Hi all, first post on this forum.

I've just got a quick question about lag bolt length. I have two camo SG's and just bought a trophy cam and I have homemade security brackets for all three. I'm planning on lag bolting the brackets to the tree and was wondering if 2" lags are sufficient to resist being pried out or if longer 3" lags would be better?

I'll also be using a python cable lock w/ these, but just wanted to not make it too easy to pry the box loose w/ a crow bar or whatever should the pyton cable get cut.

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On the boxes I have lag bolts, I use 3 inch and I don't pre-drill holes. Takes a little longer to get em in the tree, but then again the trees here are mainly ponderosa pine.

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Two and three inch bolts are fine, I use 2'' with no problems, keep in mind if someones going to take it they will find away.
But the box and cable will deter most.

Rick!

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I use the 3 inch. Wierd thing is I have broke several while screwing them in. Glad my deck isn't put together with those sorry things.

Welcome to the site Urbanhunter, I'd go with the longer ones as well, but like was said above, if somebody really wants it and they have the time, there's not much that will stop them.

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I tried the lag bolt thing last year, and I won't do it again. I had a problem with them breaking too. Putting lag bolts in a live standing tree is a lot different than putting them in a board. I was putting mine in with a drill. As long as the drill was turning the bolt I was fine. As soon as it stopped, if I tried to turn it anymore it would not turn. Put the socket on it and it just breaks off. This was on three different species of trees, and one I even drilled pilot holes. My bolts may have been a little long though.

Now I just strap the box to the tree and use a cable around the tree. Little bit more initial cost, but I don't have to worry about them breaking. Plus, there's not much adjustment once you put those lag bolts in. With the strap and cable you can adjust as needed.

Like CAM-O said, if they want it they will find a way. I figured with the lag bolts they would probably find a way to cut the lock. Well, if they're going to cut the lock, they can cut it just as easily with lag bolts as they will with cable, and they're going to cut the lock before they cut the cable. In fact, it may be easier with the lag bolts because the cable isn't in there blocking the room for bolt cutters.

I use 2 inch lag bolts with a cable thru the box and a padlock.

Wow, I thought that I was nuts, now I know I am....I use 4 inch X 3/8 inch lags. 2 to each box.

In regards to the lag bolts breaking.... get you some lag bolts for the old API Skyhooks tree steps. They are hardened to hold a a persons weight and to go in and out of trees. I have used them for years for hunting and now use them for game cameras

There is a guy on Ebay who sells the hardened lag bolts and his user name is montanafreak. I have never had one break and as I said have been using them for years with tree stands. They are also a metric head (10mm) so if you have one exposed Billy Bob will not be too quick to get it out

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Go to Tractor Supply to get your bolts, not Lowes or Home Depot. They have better selection and better quality. I use the Moultrie box with mine and the ones that came with it went in the tree fine. Taking them out is when they broke.

I too have twisted the heads off of 1/4"-5/16" diameter lag screws just doing general building applications. Try SIMPSON STRONG-TIE HDG (hot dipped galvanized ASTM A153) 1/4" x 3" "Strong-Drive Screws" with a pre-cast washer and a 3/8" drive head, no pre drilling required as they have a cutting tip, I buy them at Home D for about fourteen dollars for a fifty pack. I do belive they will work well even in a hardwood forest. I'd like to post a few photos from my brang new Reconyx HC600 taken up at my property which is located near and just below Yosemite National Park, CA but I guess I need to ask (how?) a moderator for permission, according to the forum's FAQ's. My first post.
Thank you all for helping me decide what game cam to buy and how to use it.
Jerry

That "4CUT tip" on those Simpson screws looks like it'll work as advertised. I might like a little larger diameter for the screws, but ¼" screws might be rugged enough if they were driven in the full 3" deep.
The SDS25300-R25 are available on Amazon.com, $9.95 for a box of 25.

I'd go with the screws and a chain or cable whenever possible, but maybe that's just me.

Most run of the mill lag screws today come on a slow boat from oversea's and most will not test out to meet grade 5 standards. They work fine for lumber with pre drilled holes. Find a good hardware store that carries some grade 8 stuff, doubt if you'll break them... Look for something US made.

I use stainless steel lag bolts from Lowes. They are in the drawers, not bins. Haven't had any of these twist off.

I've pretty much used 2 inch lag screws as well. As others have said, from Lowe's in the bins. Haven't had any real problems. Had one twist off, but it was during the third time of me moving that particular camera...so wasn't too surprised.

I used to use 4 in too. But...I'm always carrying a bunch of gear with me into the field, and didn't want to add a drill to this, so I ratchet mine in and 4 inches just got too dang tiring!