What Are Lag Bolts?

Lag bolts, also known as lag screws, are large, heavy-duty fasteners commonly used in wood construction. They have a hexagonal head and a coarse thread designed for secure fastening in wood and other soft materials. As one of the leading fastener suppliers, XINCHI Fastener Co., LTD is glad to share a detailed look at their features and uses.

Features of Lag Bolts

Head:

Hexagonal: Allows for a wrench or socket to drive the bolt.

Flat or Rounded: Depending on the design, the head can be flat or rounded, but hexagonal is most common.

Shank:

Partially Threaded: Often, lag bolts have a section that is not threaded near the head, which provides added strength and a snug fit.

Coarse Threads: The coarse threads are designed to grip the wood securely.

Material:

Steel: Most lag bolts are made of steel for strength and durability.

Coatings: They may be coated with zinc, galvanized, or stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion.

Uses of Lag Bolts

Wood Construction:

Framing: Used to join heavy lumber, such as in deck construction or wooden frame buildings.

Securing: Ideal for fastening heavy materials where a high load-bearing capacity is required.

Outdoor Applications:

Decks and Fences: Commonly used in outdoor projects due to their strength and resistance to environmental factors.

Playground Equipment: Used in constructing sturdy playground structures.

Heavy-Duty Applications:

Machinery: Can be used to secure heavy machinery to wooden bases or floors.

Railings and Stairs: Ideal for fastening handrails, balusters, and stair stringers.

Installation Tips of Lag Bolts

Pre-Drilling: Pre-drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the lag bolt to prevent splitting the wood.

Wrench or Socket: Use a wrench or socket to drive the bolt into the wood. For larger bolts, a ratchet wrench or impact driver can be helpful.

Washers: Sometimes washers are used with lag bolts to distribute the load and prevent the bolt head from embedding into the wood.

Comparison with Other Fasteners

Wood Screws: Lag bolts are larger and can handle more weight than standard wood screws.

Carriage Bolts: Unlike carriage bolts, lag bolts do not require a nut and washer on the opposite side; they are threaded directly into the wood.

Overall, lag bolts are essential for projects that require a strong and secure fastening in wood and other similar materials.

Xinchi Fastener Co., LTD is a trustworthy fastener company, especially in furniture nuts. We have a factory,  founded in 2007. And we are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier,  Xinchi can offer a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including T nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, washers, etc. If you want to know more about fasteners or want to wholesale fasteners, please feel free to contact us. And then our experienced and expert service team will reply to you as soon as possible