Bolt replacement

[Dude11]

Hi,I'm in the process of a restoral and would like to replace a few hex heads with carriage bolts for a smoother look.Has anybody figured out how to punch or make a square hole for this installation?Metal is about 1/8" thick.Bolts are 5/16ths.to 3/8"range.Thanks,Dude11

 

[Wrench Spinner]

once the hole is drilled I have used a small flat file the width of the square part of the head with good results.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Generally filing is about the only way.In industry the square holes are die punched.

Another idea on similar theme I have used is called a truss head(wide carriage bolt type head)without square shank,but with straight/phillips,hex,torx or sq drive slot in center.

 

[Dude11]

Thanks guys,I think I like the truss-head bolt thing better,sounds alot easier.Dude11