What tool is used for bolting wood to wood or wood to metal?

The carriage bolt is specifically designed for fastening wood to wood or wood to metal. Its round head and square neck prevent it from turning when tightened, making it ideal for applications where the nut and washer would be secured on the other side of a material. This feature allows the bolt to secure timber, making it useful in furniture construction and various outdoor applications, such as attaching wooden components to metal frames.

The unique shape and format of a carriage bolt facilitate a tight, reliable connection, providing structural support that is essential in various woodworking and metalworking projects. Additionally, the smooth head is less likely to snag or cause injury, particularly in applications where it is exposed.

Other options, such as lag screws and hex bolts, while they can also be used in similar contexts, do not offer the same ease of installation and the specific design characteristics that a carriage bolt provides for wood projects. Wood screws, on the other hand, are not suitable for wood-to-metal applications, as they typically do not provide the necessary strength and structure when treated with metal components.