I have a question for the smartest people on the internet.

[Ohio Dem]

My brother paid a visit today and asked me a question. He, for the life of him, couldn't think of a word, and I wasn't able to help. I googled it, but I couldn't find the answer.

A carriage bolt requires a square hole in the wood, metal, or whatever. What is the name of the process that produces that square hole?

I'm cross posting this in DIY & Home Improvement.

[Duer 157099]

1. Don't you just drill a hole and then put the carriage bolt collar to hold the square part?

I don't think you can drill a square hole. But maybe that's what you're asking.

Edit: or maybe this will help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortiser

[Ohio Dem]

2. Maybe.

In all honesty, I don't think I know the word for the process for making a square hole. My brother is considerably more handy than I am. It was killing him that he couldn't think of the word for it, though. Not a big deal - he knows how to do it, he just couldn't think of the name of the process. It has been bugging him.

I'll mention the mortiser to him tomorrow. Maybe it's "mortise" or something. Thanks.

[pinboy3niner]

3. You rang?

When you called for the smartest people on the internet, I knew you meant me.

To tell you the truth, though, I don't know the answer. And I even worked as a machine operator in a precision parts company at one time.

[Ohio Dem]

4. I DID mean you.

I know how to get people to click on my thread, don't I?

Nothing flatters like flattery.

Seriously, though, the people here have answered so many of my obscure questions that I really do consider them the smartest people on the internet.

[pinboy3niner]

8. Of COURSE you meant ME:)

I hope you find the answer. I know about chamfering and beveling and smoothing a surface to millionths of an inch. But you've positively stumped me on what they call making a square hole.

But look on the bright side. If there's no term for it, maybe you'll get to coin one.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Maybe this...

Broaching a square hole: http://awtarlab3.engin.umich.edu/wiki/index.php/Broaching_a_square_hole_in_plate_for_a_square_shaft

[Ohio Dem]

6. That very well might be the word he's looking for.

Thanks.

DU is so awesome.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Cool! If I got it right, let me know. If I got it wrong...well...tell me I got it right! :)

This relates to an area for which I am unfamiliar, but I do like looking for stuff. I hope it is what you're looking for.

[Ohio Dem]

11. Just talked with my brother.

Yep, that's the word he was looking for. Thanks.

[pokerfan]

9. You don't fashion a square hole for a carriage bolt in wood

Carriage bolts have a natural design for wooden applications. Once you drill the hole for the bolt, use a block of wood and a hammer to pound the shank of the carriage bolt into the wood. The square shank holds the bolt in place when you tighten the nut onto the end, which eliminates the need for a second tool to hold the head of the bolt. Drill the hole just large enough to let the threaded end of bolt pass through.

When you use carriage bolts with metal, drill the same size hole as you would for wood. The square shank of the bolt will not fit into the hole. Use a metal file to make the opening square and the same size as the square shank of the bolt. Test the bolt frequently until it fits perfectly into the hole. Install washer(s) and a nut onto the threaded end, and tighten them. Carriage bolts used in metal are often called plow bolts.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8049020_carriage-bolt-specs.html

But it is possible to drill a square hole:

[Ohio Dem]

12. I don't really know that much about it.

My brother was looking for a word, so I brought it here because I knew somebody would know. I didn't expect somebody to post video, though!

Thanks for that!

[dimbear]

10. Mortiser. There are several varieties. n/t