Premium A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel carriage bolt. Available in metric coarse threads and select UNC/BSW on request. Mill Test Certificates (MTC), strict dimensional tolerances, and fast dispatch from ready stock.
Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt
Key Specifications
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Carriage Bolt
Choosing the right carriage bolt (coach bolt / DIN 603)
What is a carriage bolt & when to use it?
A carriage bolt (also called coach bolt, typically DIN 603) has:
A round, smooth dome head
A square neck under the head
A partially threaded shank (usually)
Use a carriage bolt when you need:
To fasten wood-to-wood or steel-to-wood
The head side to be smooth (no sharp edges, tamper-resistant from one side)
The bolt to self-lock in timber or square holes via the square neck (no spanner required on the head side)
Typical applications:
Timber structures, fencing, gates, handrails
Wooden packing cases, pallets, jigs
Steel plate or bracket to timber joints
Places where a clean, rounded head is preferred for safety or appearance
Environment & corrosion – A2 vs A4
For stainless carriage bolts (DIN 603):
Indoors / general outdoor → A2 (304) carriage bolt
Fencing, garden structures, general outdoor furniture, wooden frames, standard structural work
Marine / coastal / chloride / chemical → A4 (316) carriage bolt
Near the sea, on jetties, piers, seafront railings
Around swimming pools, cooling towers, chemical plants
Match materials:
A2 carriage bolt with A2 nuts and washers
A4 carriage bolt with A4 nuts and washers
This gives consistent corrosion resistance through the entire assembly.
Head & neck – how they affect application
Round dome head
Smooth, safe, and difficult to grip with normal tools → basic anti-tamper effect from head side
Good for public areas, railings, benches, play structures, etc.
Square neck
Designed to bite into timber or fit into a square hole in steel
Prevents the bolt from rotating while tightening the nut
Makes one-person assembly easier: hold just the nut side
Selection tips:
For wooden members → let the square neck press into the timber (pre-drill the round hole slightly undersize for shank, then pull in square neck).
For steel-to-wood or steel plates → you can punch/laser a square hole for positive anti-rotation in the steel.
Mechanical Properties (Guide)
Mechanical Properties (Guide) – Stainless Steel Carriage Bolts (DIN 603)
Mechanically, carriage bolts use the same property classes as standard stainless hex bolts (e.g., A2-70, A4-70).
The head and square neck change how they are used, not the basic material strength.
A2-70 Carriage Bolts (DIN 603)
Material: A2 (304) stainless steel
Property class: 70
Minimum tensile strength: ≈ 700 MPa
Typical proof strength: ≈ 450 MPa
Intended for use with:
A2-70 nuts (hex, nylock) and A2 washers
Applications:
Timber & steel-to-timber joints in general outdoor structures
Fencing, gates, benches, frames, plant structures in normal environments
A4-70 Carriage Bolts (DIN 603)
Material: A4 (316) stainless steel
Property class: 70
Same mechanical strength range as A2-70, with better corrosion resistance.
Intended for use with:
A4-70 nuts and A4 washers
Applications:
Marine/coastal, chemical, poolside and chloride-rich environments
Stainless timber structures, jetties, bridges, outdoor equipment in harsh environments
For both A2-70 and A4-70 carriage bolts:
Joint capacity depends on the bolt diameter & property class, but also on:
Timber / plate strength
Washer size & bearing area
Proper tightening and prevention of loosening





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Frequently Asked Questions
A carriage bolt (coach bolt, typically DIN 603) has:
A smooth, round dome head
A square neck just under the head
A partially threaded shank (in most standard sizes)
It’s designed so the square neck locks into wood or a square hole, allowing you to tighten the nut from the other side without holding the bolt head.
Typical applications:
Timber-to-timber joints (fencing, gates, pergolas, decks)
Steel-to-timber connections (brackets to wooden posts/rafters)
Benches, handrails, playground equipment, outdoor furniture
Packing cases, pallets, jigs and fixtures
Anywhere you want a clean, rounded head and simple tightening from one side, carriage bolts are ideal.
The square neck:
Bites into timber or locates in a square hole in steel
Stops the bolt from rotating while you tighten the nut
Makes one-person assembly easier (no spanner needed on the head side)
If the neck is allowed to spin (hole too big/soft), the bolt may rotate while tightening – then the joint needs rework or a new bolt.
Partial thread gives:
A smooth shank through the main shear plane in timber, which:
Reduces damage to wood fibres
Provides better bearing in the joint
For general timber/steel-to-timber joints, partial thread is preferred. For some special cases, full thread versions are also available.
Almost always yes, especially on the nut side:
A flat washer spreads the load and protects timber or plate
On very soft wood or slotted holes, use large OD or square plate washers
On the head side, the round head usually bears directly on the wood/plate, but washers can be added if required by design.
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