Coach bolts for fence

[jamesdean1986]

After doing all the prep work I'm about to start building a fence this weekend but are yet to buy the bolts.

I will be bolting wooden CANT rails to mild steel posts that have been painted.

What are the best type of bolts to use in comparison to cost? Zinc plated, galvanised or stainless steel?

Cheers,
James

 

[JohnD]

I prefer stainless. Grease the threads whatever you use.

If you are using coach bolts you MUST have a square socket to grip the head or it will just spin uselessly when you turn the nut.

Also look at studding (allthreads) which you can cut to the exact length you need.

 

[jamesdean1986]

Thanks.
The squares will be biting into the wood on the outside of the rail and the feather edge boards will be going over the top. So saying that the studding might be a better idea and sink them in a little

 

[JohnD]

'mmm

squares in wood tend to rotate and make the hole round.

 

[jamesdean1986]

Guess I'm being quite naive in thinking it would hold them

 

[Burnerman]

The square on the coach bolt is designed to do exactly that.....hold the thing while you tighten the nut up.
As JD suggests, the only way you'll easily undo them again - if you need to - is to use stainless gear and some grease.
John