One more item to add to this description:
A Stove Bolt is essentially a flat head machine bolt designed for a
countersunk hole. It also typically has a slot for a screw driver to
prevent it from turning when a nut is turned onto it.
The Elevator Bolt has a square protrusion (like a carriage bolt) at the base
of the head (next to the thread) so that a nut can be tightened blind
(without a wrench or screwdriver on the other end)to keep the elevator bolt
from turning.
Oliver Filippi
> Mark,
> Not ignorant...elevator bolts are exactly like the typical stove bolts you
> are used to. The only difference is that the head is exactly and perfectly
> flat such that when tightened into wood or metal there is nothing sticking
> up or out like the domed-topped stove bolts. The term got applied because
> elevators run on iron rails. The rails needed to be vertically fastened but
> something needed to be made to allow the wheels to pass the fasteners
> without the slightest touch and the bolt heads became therefore a part of
> the road bed the wheels ran on. Elevator bolts are typically very hard grade
> 8. They come in sizes. They are available at large olde-time hardware
> stores.
>
> You question is a very good question. I personally think all questions are
> good. I learn a lot from this forum and am thankful for this list and the
> people on it.
> -Eddie-
> Houston, TX