Lag screws vs everything else...
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I lied about the hacksaw thing, I actually create a clay form that holds a long piece of chain, with sprues to hold little piles of thermite powder. Cuts 20 feet of chain in one sip of beer.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
was testing my lag screws last night and just want to confirm my experience.
Ground was pretty loose dirt. some lags went all the way down, others stopped about an inch shy. This was due to me using a deep socket and not putting anymore downward force on the screw. This should not be a problem on the playa due to the under-playa gripping the threads and needing no downward force to go all the way in, right?
is there any advantage, disadvantage to the deep sockets? Thanks!
Ground was pretty loose dirt. some lags went all the way down, others stopped about an inch shy. This was due to me using a deep socket and not putting anymore downward force on the screw. This should not be a problem on the playa due to the under-playa gripping the threads and needing no downward force to go all the way in, right?
is there any advantage, disadvantage to the deep sockets? Thanks!
- skippy3k
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I didn't use a deep socket but my lag bolts sunk so solidly into the playa that they bent my footings for the EMT structure. So yeah...assuming the playa is like it usually is, you should be fine. It won't just spin in place.
I'm a fixer. I fix things.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I tried searching but haven't found it.
What size chain link for the 3/8" by 14" lag screws. Want to get a head start on cutting the links before the screws arrive.
What size chain link for the 3/8" by 14" lag screws. Want to get a head start on cutting the links before the screws arrive.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Then take a 3/8" bolt to the chain store. 

"Don't buy ur Burn...........Build ur Burn!"
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I guess thats true. I have some shorter ones laying around I could take. I guess the heads are the same size. I should have realized thatFIGJAM wrote:Then take a 3/8" bolt to the chain store.

Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Generally you buy chain from a hardware store...they'll have some 3/8" lag screws around.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Went by today and got the 1/4" chain link. No one was there to cut it, so I've started with a sawzall and bolt cutters. Both ways are pretty simple. It was better than standing around waiting for someone in home depot.maladroit wrote:Generally you buy chain from a hardware store...they'll have some 3/8" lag screws around.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
The difference is that you don't pay for the cut links and their footage if the store cuts them. 

"Don't buy ur Burn...........Build ur Burn!"
"If I can't find an answer, I'll create one!!!"
Fuck Im Good Just Ask Me
"If I can't find an answer, I'll create one!!!"
Fuck Im Good Just Ask Me
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Thats what I was hoping for. But I think it depends on who you get and what location. The one guy that kind of helped me, when I told him what I wanted he said he couldn't do it because he would waste one link per cut. So I told him I'd pay for the full length before if he'd make the cuts. He then walked away to get someone who works in hardware, never to be seen again. Five or six calls over the intercom for assistance went unanswered, so I finally just took what they had left and decided I'd do it myself. Avoid home depot in Hayward, CA.FIGJAM wrote:The difference is that you don't pay for the cut links and their footage if the store cuts them.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I had to pay for all of the cut links. I wanted to complain, but then again, they did all the cutting for me.FIGJAM wrote:The difference is that you don't pay for the cut links and their footage if the store cuts them.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Bemerritt wrote:I had to pay for all of the cut links. I wanted to complain, but then again, they did all the cutting for me.FIGJAM wrote:The difference is that you don't pay for the cut links and their footage if the store cuts them.
We need about 60 or so, but I only asked for 20. Figured I would make a few trips. But bolt cutters are not bad and the sawzall was not too bad either.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Regarding the problem of bent lags.... I just received another 50 of the 3/8 x 14 from fastenersuperstore.com, and they are fine.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
WARNING!!!!
Don't lag behind!!!
Don't lag behind!!!
"Don't buy ur Burn...........Build ur Burn!"
"If I can't find an answer, I'll create one!!!"
Fuck Im Good Just Ask Me
"If I can't find an answer, I'll create one!!!"
Fuck Im Good Just Ask Me
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I got a few bent lags last year, but I just relied on my Midwest ability to accept hardship and choke back the tears.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
That, and a quick whack with a mallet.
- deutlich
- Posts: 229
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I've got a set of 4 each of these:

Planning to use the fatter ones for my 6-person tent. And two of the skinnier ones as extra support, because I could only find these in 10" even though I really wanted 12"
I'll keep an eye on each of them as the week progresses and if it appears they're loosening up I have another pair to use for more support.

Planning to use the fatter ones for my 6-person tent. And two of the skinnier ones as extra support, because I could only find these in 10" even though I really wanted 12"
I'll keep an eye on each of them as the week progresses and if it appears they're loosening up I have another pair to use for more support.
- MacGlenver
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
You shouldnt have to put much downward force on the screw, as the screw should... well... screw itself into the ground. Just keep your finger on the trigger. Deep sockets shouldnt make any difference.Bemerritt wrote:was testing my lag screws last night and just want to confirm my experience.
Ground was pretty loose dirt. some lags went all the way down, others stopped about an inch shy. This was due to me using a deep socket and not putting anymore downward force on the screw. This should not be a problem on the playa due to the under-playa gripping the threads and needing no downward force to go all the way in, right?
is there any advantage, disadvantage to the deep sockets? Thanks!
I tried to do test build last weekend and it was a partial failure because the ground we built on would not hold the screws. They went in with an impact driver, but if often wouldnt even have to switch to "impact mode", it just screwed them in, indicating the ground was super weak. Some fell thru into random hollow pockets entirely. Never seen that happen on the playa.
"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole
"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly
"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Just want to confirm, the tests above were NOT on the playa, correct?MacGlenver wrote:I tried to do test build last weekend and it was a partial failure because the ground we built on would not hold the screws. They went in with an impact driver, but if often wouldnt even have to switch to "impact mode", it just screwed them in, indicating the ground was super weak. Some fell thru into random hollow pockets entirely. Never seen that happen on the playa.
Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Those skinny ones are usually billed 'as strong as 1/2" lag-screws'. Seem to do that job where I've used them, but that's in wood construction, not as playa-anchors.deutlich wrote:I've got a set of 4 each of these:
Planning to use the fatter ones for my 6-person tent. And two of the skinnier ones as extra support, because I could only find these in 10" even though I really wanted 12"
I'll keep an eye on each of them as the week progresses and if it appears they're loosening up I have another pair to use for more support.
For on-playa use, longer is better as it's that deep playa soil that's the hardest to drill into and holds the most. But if you're into undisturbed playa and your guy-lines are long enough, then the vertical load will be minimal and it's likely to be o.k.. If they're for anchoring the corners of the footprint, that should be good enough, if you've got well secured guy-lines.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
... but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
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... but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
- mudpuppy000
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Haven't tried them on the playa yet, but in rocky soils, the shallow sockets are better if you have to get through rocks for the last inch or two.MacGlenver wrote:You shouldnt have to put much downward force on the screw, as the screw should... well... screw itself into the ground. Just keep your finger on the trigger. Deep sockets shouldnt make any difference.Bemerritt wrote:was testing my lag screws last night and just want to confirm my experience.
Ground was pretty loose dirt. some lags went all the way down, others stopped about an inch shy. This was due to me using a deep socket and not putting anymore downward force on the screw. This should not be a problem on the playa due to the under-playa gripping the threads and needing no downward force to go all the way in, right?
is there any advantage, disadvantage to the deep sockets? Thanks!
I tried to do test build last weekend and it was a partial failure because the ground we built on would not hold the screws. They went in with an impact driver, but if often wouldnt even have to switch to "impact mode", it just screwed them in, indicating the ground was super weak. Some fell thru into random hollow pockets entirely. Never seen that happen on the playa.
- deutlich
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Yeah, I wasn't super sure so I texted all the people I know who are accustom to Playa conditions, physics, camping and/or building things. I got an okay all across the board but will have to see how it works out on the Playa.Canoe wrote:Those skinny ones are usually billed 'as strong as 1/2" lag-screws'. Seem to do that job where I've used them, but that's in wood construction, not as playa-anchors.deutlich wrote:I've got a set of 4 each of these:
Planning to use the fatter ones for my 6-person tent. And two of the skinnier ones as extra support, because I could only find these in 10" even though I really wanted 12"
I'll keep an eye on each of them as the week progresses and if it appears they're loosening up I have another pair to use for more support.
For on-playa use, longer is better as it's that deep playa soil that's the hardest to drill into and holds the most. But if you're into undisturbed playa and your guy-lines are long enough, then the vertical load will be minimal and it's likely to be o.k.. If they're for anchoring the corners of the footprint, that should be good enough, if you've got well secured guy-lines.
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
- MacGlenver
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Correct. I was not on the playa. I was testing at a local park. God help us all if the playa is that weak.maladroit wrote:Just want to confirm, the tests above were NOT on the playa, correct?MacGlenver wrote:I tried to do test build last weekend and it was a partial failure because the ground we built on would not hold the screws. They went in with an impact driver, but if often wouldnt even have to switch to "impact mode", it just screwed them in, indicating the ground was super weak. Some fell thru into random hollow pockets entirely. Never seen that happen on the playa.
"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole
"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly
"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
I didn't have the nerve to ask an HD employee to cut my 15 feet of chain into 2 link pieces....Bemerritt wrote:I had to pay for all of the cut links. I wanted to complain, but then again, they did all the cutting for me.FIGJAM wrote:The difference is that you don't pay for the cut links and their footage if the store cuts them.
I borrowed a 4" grinder with metal cutting disc (used just one)
One needs an anchored vise
One needs goggles
One needs some patience, but I did all cuts in about 40 minutes
You can see the pile of broken links...
I'm going to use the cut pieces if I need to tie down the tent or shade: to connect the solid chain link on the lag screw to the grommet in the tent or shade.
The links may also be useful at home to hang something heavy from a beam or tree.
I won't use the links where structure needs to be secure, (like the four corners of a tent) as wind shifting around could make the connection come off. I suppose I could use blue tape to close it off, but a piece of tied paracord would be better if there is any doubt the broken link could shift around...
Also, tried out the Harbor Freight 120v impact wrench in the park. Didn't go deep with the lags as I was under a shade tree and didn't wanna get arrested for harming the tree roots. I don't like Harbor Freight for most tools, but this isn't a tool I'll use very often.
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
SourPatch wrote:Another lag screw convert here.
Our camp used close to 100 screws+links sets, even for small tents. Thirteen screws held a 9x9x18 boxy structure during the windy days, no problem.
We had a Porter Cable cordless impact driver (http://www.lowes.com/pd_234058-70-PCCK6 ... facetInfo=). We definitely needed 2 batteries and a charger in order to get the entire camp done (installing and breaking down) but the machine had enough torque to easily drive the screws into the ground.
Thank you FigJam for improving so many people's burns.
Hey Sour Patch. I have this impact driver... trying to get acquainted with it but what kind of adapter or head did you use for the lag screws?
Thanks.
- rideincircles
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
This is what you will need along with some deep sockets. You can use any brand.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hex-drill- ... 68513.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/hex-drill- ... 68513.html
- MFOB
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
How about cleaning them up after sitting since last year. They are Playa caked and a bit rusty, anyone got a solution so they are so hard to drive?
These angles are all fenced up!
- SourPatch
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Thedarkerdark wrote:Hey Sour Patch. I have this impact driver... trying to get acquainted with it but what kind of adapter or head did you use for the lag screws?
Thanks.
^^^ Yep.rideincircles wrote:This is what you will need along with some deep sockets. You can use any brand.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hex-drill- ... 68513.html
Take one lag screw to your local home improvement store and find the stuff from the link above and a socket that will fit your lags' hex head.
Overkill or go home.
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Excellent. Thank you.SourPatch wrote:Thedarkerdark wrote:Hey Sour Patch. I have this impact driver... trying to get acquainted with it but what kind of adapter or head did you use for the lag screws?
Thanks.^^^ Yep.rideincircles wrote:This is what you will need along with some deep sockets. You can use any brand.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hex-drill- ... 68513.html
Take one lag screw to your local home improvement store and find the stuff from the link above and a socket that will fit your lags' hex head.
- Roundabout
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Re: Lag screws vs everything else...
Drive them into the ground at home and leave for 24 hours. The acidity in your local soil will counteract the playa. When you retrieve them, they will be clean. This works for me in my location.MFOB wrote:How about cleaning them up after sitting since last year. They are Playa caked and a bit rusty, anyone got a solution so they are so hard to drive?
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