3/8" Lag Shield Anchor

Quick Answer

A 3/8" Lag Shield needs a 5/8" pilot hole, drilled to 1-5/8" (short) / 2-1/4" (long), with 1-3/4" minimum (short), 2-1/2" (long) embedment, torqued to 10 ft-lbs max.

Pilot Hole

5/8"

Embedment

1-3/4" minimum (short), 2-1/2" (long)

Torque

10 ft-lbs max

Safe Load

110 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)

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

3/8"

Available Lengths

Short (1-1/4"), Long (2")

Pilot Hole Diameter

5/8"

Pilot Hole Depth

1-5/8" (short) / 2-1/4" (long)

Embedment Depth

1-3/4" minimum (short), 2-1/2" (long)

Recommended Torque

10 ft-lbs max

Compatible Substrates

Concrete, Brick, Solid block

Load Rating

110 lbs tension safe working load — Ultimate: 442 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: 442 lbs ultimate, 110 lbs allowable, 1-3/4" embedment - for hard, dense masonry. LONG: 555 lbs ultimate, 139 lbs allowable, 2-1/2" 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

✓Deck ledger boards
✓Heavy wood framing to concrete
✓Gate post anchoring
✓Pergola post bases

Not For

✗Hollow block
✗High seismic zones
✗Structural column bases

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 a 5/8" hole for a 3/8" lag shield — correct oversize is critical

2.Tap shield flush with or slightly below the surface with a hammer

3.Drive a 3/8" lag screw to expand — stop when resistance increases significantly

4.Long shields recommended for older or softer concrete and brick

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drill bit does a 3/8" Lag Shield need?

Use a 5/8" carbide masonry bit, drilled to 1-5/8" (short) / 2-1/4" (long).

How much weight can a 3/8" Lag Shield hold?

110 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.