I have some lag hooks that I'm going to install in my ceiling joists in the garage. They're rated for 250 lbs and threaded so I can screw them directly into the wood. I'll be using this to hang some exercise rings for the family to use.
My coach has used them in a previous gym and he's confortable w/ their use and my use will be less strenuous.
My question is this, is it OK to drill a pilot hole to ease screwing it in? Or will that weaken the attachment? It's about 2" long, maybe a 1/4" in diameter.
Pilot holes are required. All these rated lag type devices have a recommended hole size, but I usually just eye ball it and use a bit two or three sizes smaller than the shank (non threaded part). Start too small, try to thread it, and if it feels like you're about to twist it too hard, go a little bigger.
The real problem is making sure you use the right type of eye-let. If it is not shouldered, you can not side load it. If you do, it will either break or pull out.
