Anchors/1/4" Lag Shield Anchor

Lag Shield

1/4" Lag Shield Anchor

Quick Answer

A 1/4" Lag Shield needs a 1/2" pilot hole, drilled to 1-1/4" (short) / 1-3/4" (long), with 1" minimum (short), 1-1/2" (long) embedment, torqued to 5 ft-lbs max.

Pilot Hole

1/2"

Embedment

1" minimum (short), 1-1/2" (long)

Torque

5 ft-lbs max

Safe Load

38 lbs

Where to Buy

Best pick

Wensilon Lag Shield Anchors, Zinc Alloy (Multiple Sizes & Packs)

Multiple sizes · 30 to 100-pack · 1/4" through 5/8"

★ 4.5 (116)

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Brand-name option

Prime-Line 9070981 Lag Shields, Long, 1/4" x 1-1/2" (25 Pack)

1/4" x 1-1/2" · 25-pack · long style

★ 4.4 (34)

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, BuildToolHQ earns from qualifying purchases. Specifications are for guidance only — always verify against the anchor manufacturer's ICC-ES ESR report and local building codes.

Full Specification

Type

Lag Shield

Diameter

1/4"

Available Lengths

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

Pilot Hole Diameter

1/2"

Pilot Hole Depth

1-1/4" (short) / 1-3/4" (long)

Embedment Depth

1" minimum (short), 1-1/2" (long)

Recommended Torque

5 ft-lbs max

Compatible Substrates

Concrete, Brick, Solid block

Load Rating

38 lbs tension safe working load — Ultimate: 150 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. SHORT: 150 lbs ultimate, 38 lbs allowable, 1" embedment - for hard, dense masonry. LONG: 225 lbs ultimate, 56 lbs allowable, 1-1/2" embedment - for soft or weak masonry. 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

✓Wood ledgers to masonry
✓Fence posts to concrete
✓Deck ledger attachment
✓Wooden furring strips

Not For

✗Hollow block
✗High vibration
✗Structural loads
✗Wet or exterior without stainless lag

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.Drill an oversized hole — 1/2" hole for a 1/4" lag shield

2.Use a 1/4" lag screw or bolt to drive the anchor — the lag threads into the shield

3.Short shields for hard concrete; long shields for softer or older concrete

4.Removable — remove the lag screw and reinstall without disturbing the shield

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drill bit does a 1/4" Lag Shield need?

Use a 1/2" carbide masonry bit, drilled to 1-1/4" (short) / 1-3/4" (long).

How much weight can a 1/4" Lag Shield hold?

38 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.