Lag bolts are fasteners used to connect wood securely, often for decking and other structures. They have a large head and externally threaded shaft, and are tightened with a tool. They generate strong clamping force and come in various sizes and materials.
A lag bolt, or lag screw, is a type of fastener used to make mechanical connections between two pieces of wood to ensure they are held together securely. These bolts are often used to secure large beams and posts used for decking, wooden decks and other wooden structures. They can also be used in concrete, but require a special insert, called a lag.
These fasteners are screwed directly into the wood. They have a large head on one end and a cylindrical shaft with smooth, externally threaded parts along its length. The smooth section of the length is located directly under the head. The threaded portion contains a helical structure that allows the screw to be advanced and tightened when turned clockwise. The thread tapers to a sharp point at its end to help engage the screw by drowning it into the surface of the wood.
Set bolts are tightened and loosened by applying torque to the bolt head using a tool. The head of the bolt is larger than the threaded portion to provide a positive mechanical stop and to allow for the use of a tool when tightening. It also has a hex shape for use with an open end wrench, socket wrench or ratchet.
In general, a bolt goes through two pieces of wood that are connected to each other. The first piece of wood has a pilot hole, or space, that allows the bolt to pass freely without driving into the material. It is screwed into the second piece of wood and usually penetrates it between one third and one half its thickness.
These bolts can generate a high degree of clamping force when tightened. The mating surfaces resist the force applied by the bolt and help prevent the connection from loosening over time. The size selected for a particular job should be consistent with the size of the pieces of wood to be connected and the forces required to secure the mechanical connection.
These specialized connectors are available in a variety of sizes and threads. They are made with different materials for various applications. Among the most common materials used to make them are galvanized and hot-dip galvanized steel – which are usually reasonably priced and offer some resistance to rust – and stainless steel and silicone bronze, for applications where a high corrosion resistance.
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