Lag Bolts are some of the toughest types of fasteners on the market. They are often used to connect lumber and other heavy materials that will bear a lot of load. In many cases, they can even replace the need for nuts in some applications. The secret to the strength of lag bolts is in their coarse threading and massive head, which makes them capable of holding together heavy material very tightly. They are also quite large, typically ranging from 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch in size.
Unlike other screws, lag bolts cut their own holes and don’t require pre-drilling. This helps them to be installed quickly and easily. They are also able to handle greater amounts of torque than other screws. In fact, they are so rugged that it is very rare to find a lag screw that will fail.
Some people will use the terms lag bolt and lag screw interchangeably, although they are actually two different types of fasteners. The difference is that lag bolts have a hex head, while screws do not. The other difference is that lag bolts are hot forged to create the proper head shape. This process is done by heating the steel round bar and using an upsetter to form the desired head shape, which can be either hex or square.
Lag bolts are available in a variety of grades, including hot dipped galvanized (HDG) and stainless. The HDG process involves bathing the bolts in molten zinc, which creates a bonded alloy coating that resists corrosion. This is a great option for harsh environments, such as coastal areas. Lag Bolts