I'm looking to stack two railroad ties on top of each other for extra support under my car while I'm working with jack stands. The problem is that I can't find long enough bolts—I'm needing at least a 14" bolt, but the longest I can find is 6". I've thought about using tap bolts but I'm not sure if that's the best method. I'm also planning to use glue, but I'm looking for suggestions on how to securely attach these thick pieces of wood together. Are bolts a solid option, or do I have other choices?
3 Answers
Honestly, gluing railroad ties isn't really effective because of the treatment on the wood. Instead, go for bolts that are around 6-8" long. Pre-drill your holes all the way through and use washers on both sides to secure them well. No need to stress about finding ridiculously long bolts!
Carriage bolts come in long lengths and should do the job perfectly. You could also opt for threaded rods, which are often referred to as all-thread rods. They could be the go-to for what you need.
Definitely cutting with nuts is a smart tip! It keeps the threads clean after cutting.
You might want to consider using threaded rods instead of just standard bolts. They’re adjustable and come in longer lengths, which you can cut to the size you need. Just grab a hacksaw and you'll be set!
Just a heads up, if your car falls, those bolts could really damage the undercarriage. A deep countersink could help mitigate any potential issues there.