Deck Bolt / Staging Screw
Also known as
Staging Bolt, Deck Screw, Platform Bolt, 5/16" Hex Bolt
Used for
Fastening staging deck legs, risers, and frames to their platforms, and bolting guardrail stanchion bases to deck edges. The 5/16" hex head is standard across most North American staging systems, meaning the coffin key does double duty tightening both coffin locks and deck bolts.
Trade note
"Deck screw" and "deck bolt" are used interchangeably on the show floor even though technically a bolt needs a nut and a screw threads into a tapped hole. In practice, the hardware varies by manufacturer — some use carriage bolts, some use hex cap screws — but stagehands call them all deck screws. Always carry extras; they walk off.
Direct answer
Deck Bolt / Staging Screw is used for fastening staging deck legs, risers, and frames to their platforms, and bolting guardrail stanchion bases to deck edges. The 5/16" hex head is standard across most North American staging systems, meaning the coffin key does double duty tightening both coffin locks and deck bolts. It is also known as Staging Bolt, Deck Screw, Platform Bolt, 5/16" Hex Bolt. Trade note: "Deck screw" and "deck bolt" are used interchangeably on the show floor even though technically a bolt needs a nut and a screw threads into a tapped hole. In practice, the hardware varies by manufacturer — some use carriage bolts, some use hex cap screws — but stagehands call them all deck screws. Always carry extras; they walk off.
Reviewed