Old West Iron Blog: Craftsmanship, Heritage & Hand-Forged Expertise

Explore Our Latest Articles & Hand-Forged Hardware Insights

Welcome to the Old West Iron Blog, where heritage craftsmanship meets modern living. Here we share expert guidance on wrought iron hardware, home restoration, frontier-style design, historic metalwork, and behind-the-forge stories from our veteran-powered, family-run workshop. Whether you're updating a historic home or learning about authentic ironwork, you’ll find trusted information backed by real American blacksmiths.

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

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Everything You Need to Know About Strap Hinges

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Strap Hinges

Maddison Mellem.Mar 03, 2025
Strap hinges are more than just functional hardware; they are design elements that can transform the character of any space. From rustic wooden gates to polished modern shutters, their versatility and aesthetic appeal make them a staple for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and construction professionals alike.
Your Essential Handbook on Iron Table Legs: How to Choose and Match Them Perfectly

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Essential Handbook on Iron Table Legs: How to Choose and Match Them Perfectly

Maddison Mellem.Feb 26, 2025
Iron table legs provide the ideal base for creating furniture that is fashionable, durable, and enduring. By carefully choosing the right height, style, and tabletop combination, you’ll create a piece that is both practical and attractive, ready to enhance any room in your home or office.
Your Guide to Square Head Lag Screws

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Guide to Square Head Lag Screws

Maddison Mellem.Feb 21, 2025
Square head lag screws are more than just functional fasteners—they’re tools that can elevate your woodworking projects with superior strength, easier handling, and a unique aesthetic appeal. Whether you're fixing an outdoor structure or creating custom furniture, they provide the versatility and durability you need to bring your vision to life. Combine that with textured heads and hand-painted finishes for an unmatched, custom look.
Everything You Need to Know About Iron Trivets and Pot Holders

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Iron Trivets and Pot Holders

Maddison Mellem.Feb 20, 2025
Iron trivets and pot holders are an essential tool for home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts alike. They not only protect your surfaces but also add charm and practicality to your culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, an iron trivet from Old West Iron can help turn every meal into an event.
Decorative black joist hanger installed between wooden beams for structural support

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

How to Order Joist Hangers

Maddison Mellem.Feb 14, 2025
Joist hangers may seem like a small detail, but they play a significant role both in your project's durability and its overall style. Picking the right type, size, texture, and finish ensures not only a secure structure but also a design that fits harmoniously into your space.
Your Guide to Square Head Lag Screws

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Guide to Square Head Lag Screws

Maddison Mellem.Feb 10, 2025
Square head lag screws are more than simple fasteners—they’re a blend of functionality, strength, and style that can enhance any woodworking project. Whether you’re reinforcing outdoor structures or crafting custom furniture, these screws offer unmatched durability, easy handling, and a distinctive aesthetic.  
Close-up of two black carriage bolts on a wooden surface, showcasing their round heads and square shoulders

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

How to Install Carriage Bolts - A Guide for Daring DIYers

Maddison Mellem.Feb 07, 2025
Carriage bolts are more than just practical fasteners—they can enhance the overall quality and visual appeal of your projects. Whether you're a seasoned DIY expert or a daring beginner, the steps in this guide will ensure you install them like a pro.  
How Do Carriage Bolts Work? – A Guide

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

How Do Carriage Bolts Work? – A Guide

Maddison Mellem.Feb 06, 2025
Carriage bolts are more than just fasteners—they’re a critical component that holds projects together, both structurally and visually. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a woodworking hobbyist, or a professional contractor, understanding how carriage bolts work will help you take your projects to the next level.  
Copper Head Bolts - Everything You Need to Know

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Copper Head Bolts - Everything You Need to Know

Maddison Mellem.Feb 05, 2025
Copper head bolts are more than fasteners—they are an investment in style, functionality, and durability. From range hoods to electrical systems, copper bolts are versatile components that combine beauty and practicality.
Your Guide to USS Washers

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Guide to USS Washers

Maddison Mellem.Feb 04, 2025
A USS washer, short for United States Standard washer, is a type of flat washer characterized by a larger outer diameter and a proportionally wider hole compared to other standard washers, such as SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) washers. This design makes USS washers ideal for distributing the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or screw, more efficiently, preventing damage to the material it is securing.
Vintage escutcheon plate on antique book page, showcasing detailed ironwork design

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Guide to Escutcheon Plates

Maddison Mellem.Jan 27, 2025
Escutcheon plates may be small, but their impact on the overall look of your space is undeniable. Whether you’re covering rough edges, protecting surfaces, or enhancing your design aesthetic, these practical and decorative plates are a must-have for homeowners, DIYers, and designers alike.
Decorative black hinge strap with scroll design on rustic wooden door background

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

How to Choose the Right Fasteners for Your Hinge Straps

Maddison Mellem.Jan 24, 2025
Choosing the right fasteners for your hinge straps doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by identifying whether your straps are functional or decorative, then narrow your options based on head shape, texture, and finish. This approach ensures that your choice meets both practical and aesthetic needs.