Forgefix Carriage Bolt & Nut - Silver - M12 x 200mm - Bag 5

M12 refers to the metric thread size of the bolt, indicating it has a 12mm diameter thread. 200 refers to the length of the bolt in millimeters (200mm).

Yes, these bolts are zinc plated, which provides good resistance against corrosion, making them suitable for outdoor use and helping them withstand typical weather elements.

Yes, it is highly recommended to drill a pilot hole to ensure the bolt goes in straight, prevents splitting the timber, and allows the square neck to seat properly. The hole should generally be the same diameter as the bolt's thread (12mm) or slightly smaller for a tighter fit in softer woods.

No, these coach bolts are designed for 'low load bearing applications' only. They are not intended for heavy structural components or situations where significant weight or stress will be applied.

You will typically need a drill with a 12mm wood drill bit, and a spanner or wrench sized for M12 nuts to tighten them. A hammer and a piece of scrap wood might also be useful for gently tapping the bolt head to seat the square neck.

While it's possible to remove and reuse them, it's generally not recommended for critical applications as repeated tightening and loosening can compromise the integrity of the timber hole and the bolt's grip. For new installations, always use new bolts for optimal performance.

Ensure the square neck of the coach bolt is fully embedded and seated into the timber. You may need to gently tap the bolt head with a hammer (using a block of wood as a buffer) to fully seat the square neck before attempting to tighten the nut.

Verify that the drilled pilot hole is clean and clear of debris. Check that the drill bit used was the correct size (e.g., 12mm) and that the hole is straight. If timber is very dense, a slightly larger pilot hole might be necessary, or ensure the hole for the square neck is sufficient.

This indicates that the timber might be compressing excessively. Consider using larger washers under the nut to distribute the load more broadly and prevent the nut from digging into the wood. If the timber is very soft, the bolt might not be suitable for that specific application, or additional reinforcement might be needed.