Vertical distance between lag screws in 2x4?

[garya505]

I'm wondering about the minimum vertical distance between lag screws in 2x4 studs. I have some cabinets to hang, and the brackets have holes for studs on 16" centers, which is fine. But each bracket has 2 holes for each stud, an inch apart (see photos). I'm concerned about putting lag screws that close together in a stud. The brackets come with 1/4" screws. I could drill out the holes for 3/8" screws and use 1 screw per stud. What do you think?

 

[sean Buick 76]

Since 2x4 are actually only 1.5" wide I would agree that drilling a hole and using once lag screw would be a better option than trying to use the pre-made holes in the bracket... What I would do is drill the holes between the pre drilled holes so that there is lots of strength around the hole.

 

[ATC]

Since 2x4 are actually only 1.5" wide I would agree that drilling a hole and using once lag screw would be a better option than trying to use the pre-made holes in the bracket... What I would do is drill the holes between the pre drilled holes so that there is lots of strength around the hole.

I agree. That's what I would do.

 

[rslaback]

I'd just use the screws that it came with. Pilot drill the holes and you'll be fine.

 

[pattenp]

I'd just use the screws that it came with. Pilot drill the holes and you'll be fine.

100% agree. Don't modify the bracket. Just use the holes and screws provided and drill 1/8" pilot holes in the stud. The stud will be fine because you are screwing in the edge face and not the wide face so there should be no issue of splitting the stud by having 2 screws close together.

 

[garya505]

Well, replies are 2 - 2 on this one. Now that I think about it more, I'm warming up to the idea of using the provided screws on both holes, but it still makes me a little nervous. I always use pilot holes. That's a good point about the edge face.

 

[MScott]

I'd just use the screws that it came with. Pilot drill the holes and you'll be fine.

100% agree. Don't modify the bracket. Just use the holes and screws provided and drill 1/8" pilot holes in the stud. The stud will be fine because you are screwing in the edge face and not the wide face so there should be no issue of splitting the stud by having 2 screws close together.

One more vote for this ^^^

 

[ctb]

Use the existing holes. The screws on the Kreg pocket hole jigs aren't any further apart.

 

[kbs2244]

Actually, you are more likely to split the 2x4 going in the narrow side than the wide.
But, with pilot holes, you should be fine.
(If possible, angle the screws a bit in opposite directions so you do not align with the grain.)