What is the best bolt to use for a brace band?

• A. Fitted bolt
• B. Locked joint
• C. Machine bolt
• D. Carriage bolt

Answer: (D)

When attaching a brace band, you want a bolt that resists turning as you tighten the nut on the other side. A carriage bolt has a square neck just under its rounded head that sits in a hole or against the wood, which locks the bolt in place and prevents it from turning while you snug the nut. The smooth, rounded head also provides a clean, snag-free surface under the band. Other bolt types don’t provide that built-in anti-rotation feature, making them harder to tighten securely in this application. That’s why carriage bolts are the best choice for a brace band.