Hi! I was reading this article (https://www.theplayalabs.com/lags) on using lag screws. For setting up a shade structure, it says to *not* screw the lag through the foot plate, but instead to lash it together?
Dumb question probably, but how does that work exactly? I.e. if we have two chain links coming out of the screw, how does that connect to our shade structure?
how to attach lag screws?
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thisisvlad
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Re: how to attach lag screws?
'Lashing' is generally done with a string, rope or a strap. I'm guessing rope or strap in your case but it could be Gaffers tape, Duct tape or similar.
Without knowing what you are trying to accomplish, the reply will be vague.
Shade structures at BM are generally secured by guy-lines. So attaching a pole to a lag-bolt with a few links of chain ... not sure what that's for.
I'd go from the next apex over of the shade structure to the spot where you got a leg and your lag next to each other and guy-it-down. Then the chain-link makes sense. The leg itself - not gonna move if guyed correctly.
Without knowing what you are trying to accomplish, the reply will be vague.
Shade structures at BM are generally secured by guy-lines. So attaching a pole to a lag-bolt with a few links of chain ... not sure what that's for.
I'd go from the next apex over of the shade structure to the spot where you got a leg and your lag next to each other and guy-it-down. Then the chain-link makes sense. The leg itself - not gonna move if guyed correctly.
Re: how to attach lag screws?
I also need to guess what you are doing. But I followed the link, and additional links, and found this image:
If this is your "foot plate", I see three possible weaknesses.
1 – The metal is thin and the hole is close to the edge. Conceivably, the lag-screw might tear out of the plate.
2 – With such thin steel, the weld might break.
3 – The leg of the structure is held by not much more than friction at the tip of the eye-bolt. I would drill a hole in the leg for the bolt to go thru.
But if your "foot plate" is similar to the popular "Costco carports", you can safely use lag-screws thru the plate. I use 3/8" x 14" lags for this. 1/2" x 18" is better, but you would need to drill out the Costco holes for the 1/2" lags.
Regardless, I use three links of chain with two large washers on all lags.
Ratchet straps from the lag to the top of the structure will safeguard against broken welds on those flimsy foot plates.
Above all, use common sense. Expect 90 MPH wind gusts and build accordingly.
If this is your "foot plate", I see three possible weaknesses.
1 – The metal is thin and the hole is close to the edge. Conceivably, the lag-screw might tear out of the plate.
2 – With such thin steel, the weld might break.
3 – The leg of the structure is held by not much more than friction at the tip of the eye-bolt. I would drill a hole in the leg for the bolt to go thru.
But if your "foot plate" is similar to the popular "Costco carports", you can safely use lag-screws thru the plate. I use 3/8" x 14" lags for this. 1/2" x 18" is better, but you would need to drill out the Costco holes for the 1/2" lags.
Regardless, I use three links of chain with two large washers on all lags.
Ratchet straps from the lag to the top of the structure will safeguard against broken welds on those flimsy foot plates.
Above all, use common sense. Expect 90 MPH wind gusts and build accordingly.
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thisisvlad
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:05 pm
- Burning Since: 2000
Re: how to attach lag screws?
Ah, ok that makes sense!
Maybe the instructions in the page I was reading which I linked were just not good. It sounds like I should just ignore the instructions for lashing. I do have one of those costco carports
. I was worried I couldn't put my lag screws through the foot plate (because of the misleading directions on the link i posted), but I'll just go ahead and do that.
thanks!
Maybe the instructions in the page I was reading which I linked were just not good. It sounds like I should just ignore the instructions for lashing. I do have one of those costco carports
. I was worried I couldn't put my lag screws through the foot plate (because of the misleading directions on the link i posted), but I'll just go ahead and do that.thanks!
Re: how to attach lag screws?
Valodya,
See the big X in the picture below:
That is what you do on two sides of the carport.
Lag with chain next to leg. Not through the cheap plastic part. Strap holds it down going diagonal to next apex.
Worst case scenario, when you get there, just walk around and see how everyone does their carports. There will be hundreds of them in all directions.
Stop by, say hi, introduce yourself and make friends.
See the big X in the picture below:
That is what you do on two sides of the carport.
Lag with chain next to leg. Not through the cheap plastic part. Strap holds it down going diagonal to next apex.
Worst case scenario, when you get there, just walk around and see how everyone does their carports. There will be hundreds of them in all directions.
Stop by, say hi, introduce yourself and make friends.
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thisisvlad
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:05 pm
- Burning Since: 2000
Re: how to attach lag screws?
Thank you!
Re: how to attach lag screws?
Run rope from your lag screw chain bits to the top of your shade structure. Use a bowline knot at the top of your shade structure frame, and a trucker's hitch to cinch it tight. If you are not familiar with these knots, practice tying them before you get to the playa. Demonstrations of knot tying are available on the internet.