Carriage Bolts / Coach Bolts

Our Carriage Bolts—also known as Coach Bolts—offer the perfect blend of historical character and modern craftsmanship. Hand-forged and finished in a variety of textures and patinas, these bolts are ideal for projects that demand both structural integrity and old-world aesthetics.

We offer several unique styles including:

Hammered carriage bolts, inspired by an 1800s wagon bolt found in Cody, Wyoming
Smooth carriage bolts, with a clean, rivet-style appearance free of markings
Antique flat head carriage bolts (or elevator bolts), reproduced from a weathered mission gate and designed to resemble aged clavos with pitted texture

A carriage bolt is a type of fastener commonly used in wood construction, recognized for its smooth, domed head and square neck beneath it. If you’ve ever asked, “what is a carriage bolt?” or wondered “what does a carriage bolt look like?”, it’s the bolt that creates a flush finish on one side while locking securely into the wood to prevent spinning. The classic carriage bolt definition describes it as a bolt with a round head and square shoulder, ideal for rustic, timber, and antique-style builds—especially when hand-forged like the ones in our collection.

These bolts are a go-to choice for reclaimed lumber projects, timber framing, historic restorations, and new builds with a rustic or heritage style. Available in diameters from #10 to 3/4" and lengths from 5/8" to 24½", they are also offered in bronze, black iron, and flat head variations. Choose from smooth, hammered, distressed, or pitted textures, and complete the look with your preferred hand-applied finish.

Bring authentic detail to any project with carriage bolts that look and feel like original wrought iron fasteners.

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How It's Made:

Our carriage bolts are made from solid steel, standard-sized blanks, ensuring that they're compatible with modern hardware and easily incorporated in your plans. Our skilled smiths heat the blanks in our forge and carefully smooth or hammer them by hand. Once cooled, our carriage bolts are hand-painted in a finish of your choosing.

Carriage Bolts – Collection FAQs

1. What are carriage bolts used for?
Carriage bolts are commonly used in timber framing, fencing, furniture building, gates, barns, and structural wood-to-wood connections. Their domed head and square neck create a clean, finished look while preventing spin during tightening.

2. How do your carriage bolts differ from standard store-bought versions?
Old West Iron carriage bolts are made from higher-grade steel with sharper threads, tighter tolerances, and optional hand-finished heads. They offer superior strength and historic styling not found in mass-produced imports.

3. How do I choose the right size carriage bolt for my project?
Select a bolt long enough to pass fully through the timber or board with enough extra length to add washers and a nut. The head diameter should visually match the scale of your beam or furniture piece for a balanced look.

4. What finishes and textures are available?
We offer multiple finishes including matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, natural iron, and hand-distressed textures. Our decorative options are individually worked to achieve a rugged, old-world appearance.

5. Are the carriage bolt heads hand-forged?
The bolt shafts are precision-machined for strength, while many of our decorative domed heads are hand-finished by American blacksmiths to replicate true wrought-iron character.

6. What are the lead times and where are these bolts made?
Most orders ship in 1–10 business days depending on finish and quantity. All decorative and custom-finished carriage bolts are made or finished in the USA at our Idaho forge.