Replacing Bed Bolts in Rope Beds

Bed bolts hold antique rope beds together by securing the bed posts to the bed rails.
Bed bolts have a square head with an attached flange. A 1" diameter x 3/4" deep hole should be drilled in the bed posts to accommodate the head of the bed bolt. The remainder of the hole should be slightly larger than the 3/8” thickness of the bolt.
A square mortise is cut into each end of the bed rail on the interior side. Nuts are positioned into the square hole which holds them in place and eliminates turning. The hole is then stopped with a wood plug to conceal the nut.
The bolt can now be inserted in the bed post and rail and screwed into the nut.

The bed post hole and bed bolt are concealed with decorative bed bolt covers. These brass covers, available in a polished or antique finish, attach with a small pin at top.
Covers can than be easily swung away for periodic bed bolt tightening.

Bed Bolts insert through the bedpost into the bed rail.