Lag Bolts: Things You Need to Know Before Buying
When your project consists of putting together large and heavy pieces of wood like timber to work as beams and posts, you have to have a good supply of lag bolts. In other industries, these are referred to as lag screws. Either way you call them, you’re referring to the fastener that allows you to connect two pieces of wood together and hold them securely. Your project might be building some kind of wooden structure in your yard like a gazebo and this type of hardware is just the perfect instrument for making sure your construction is sturdy and strong.
In looking at the lag bolt and what makes it different from other kinds of bolts, you’ll see that they are big screws with a square or hexagon shaped head. When you’re using lag bolts, you also have to come equipped with a wrench to drive these bolts in more securely. These bolts are made up of metal which can be rotated onto a surface with pliers. Together with your bolts come washers. These help to keep it from getting stuck into the wood when you’re screwing them into a slot. If you have a masonry project for example, these are the best types of bolts you can have in your tool box.
With regard to how you use these pieces of hardware, you first have to determine the right size of lag bolt you need. If you go with a zinc plated one for example, you’ll get the most protection against rust. You can use these for beams in the interior of your home for example. If you’re out to construct decking for your home and you live near the coastal areas, the best type of bolt to use is stainless steel. The stainless steel versions is made with extra strength to resist corrosion. It can withstand the elements and also corrosive materials like saltwater. Another variety of lag bolts are made with silicone bronze. If you’re fastening wood timbers like for posts of your home, you can make use of this and this will also be resistant to corrosion. With galvanized bolts, if you live in the coastal area, this is the best kind to make use of.
When you’ve selected the type, you now have to consider the size of lag bolts you need. You have to have one where the shaft is long enough to penetrate the two pieces of timber you want to secure together. You also have to see to it that your they aren’t too long. It might be safety hazard with something poking out from your construction project. About 1/2 or 1/3 of the second piece of timber should be penetrated by your lag bolt. With regard to diameter of the lag bolts, it should be proportionate to how big and thick your timbers are. 2×4 lumber usually needs lag bolts around a 1/2 inch diameter. When you know exactly what you need you can go to your hardware store and buy your lag bolts.
Wholesalebolts.com is a nationwide distributor of lag bolts sold at wholesale prices. Were confident you’ll find what you’re looking for, at the best price. Gary Hall is a freelance writer.
