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Full Specification

Type

Lag Shield

Diameter

1/2"

Available Lengths

Short (1-1/2"), Long (2-1/2")

Pilot Hole Diameter

3/4"

Pilot Hole Depth

2" (short) / 3" (long)

Embedment Depth

2" minimum (short), 3" (long)

Recommended Torque

20 ft-lbs max

Compatible Substrates

Concrete, Brick, Solid block

Load Rating

150 lbs tension safe working load — Ultimate: 600 lbs tension — Ultimate pull-out in 2000 PSI concrete for the SHORT variant (Confast). Allowable calculated at the industry-standard 4:1 safety factor. — Confast publishes two lengths and the gap is large. SHORT: 600 lbs ultimate, 150 lbs allowable, 2" embedment - for hard, dense masonry. LONG: 1,095 lbs ultimate, 274 lbs allowable, 3" embedment - for soft or weak masonry, nearly double the capacity. Figures above are the short variant. No shear value is published. Not recommended for overhead or life-safety use.

Material

Zinc-plated lead alloy

Removable

Yes

Best For

✓Heavy structural wood connections
✓Large deck ledger boards
✓Timber post bases on concrete

Not For

✗Hollow block
✗Structural engineer-required connections without review
✗High seismic zones

How a Lag Shield Grips

A lag shield is a ribbed expansion sleeve that spreads against the hole wall as a lag screw threads into it. It is one of the older masonry anchor designs and holds best in solid material at full embedment, with more modern screw anchors typically outperforming it in hard concrete.

Installation Tips

1.Requires 7/8" hole — use a rotary hammer for clean results

2.Long shields strongly recommended in anything but new high-strength concrete

3.Always use a 1/2" lag bolt or hex bolt to expand the shield

4.Removable and reusable — lag bolt can be removed and reinstalled

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drill bit does a 1/2" Lag Shield need?

Use a 3/4" carbide masonry bit, drilled to 2" (short) / 3" (long).

How much weight can a 1/2" Lag Shield hold?

150 lbs tension safe working load. Actual capacity depends on base material strength and embedment — verify against the manufacturer's ICC-ES ESR data for structural work.