Lag Screws

[jmellc]

I may have to find another place to buy lag screws. I installed a strut yesterday with 2 1/2 inch galvanized lags I bought at Big Blue. Popped the head on 3 & I know I wasn't turning that hard. Popped about where the threads begin, 1/2" or so from head. I see that with toggle bolts too sometimes.

Maybe Fastenal has a better quality screw. None of our local supply houses usually have lags.

[jumper]

Ya gotta pay attention to the markings on the head to tell what grade bolt you are getting for the application you are using them for.

[renosteinke]

I don't think lag bolts use the head marking code you find on machine bolts.

I stopped using ordinary lag bolts over a decade ago. Instead, I use the ones made by Simpson Strong-tie, and usually stocked with the Strong-tie connectors, rather than in the nuts & bolts aisle.

The Simpson bolts have washered hex heads, which are a natural for driving with an impact driver.

[cadpoint]

I don't think lag bolts use the head marking code you find on machine bolts. ...

Understanding and correctly using the marking code is a small science in itself. JMO

Lag bolts are cast not rolled or machined that one finds at a big box store.

[GUNNING]

I watched a lineman nail one in with a hammer instead of using a ratchet. Worked pretty well. That was before battery impact drivers.

[masterinbama]

I watched a lineman nail one in with a hammer instead of using a ratchet. Worked pretty well. That was before battery impact drivers.

I always thought that the threads were just for removal.

[jmellc]

I watched a lineman nail one in with a hammer instead of using a ratchet. Worked pretty well. That was before battery impact drivers.

I haven't seen many hammer type lags in recent years. We used to use them in the 70's to mount pole lights & other things. They usually had a square head & threads were long spiral type, more like a spiral shank nail.

Next time I'm near Fastenal, I'll see if they have galvanized lags & buy a small box or bag of them.

[Cow]

Are you predrilling?

[kwired]

I watched a lineman nail one in with a hammer instead of using a ratchet. Worked pretty well. That was before battery impact drivers.

The ones that they do that with are designed for that. They are harder steel and threads are designed to slip into the pole easier but will need to be turned to remove them.

Try doing that with typical hardware store lags in a hard new pole and you will only enter the pole slightly and will probably eventually break the bolt.

[jmellc]

Are you predrilling?

Yes, a size below 3/16", for a 1/4" lag. 5/32" I think. I always drill for anything larger than #12. They all snapped about the same place, about a 1/4" before the threads.