Frustrated by Breaking Lag Screws?

Driving 3” lag screws used to mount hanging garage storage racks is a source of aggravation for many of us. They frequently have problems with them breaking. Here I will offer methods for ways to avoid this challenge.

The advice in this article is applicable to any kind of installation of longer lag screws, although my wisdom originates from installing ceiling brackets for hanging garage storage shelves. These types of shelves require two inch insertion into the wood. These racks include three inch screws since they have to pass thru drywall and thickness of the piece of steel.

Pre-drill
The most important thing to do in avoiding breaking lag screws would be to predrill the holes. Make use of a 3/16” bit and bore to the full depth of the lag screw. If you drill too shallow you will encounter significant resistance while driving the screw. I’ve heard some people have luck drilling another hole inside the first with a 15/16” bit, however only go as far as the smooth part of the lag screw. Keep in mind that wood is a natural product, therefore there is a probability you will encounter a knot inside the wood. These areas usually do not take a screw nicely plus they may lead you to reposition your mounting point.

Impact Driver
Next work with an impact driver to install the screws. The undertaking is time consuming using a socket wrench. Even a rechargeable drill with the adapter for sockets can carry out the job. Though by far most effective option is to use an impact driver. I have found that I have to employ two hands and position myself directly behind the tool in order to drive them successfully with a rechargeable drill. However when I take advantage of an impact driver, I'm able to turn the screws with just one hand and I don't have to align my body behind the screw. This is especially useful when I am using a ladder and may have to reach to my anchor.

Over Tightening
Another common problem is that people crank down on the lag screws. Do not over tighten the screws. Should you put excessive force on the head when the top of the lag screw is flat against the drywall, you chance twisting off the head while having the threads embedded inside the stud. This may cause issues with connecting your ceiling bracket since you could be attaching across the ceiling beams, which means you won’t have the option to simply slide the bracket down a bit to create a fresh hole. Turn the anchoring screws only till the head contacts the bracket. They don’t have to be "tightened down" any further.

Putting soap or wax to the threads may make it easier to drive the screw. I recommend using candle wax when possible, because over time the soap will cause the threads to rust.

Grade 5 Lag Screws
Should you be dealing with poor quality screws, think about making a trip to the hardware store for higher quality hardware. The grade and material of lag screws are marked on the head. No markings signifies a low grade 2 and has the least tensile strength. Three radial lines indicates grade 5, a medium carbon steel that is quenched and tempered. These should install successfully and not have regular breaks. The final and best ranking of steel screws have got six radial marks and are grade 8.

Stainless lag screws would not have these standard markings on them, though they have the approximate tensile strength as grade 5, nonetheless they may bend easier - more on bending later. Stainless will likely have something printed on the top of the head, therefore you won’t mistake them for grade 2. Stainless also is non-magnetic.

Re-using Hardware
I don't advise re-using lag screws. Once used, even if not to its full depth, the lag screw is stressed. The chances are greater it would break if you attempt to use it again. Which also means you shouldn't install a lag screw by running in and out of the stud to drive it to length. Finally, a tiny amount of bend in the screw will keep the lag screw from turning and boring down into the wood properly.

Learn more about how to organize your garage with ceiling storage racks and other great storage products at www.MaximizeGarageStorage.com.