) or use a clamp to press the bolt until the square section fully embeds into the timber on the head side. This is critical to prevent rotation. 4. Attach Nut: Place any required washers (not included) over the threaded end and then thread the hex nut onto the bolt. 5. Tighten Securely: Using a wrench or ratchet, tighten the hex nut until the connection is firm. The embedded square neck will prevent the bolt from turning. ### Compatibility - Materials: Primarily designed for timber-to-timber fastening. Can be used for timber-to-metal if the metal has a clearance hole and the square neck can properly seat into the adjacent timber. - Tools: Requires a drill, 6mm drill bit, hammer/clamp, and an appropriate size wrench/spanner for the M6 hex nut. ### Care - Storage: Store carriage bolts in a dry, low-humidity environment to preserve the integrity of the zinc plating before use. - Inspection: Periodically check bolted connections in outdoor or high-stress applications for tightness. Timber can expand or contract, potentially affecting joint stability. - Cleaning: If the bolts are exposed to dirt or grime, clean them with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could compromise the zinc coating.