Lag screws, also known as lag bolts, are heavy-duty fasteners used for attaching framing components like posts, joists, and headers. They are often used interchangeably with other fasteners, but they are two different materials. Hot-dipped galvanized lag bolts are the most common and affordable type of lag bolt, offering corrosion resistance and excellent durability.
Lag bolts are commonly used in projects involving heavy load-bearing areas like decking, outdoor play equipment, or staircases. They have a Hex Washer Head or large Washer Head and are typically one-inch long and ¼-inch thick. The new NOVA™ Structural Lag is the superior lag screw for any project, featuring a strong thread that ensures maximum withdrawal strength and a fast release.
Lag screws are ideal for use in decking, outdoor play equipment, and staircases, as they are designed to connect heavy lumber and materials bearing an intense load. They can be coated with various types of wood and painted to match various wood types.
In terms of outdoor screws, lag bolts are particularly notable for their strength and reliability. High-strength structural screws have largely replaced traditional lag screws as the fastener of choice for structural applications. Old West Iron offers standard smooth square head lag bolts, hammered lag bolts with square heads, and classic pyramid square lags with different diameter ranges.
In conclusion, lag bolts are a versatile and durable fastener that can be used in various applications, including decking, furniture, and outdoor play equipment.
📹 how to PROPERLY install “lag bolts” (pilot holes sizes)
I’ll show you how to install lag bolts and it’s not just as simple as you might think of just screwing them in there’s a few things you …
What 2 types of screws are used for outside or exterior use?
Outdoor screws are essential for projects that require durability and resistance to corrosion. Stainless steel screws are the most suitable type, as ordinary steel is not as resistant to corrosion. Silicon bronze screws, commonly used in the marine industry, are also suitable for outdoor use. Decking screws are another option.
Choosing the right type of outdoor screws is crucial for avoiding potential issues later on. Stainless steel screws are more expensive but are necessary for outdoor projects, as they are more resistant to corrosion. Other types of screws, such as decking screws, are also suitable for outdoor use.
In summary, choosing the right type of outdoor screws is essential for ensuring the longevity and longevity of your project.
What type of screws to use outside?
Stainless steel screws are corrosion-resistant and ideal for outdoor projects due to their chromium coating. They maintain their appearance over time and are suitable for high moisture levels or visible areas. Galvanised screws, coated with zinc, are suitable for treated timber and resist rust. Decking screws, specifically designed for outdoor timber constructions, are made to resist corrosion from weather exposure and pressure-treated wood chemicals.
Available in stainless steel and coated carbon steel, these screws offer different levels of protection and aesthetic appeal. Overall, stainless steel, galvanized, and decking screws are all excellent choices for outdoor projects.
What is the difference between deck screws and exterior screws?
The screw’s durability and resistance to environmental factors are determined by its material. Deck screws are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or zinc-coated steel, while construction screws may be made of hardened steel, stainless steel, or zinc-coated steel. Screw size, typically expressed in inches or millimeters, is determined by the thickness of the materials being fastened.
How do I choose a lag bolt?
It is recommended that a lag bolt be purchased that is 1/4 inch shorter than the combined width of the pieces to be attached. 5/16 inch bolts are typically utilized, however, for more substantial constructions, a 3/8 inch bolt or larger is recommended. Experts at Old West Iron can assist in determining the optimal size and shape for your particular construction project. Hammered lag bolts exhibit a distinctive “smited” appearance and are characterized by a series of ornamental puncture marks, which imbue a three-dimensional quality to the overall aesthetic of the home or project.
What are the different types of lag screws?
Lag bolts or lag screws are versatile tools used in construction, home improvement, and various other projects. They can be made from steel, stainless steel, or silicon bronze and can be hot-dip galvanized for added durability. Common styles include zinc-plated lag bolts for moderate rust protection, stainless steel 18-8 lag bolts for high corrosion resistance, silicon bronze lag bolts for better strength and corrosion resistance in wood boat building, and hot-dipped galvanized lag bolts for superior corrosion resistance.
These thick coated lag bolts are ideal for exterior use in coastal areas and are more corrosion-resistant than zinc-plated lag bolts. They are also suitable for various applications in wood boat building.
What kind of screws can be used outside?
Stainless steel fasteners, in particular those composed of 304 and 316 alloys, exhibit high resistance to corrosion and are well-suited for use in drier climates. In contrast, 316 fasteners are recommended for humid climates due to their composition, which includes nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. These fasteners are also referred to as “marine grade fasteners” due to their suitability for use in marine environments.
How do I know what size lag screw I need?
Lag bolts are typically sized between 1/4″ and 3/4″ in diameter and lengths between 1″ and 16″. The head size varies with the bolt’s size, and it’s essential to allow enough space around the head for wrench clearance. Steel and stainless steel are the most common materials for lag bolts, with common finishes being zinc plating and hot dip galvanizing. Zinc plating offers moderate corrosion resistance, while hot dip galvanizing provides protection against corrosion in harsh environments.
Stainless steel is a better choice for corrosion concerns. Hot dip galvanized and stainless steel are recommended for use with pressure preservative treated wood like “ACQ”. Check local building codes and consult your lumber supplier for recommendations.
What screws to use for exterior?
Stainless steel fasteners, particularly those composed of 304 and 316 materials, are well-suited for outdoor applications due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion and their ability to withstand a combination of nickel and chromium. This makes them particularly well-suited for use in drier climates.
Are zinc screws OK for exterior?
Zinc-plated steel fasteners are a popular choice for corrosion resistance, suitable for outdoor and industrial applications. However, they are not suitable for marine or high humidity environments. Zinc-plated bolts and nuts are cheaper than stainless steel nuts and offer acceptable strength and corrosion resistance for most non-specialty applications. Galvanized nuts, coated in a thicker layer of zinc, are also corrosion-resistant but not compatible with bolts made from other materials.
These nuts are the most durable material but not compatible with bolts made from other materials due to slightly different dimensions between galvanized steel and stainless steel nuts. Both zinc-plated and galvanized nuts offer a variety of applications and are worth considering for their durability and corrosion resistance.
What kind of lag screws for deck?
The IRC lists two fastener options for the attachment of deck ledgers: hex-head 1/2-inch galvanized bolts and 1/2-inch lag screws with standard cut washers (A). The use of carriage bolts is not permitted.
Can I use zinc lag bolts outside?
Hot-dipped galvanized screws are ideal for outdoor applications due to their rust-resistant properties. However, if rust is a concern, consider using stainless steel fasteners. These fasteners offer cost savings due to less failure and longer building lifespan. Zinc-coated screws are typically used for interior applications unless an additional coating is applied, due to their tendency to rust under specific outdoor conditions. Hot-dipped galvanized screws are typically used for exterior applications and structural attachments.
📹 6 TYPES OF SCREWS Every DIYer Needs To Have! (Plus Which Screws NOT TO BUY!)
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Don’t mean to nitpick, but you’re supposed to countersink a shallower hole to accomodate the shank of the lag screw. This is particulary true when working with HARDER wood — to prevent splitting. So, for a 3/8″ lag for instance, you should countersink with a 3/8″ bit to the depth of the lag screw shank. 😁
Thank you. I used lags to make floating shelf bolts instead of all thread… used the head to drive them in then simply cut the head off… I used my cut off saw to start a groove then after driving in the lag to the required depth I then used metal blade saw saw in that Grove to finish cutting off the head…then slide in shelf!!
Go look at any professional carpenter and you’ll see that they offset the lags to opposite sides of the center. Doing that helps prevent the wood from crack directly from the bottom of the top lag to the top of the lower lag. Lag bolts aren’t much more than lag screws and won’t come out when bolted in place as the wood dries.
You do realize you open yourself up to all manner of the ” i know better” comments when you post stuff like this .😂 so here it goes . the only reason you would need a lag bolt is if the post isn’t notched . A half inch lag can handle about 20,000 lbs of shear force which is more than strong enough for a deck . if you are going to notch just use code approved self taping screws . saves a lot of time .