Hanger bolts are the closest match for a wood screw with a bolt end: one end threads into wood, while the machine-thread end accepts a nut or compatible fitting. The 41-piece kit is best for projects needing several lengths, the 80-piece assortment suits furniture makers who need metric sizes, and the 3-inch individual packs work for repeat jobs using 1/4-20 threads. A timber screw is included as a related alternative, but it does not have a bolt end.
| Product | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 41-piece hanger bolt kit | Mixed-length projects | Five 1/4-20 lengths and driver |
| Swpeet 80-piece assortment | Metric furniture work | Six M6 and M8 sizes |
| 20-piece 3-inch hanger bolts | Repeat 1/4-20 jobs | Carbon steel; driver included |
| 12-piece 3-inch hanger bolts | Small, consistent projects | 12 bolts, one length |
| Simpson Strong-Tie timber screws | Wood-to-wood fastening | Not a hanger bolt |
41-Piece 1/4-20 Hanger Bolt Kit
This kit includes 41 carbon-steel hanger bolts in five lengths: 1, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2, and 3 inches. It also includes a hanger bolt driver and a plastic storage container. Each bolt has a 1/4-20 machine-thread end and a wood-screw end, according to the listing.
Best for: DIYers and furniture builders who need different lengths for several projects. The varied sizes make it more adaptable than a single-length pack, and the included driver is useful for installation.
Consider: The kit uses one machine-thread size, 1/4-20. Choose another option if your hardware calls for metric threads or a different diameter.
Swpeet 80-Piece Metric Hanger Bolt Kit
This assortment contains 80 zinc-plated double-ended screws in M6 and M8 sizes. The six listed dimensions range from M6 × 40 mm to M8 × 80 mm, supplied in a plastic storage box. The product information describes the bolts as self-tapping and intended for wood furniture connections.
Best for: Projects designed around metric hardware. The range of diameters and lengths offers more size choices than the 1/4-20 kits on this list.
Consider: These are metric fasteners, not 1/4-20 bolts. Confirm both the thread diameter and the mating nut or fitting before ordering.
20-Pack 3-Inch 1/4-20 Hanger Bolts
These 3-inch hanger bolts combine a wood-screw thread with a 1/4-20 machine thread. The 20-piece set is made from 4.8-grade carbon steel and has a colored galvanized finish. The listing says a driver bit is included and describes installation with a drill or impact driver.
Best for: Repeat jobs that call for the same 3-inch length, such as selected furniture or woodworking projects. It provides more pieces than the 12-pack while keeping the size consistent.
Consider: The set offers only one listed length. Verify that 3 inches is appropriate for the material thickness and the amount of machine thread needed.
12-Pack 3-Inch 1/4-20 Hanger Bolts
This pack contains 12 double-ended carbon-steel bolts, each listed as 1/4-20 and 3 inches long. The product description specifies a colored galvanized surface and says the threads are self-tapping and designed for installation in wood.
Best for: Smaller projects that need a dozen matching bolts without a larger assortment. It is a straightforward option when the required diameter and length are already known.
Consider: No driver is listed among the package contents. If you want a dedicated installation tool, compare it with the 20-piece or 41-piece kits.
Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS Timber Screws
This 12-count pack contains 0.220-inch by 5-inch exterior-grade timber screws with a T40 drive. The listed features include a sawtooth point for fast starts, a bold thread design, and underhead nibs intended to help the head drive flush with reduced splintering.
Best for: Buyers seeking a wood-to-wood screw rather than a hanger bolt. The listed features address starting and driving the screw into wood.
Important limitation: This screw does not have a machine-thread bolt end, so it cannot serve as a direct substitute when a nut or threaded fitting is required.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Wood Screw With a Bolt End
Do you need a hanger bolt or a regular wood screw?
A hanger bolt has two thread types: a coarse wood-screw end and a machine-thread end. That configuration lets the fastener enter wood on one side and connect to a nut or compatible threaded component on the other. A conventional timber screw has a screw head and wood threads, not a bolt end. Match the fastener type to the connection you are building.
Which thread size and length should you check?
Check the machine-thread diameter and pitch against the nut or fitting. The 1/4-20 options listed here use a 1/4-inch diameter and 20 threads per inch; the Swpeet assortment uses metric M6 and M8 sizes. Then check total length, wood thickness, and how much machine thread must remain exposed. Do not assume different thread standards will fit together.
Is a driver included?
Some listings explicitly include a driver or driver bit, while others do not list one. A dedicated hanger bolt driver can simplify installation, but confirm the tool is suitable for the bolt size and your drill setup. Follow the product instructions and use care to avoid damaging the wood or threads.
Does the finish matter?
Several hanger bolt listings describe colored galvanized or zinc-plated finishes and corrosion resistance. These descriptions do not establish suitability for every outdoor or damp environment. Consider the project conditions and verify that the selected fastener’s material and finish meet the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wood screw with a bolt end called?
It is commonly called a hanger bolt or double-ended screw. One end has wood-screw threads, and the other has machine threads.
Can I use a 1/4-20 hanger bolt with an M6 nut?
No. 1/4-20 and M6 are different thread standards and are not interchangeable. Match the bolt to the specified nut or fitting.
Are all hanger bolts self-tapping?
Product descriptions may identify a particular hanger bolt as self-tapping, but this should not be assumed for every fastener. Check the listing and installation guidance for the specific bolt.
Can a timber screw replace a hanger bolt?
Not when the connection requires an exposed machine-thread end for a nut or threaded fitting. A timber screw is a different fastener type.
How do I choose the right hanger bolt length?
Account for the wood thickness, the depth of engagement in the wood, and the machine-thread length needed outside the surface. Confirm the measurements against the product specifications and the project hardware.