Timber Screws: The Faster Lag Bolt Alternative
Timber screws are heavy-duty structural fasteners designed to replace lag bolts in beam, post, and ledger board connections. Self-drilling tips and aggressive threads eliminate pre-drilling and install in a fraction of the time with a standard drill.
Key Features
- No pre-drilling required
- Replaces lag bolts in most applications
- Self-drilling tip and aggressive threads
- Installs with standard drill/driver
- Code-listed structural fastener (ICC-ES)
Specifications
Best For
Compatible Materials
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Dramatically faster than lag bolts
- ✓ No pre-drilling saves time
- ✓ One-person installation
- ✓ Code-approved structural values
Cons
- ✗ Higher per-unit cost than lag bolts
- ✗ Proprietary drive bit required
- ✗ Limited diameter options vs lags
Installation Tips
Drive with a high-torque drill or impact driver. For ledger boards, install in a staggered pattern per code spacing. Ensure minimum 1-1/2 inch penetration into receiving member.