Making a square head nail out of a 1/4” by 2” long stainless steel 304 hex head lag bolt

[Cr23484]

Keith RUcker did a nice video on this.

Nice video, very interesting and informative!
Thanks
J

 

[ericc]

If you have a forge, this would be an easy project. First hot rasp the threads off. Too dangerous to just hammer down and risk a cold shut. Then draw a square taper to a point and round, if desired. Forge head square, using a bolster over the pritchel if the requirements specify it.

 

[Grinderman]

Have you checked out a place like this? Not stainless but they do have galvanized square cut nails.

Square Nails - Cut Nails - Antique Nails | House of Antique Hardware

These old-style square cut nails are made from solid steel and are the perfect finishing touch for face nailing floors, or for nailing fences, siding, paneling or cabinets. Ideal for authentic restoration work.

www.houseofantiquehardware.com

 

[RJSakowski]

Hi everyone,
I am a beginner, and need any advice on how I can turn down the OD of the lag bolt to about 3/32”.
My two lathes only have chucks, which are in the way of my cutter.
I already heated the heads and hammered them square.
Any help will be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
J

Another thought (which I realize is sacrilege to antique collectors) would be to drill the door hardware out to 1/4".

 

[Cr23484]

Have you checked out a place like this? Not stainless but they do have galvanized square cut nails.

Square Nails - Cut Nails - Antique Nails | House of Antique Hardware

These old-style square cut nails are made from solid steel and are the perfect finishing touch for face nailing floors, or for nailing fences, siding, paneling or cabinets. Ideal for authentic restoration work.

www.houseofantiquehardware.com

Yes, they do not sell square head round nails.
Thanks
J

 

[Grinderman]

Could you grind/ file the corners off to make it round?

 

[Cr23484]

Could you grind/ file the corners off to make it round?

I could try, just not sure if I could file it small enough to get thru the hole in the metal hardware.
Thanks
J

 

[Cr23484]

Could you grind/ file the corners off to make it round?

I always read to avoid grinding anything that is galvanized.
thanks
J

 

[Cr23484]

Another thought (which I realize is sacrilege to antique collectors) would be to drill the door hardware out to 1/4".

I did not want to mess with the hardware because it is an antique.
thanks
J

 

[Cr23484]

If you have a forge, this would be an easy project. First hot rasp the threads off. Too dangerous to just hammer down and risk a cold shut. Then draw a square taper to a point and round, if desired. Forge head square, using a bolster over the pritchel if the requirements specify it.

I I only have a propane torch which I used to square the hex head on the anvil jaw of my post leg vice.
could I use a propane torch to forge the shank little by little ?
Why is a cold shut dangerous, please excuse my ignorance.
thanks
J