Lag bolts, also referred to as lag screws, are large wood screws that require a wrench for installation. They have hex heads and are generally used in heavy load-bearing applications.
Care must be taken when using lag bolts. If they are screwed in without pre-drilling a pilot hole or driven in with a hammer, they may cause the wood to crack.
Types
Lag bolts (sometimes called lag screws) are heavy-duty fasteners that secure lumber and other materials that must bear large loads. They are simple to use because they don’t require nuts. They work by burrowing in with their coarse threads to create a type of friction joint. They are available in a range of sizes, and they can be installed by hand or with wrenches.
Hex lag bolts are commonly used, and they have an external hex head that can be driven in with a hex wrench or socket. They also come in stainless steel 18-8 for corrosion resistance, which makes them ideal for exterior or marine applications. Another option is carriage bolt screws, which are similar to lag bolts but have a smooth shaft and a flat head that sits flush with the surface of the material. They are also available in 304 or 316-grade stainless for superior corrosion resistance. They offer less shear strength than lag bolts, but they still provide adequate load-bearing capacity for many applications.
Materials
Lag bolts can be made from a variety of materials. Some are made from steel, while others are made from bronze or copper. Some lag bolts are even made from stainless steel. They are available in both imperial and metric sizes, with a range of thread types and material categories. They are also available in various hex and square head configurations.
Hex lag screws are one of the most popular types of lag bolts, as they are easy to use and can be driven in with a socket wrench or hex driver. They also offer a greater amount of strength than other wood screws.
They are most often used to connect lumber and other heavy materials. They are also useful for securing deck ledgers and can be used in masonry applications with the addition of a lag shield. Lag screws have large hex heads that stick out of the application surface, so it is important to pre-drill the holes for them.
Applications
Lag bolts are used to fasten materials that will be subjected to a great deal of stress. They are long and thicker than screws or nails, which allows them to withstand high levels of pressure without failing.
When installing lag bolts, make sure that all the materials being attached are properly aligned. It is also necessary to drill a pilot hole with a bit that has a diameter smaller than the lag bolt’s. This will ensure that the lag screw is tightly bound to the material.
Another benefit of lag bolts is that they can be driven in with tools like a ratcheting socket wrench. This can be much faster than using a hammer. However, when driving in lag bolts, it is important not to over tighten them. Over tightening can cause the bolt to break off inside the material, causing a serious headache.
Installation
Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, are the toughest fasteners used in wood. They are large and have hex heads. They are often used when a lot of stress or weight must be borne, such as in connecting lumber in building decks and entertainment centers. They differ from ordinary screws in that they have more coarse threads.
Before using a lag screw, clamp the two pieces of material together and then drill a pilot hole for it. This prevents the screw from splintering the materials and helps it go in straight.
Next, hammer in a lag shield that is the same size as the outer diameter of the lag screw. Once the lag shield is in place, use a socket and ratchet to install the lag bolt. The bolt should be tightened until it is flush with the surface of the material. Lag bolts are often used to secure masonry, concrete and metal. However, they can also be used to connect wooden materials such as lumber and composites.
