What is a lag shield?
Lag shields are fasteners that can be installed in lots of base materials. They are designed for use in conjunction with a lag screw, which is sold separately.
When should I use one?
It is great for light to medium fastening into hard, dense base materials and soft base materials.
What materials are used to make them?
They are made of die cast Zamac, which is rust-resistant.
What sizes of lag shields are available?
There are six diameters: 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4”. For each of those diameters, there are two lengths available: short and long.
Why are there both short and long shields?
The short one is designed for use in harder base materials. The long one is for use in softer base materials.
How do I decide if I need to use the long or short anchor?
If the base material is very hard and dense, such old red brick, then the short shield should be used. If the base material is softer, like CMU or cinder block, use the long shield.
What type of bolt do I use?
Use a lag screw to ensure proper expansion and holding values.
What length screw is needed to put into the shield?
The length of the screw required is dependent on the thickness of the material being fastened and the depth of embedment of the shield in the base material.
How does a lag shield anchor work?
The anchor body is manufactured so that as the screw is inserted into it, the anchor splits apart and expands against the walls of the hole in the base material. This expansion creates friction between the screw, the shield, and the base material.
What base materials are appropriate for this anchor?
These versatile anchors can be used in a variety of base materials, such as concrete, brick, block or mortar joints.
How do I install a lag shield?
Drill a hole, clean the hole, install the anchor, and set the anchor with a hammer. For detailed instructions on installation, visit our Tips & Tricks page.
What size hole should I drill for the anchor?
Drill a hole that is equal to the outside diameter of the anchor.
How do I clean the hole out before installation?
Use a wire brush that is equal to the diameter of the hole drilled in the base material. Brush the hole using an up and down and turning motion, and then vacuum the hole. Repeat this process to ensure a proper hole environment for the anchor.
Do I need to use a setting tool?
No, the shield is not set with a setting tool. It is expanded and set by inserting a screw into the anchor.
Can I use a machine bolt?
No. A machine bolt is not designed to allow this kind of anchor to expand properly and so it should not be used.
Can I remove the bolt from the anchor and reuse the anchor?
Yes, the screw can be removed from the shield. However, the holding values of the anchor may decrease from repeated removals and re-insertions.
How far apart should I install multiple anchors?
Each one must be spaced a minimum of 10 anchor diameters away from each other. For example, a 1/4” anchor should be spaced a minimum 2-1/2-inches apart from other anchors. >
Are these shields available in stainless steel?
No, the shields are not available in stainless steel. The screws are available in stainless steel, and they can be used with the shield. This would allow the assembled anchor to be used in outdoor wet environments.
Are these anchors made in the USA?
No, lag shields have not been made in American for many years. They are all made overseas and imported into this country.
