Lag Bolts - zinc vs. Galvanized - also size recommendation

[djn3rd]

Hi,
Looking at using lag bolts in our camp. I have two questions:

1) Is it worth buying galvanized lag bolts vs zinc? I think the galvanized coating is mainly for moisture (rust protection). I'm guessing that moisture won't be a big concern on the playa.

2) Is 3/8 x 12" a good size for tents and a shade structure? Nothing big like a tower, etc.

Thanks,
Djn3rd

[Ratty]

I would go longer. Sometimes the first 6 inches are just loose dust.

[pedroescobar]

I'm doing 12" (3/8) for the feet of my EMT shade structure and then 16" (1/2) for the guy lines. I would have done 18" but they were out of stock at the time.

[Token]

I'm guessing that moisture won't be a big concern on the playa.

On the contrary, moisture is 100% guaranteed on the Playa every night at all depths of anchoring.

At night, that shallow surface water layer under the Playa percolates up and raises the humidity.

Anything metal sunk in past a few inches WILL rust.

[Popeye]

1) Is it worth buying galvanized lag bolts vs zinc? I think the galvanized coating is mainly for moisture (rust protection). I'm guessing that moisture won't be a big concern on the playa.

Metal is galvanized when it is coated with zinc.
Zinc coating and galvanizing are the same thing.
Your lag bolts, tent stakes, whatever will not rust out in a week. When you get gome wash off the dust and dry them. Store in a dry place.

[Just_Joe]

Zinc coating and galvanizing are the same thing.

All the zinc stuff in my yard is rusty.
I found this:
Galvanized AKA Hot-Dip and Zinc Plating Compared
Both processes use zinc coating as protective layer for a substrate/metal
-Galvanized plating produces a metal finish that looks dull and has a rough surface; zinc plating, on the other hand, looks shiny and pretty.
-Zinc metal plating is preferred for those who also aim for aesthetics; galvanized produces a fairly strong material that prevents corrosion (more protection) in many circumstances.
-Zinc plating is also preferred for those who need superficial protection, for indoor use, and in dry environment; galvanized plating is commonly used for outdoors or in a more wet (or hot) environment.
-With zinc plating, the coating is only typically 3 microns thick; with galvanized plating, the result is typically 50 microns thick, which therefore provides much more protection against corrosion.

[DoctorIknow]

I've used the same 14" and 18" for years.
Upon return, I let them soak in vinegar until I remember to finish the job, then powerwash them, then let them dry, wrap them in newspaper, put shrink wrap around the newspaper just to keep them together in groups of about 6 pieces.

The zinc coating probably still in the playa...don't know where it goes (lying now) but it's not on the bottom 1/3 of all the lags.

[FIGJAM]

I've only knocked the excess plays off and threw them in the bag. 6 yrs with the same lags and I can't detect any wear.

[Kenshiro]

I would go longer. Sometimes the first 6 inches are just loose dust.

Something about this is oh-so-close and yet oh-so-far from a “that’s what she said” joke

[FIGJAM]

I know her and she would never say that.

[Kenshiro]

I know her and she would never say that.

I would be very afraid if she did