coach screws

Understanding Coach Screws: Heavy-Duty Fasteners for Robust Applications

Coach screws, also known as lag screws or lag bolts, are heavy-duty fasteners designed for securing heavy materials like timber, metal, and masonry. They feature a square or hexagonal head and an externally threaded cylindrical shaft that tapers to a point, allowing for a secure and stable connection.

Key Features of Coach Screws:

• Heavy-Duty Design: Engineered to handle substantial loads, making them ideal for construction and heavy-duty applications.
• Square or Hexagonal Heads: These head types provide a better grip, allowing for higher insertion torque during installation.
• Externally Threaded Shaft: The tapered shaft ensures a secure hold in various materials, including timber, metal, and masonry.

Common Applications:

• Timber to Timber Connections: Used extensively in woodworking to join heavy timber pieces securely.
• Metal to Timber Fixings: Ideal for attaching metal brackets, plates, or sections to wooden structures.
• Masonry and Concrete Anchoring: When paired with appropriate wall plugs, coach screws can anchor heavy objects to masonry or concrete surfaces.

Materials and Finishes:

Coach screws are available in various materials and finishes to suit different environments:

• Stainless Steel: Offers high corrosion resistance, making them suitable for outdoor and marine environments.
• Bright Zinc Plated: Provides moderate corrosion resistance, ideal for indoor use in dry conditions.
• Hot-Dipped Galvanized: Features a thicker zinc coating for enhanced corrosion resistance, suitable for external applications.

Installation Tips:

• Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes to prevent material splitting. For softwood, the pilot hole diameter should be half the screw diameter; for hardwood, three-quarters of the screw diameter.
• Washers: Use washers to distribute the load and prevent the screw head from embedding into the material.
• Tightening: Use the correct size spanner or impact socket to tighten the screw, ensuring a secure fit without damaging the head.