With lag bolts, can the "un-threaded" portion of the bolt be secured into the wood?

Question

LAG BOLTS

I am building a treehouse for my boys. I have 7" lag bolts that have about 2" of un-threaded shaft near the head of the bolt. The wood I am bolting is only 3/4" thick. Will this bolt work? Will the unthreaded portion of the bolt be able to be secured into the tree?

Answer 1

Yes, the unthreaded portion of the bolt is ok. That will hold the framing lumber, the 5" of threads into the tree will hold the bolt.

I built a tree house in my backyard and did not bolt or nail any part to the tree. I used 3/8" all-thread and made large U-bolts out of them and clamped the framing onto the tree. This does less harm to the tree.

Answer 2

Yes, if you take and drill out the section where you will eventually place the lag bolt with whats referred to as a pilot hole. This will asist in the guiding of the bolt straight into the material as well. (Not crooked or slanted) Of course you need to make sure you use a smaller drill bit than the diameter of the threaded portion of the lag bolt. Then you can do what is referred to as counter-sinking the bolt head. After you have drilled the "pilot hole" get an "augger" bit approximately the diameter of the hex head and drill down approximately the deepth required to sink the bolt head into the parent material, so its either flush with the surface or deeper than flush with the surface of the material. Its your choice. Good luck!

Answer 3

I like 1/2" or so threads in the wood, If the bolts need to be tightened beyond that, need new or better wood.

Answer 4

just curious why you would use a lag bolts, can you not drill the hole and install a bolt, nut and washers
They would never pull out and if you find the ends stick to you can use a grinder to cut them off
Good luck

Answer 5

not sure what your talking about. tell me more about the specific application.