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.

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How To Choose the Right Cap Nuts for You

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

How To Choose the Right Cap Nuts for You

Maddison Mellem.Mar 18, 2025
Choosing the right cap nut doesn’t have to be complicated. By defining the functionality, style, and material requirements, you’ll narrow down your options quickly. Don’t forget to explore the variety of artisan finishes to find one that best showcases your project’s personality.
Your Guide to Lock Washers

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Guide to Lock Washers

Maddison Mellem.Mar 11, 2025
Lock washers may be small, but their ability to prevent fasteners from loosening can make or break a project. Whether you're assembling a complex machine or crafting furniture at home, these essential components deliver durability, safety, and peace of mind.
Your Guide to Hollow Wall Anchors - Toggle Bolts

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Your Guide to Hollow Wall Anchors - Toggle Bolts

Maddison Mellem.Mar 07, 2025
From mounting a sleek floating bookshelf to securing a flat-screen TV, toggle bolts make seemingly tricky tasks achievable for anyone. With their unmatched strength, ease of use, and versatility, toggle bolts are a must-have for homeowners, interior designers, and DIY lovers alike.
Rub Washers - A Guide

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Rub Washers - A Guide

Maddison Mellem.Mar 05, 2025
Rub washers are the unsung heroes behind countless engineering, construction, and DIY projects. From absorbing vibrations to ensuring watertight seals, their versatility and reliability make them essential for a wide range of applications. Whether you're fine-tuning a machine, securing furniture, or working with electrical components, a rub washer is an invaluable ally.  
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.
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.
close-up of two rustic carriage bolts showcasing their distinctive round heads and textured surfaces

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Carriage Bolts

Maddison Mellem.Jan 10, 2025
Carriage bolts are more than just functional fasteners—they are the secret ingredient to structurally sound and stylish projects. By understanding their history, design options, and practical applications, you’ll be able to elevate your DIY or professional construction work.
Iron Washer FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Expert Guides & Installation Tips

Iron Washer FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Maddison Mellem.Jan 08, 2025
Iron washers may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right washer can make a big difference in both function and appearance. By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to make the selection process smoother and stress-free for you.