Lag bolts are heavy wood screws with square or hexagonal heads that are driven in by a wrench. They are essentially fasteners made of metal and can be rotated in or out a surface with pliers. Lag bolts are normally used with washers so that their heads do not get stuck into the wood when screwed into a slot. These bolts are primarily used to fasten large heavy timbers such as beams on posts. They can also be used in railway trestles and bridges, as long as timbers are used.

The masonry also uses lag bolts heavily. The thread of a lag bolt mixes with the metal lag for a more secure fastening, hence its name. Because these bolts are known to support very heavy loads, they are also most commonly used in construction. Heavy duty use includes patio construction, free standing swings, deck construction and the likes. These bolts can either be used indoors or outdoors, and are made up of steel, silicon bronze, stainless steel and hot dipped galvanized for extra protection. They normally vary in size depending on their use.

Wood screws are also used for wood but are not as strong as lag bolts. So how do you use them? First, you need to determine the size you need depending on your intended use. Once you know the size, you need to choose the type of lag bolt you need. The most commonly used type is the zinc plated "stafaband one call away" as they add an extra amount of protection against rust. There are also other types of bolts which are as effective, and which you can buy at your local hardware store. As a tip, your lag bolt should at least penetrate 1/3 to 1/2 of the second timber you are fastening. The diameter should of course be proportionate to the length.

You can use a clamp to stabilize the timbers you are fastening together to make the entry of your lag bolt as secure as possible. Start drilling your hole on the first timber using the lag bolt itself. Use a ratchet to tighten your bolt into place, turning it in a clockwise direction; wrenches are also good tools for such. These are basically the steps on installing your lag bolts. Should you need to make alterations due to a lose bolt, just do the same process earlier after you've removed the loose bolt.

Be sure to replace the nut as well as you replace the loose bolt. You can also use lock washers if you wish to. So how do you remove the loose bolts? The key to removing a lag bolt is to avoid cracking the wood material around it, which should relatively be easy since it is already loose in the first place. Just inspect it before you remove it with a wrench or a ratchet. Apply a little pressure as you turn it counter clockwise but don't force it; it's that easy.