When joining pieces of wood together using a carriage bolt, the square head on the bolt can become stripped in the hole, making them hard to tighten. To solve this problem, insert a few finishing nails in the hole beside the bolt before hammering the bolt into place. The nails will fill the gaps between the hole and bolt to keep it from spinning.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

Learn More