Exterior Wood Expert-Boarding up Windows

[SW CQB 45]

For years I have been playing with fire in the sense of not having my boards ready for a hurricane threat. I am usually reloading or playing with guns.

I want to make my board installation so easy that my wife could install should I not be around.

I have my boards cut but I don't want to use lag or deck screws as over time, the hole will start to open up.

I have always envisioned some type of wood threaded metal insert with internal bolt threads (let say 1/4") so the inserts would be permanently in the wood, the bolts would be threaded in the insert and my plywood would be predrilled so all one has to do is remove the bolts, line up the boards and screw down the bolts by hand and it would be done.

I went to H/D yesterday looking for such an animal and first of all I HATE THIS PLACE. No one knows NUTHIN, you can never find anyone to help and when you do, they do know ****. Luckily after a 15 minute wait as they tried to find someone, an elderly worker saw my vision however said they do not carry such an insert.

he said to use the threaded insert you tap in the wood. I said they would pull out and he said not to tighten the bolts and they should stay in. I live in South Tejas where is goes from low humidity and 70s to high humidity and triple digits in the afternoon. Those inserts will not work for me.

I know they make plastic inserts for sheet rock, but the screws are too small.

does anyone know where I could find such an insert that will accept a minimum of a quarter inch bolt (standard thread) designed for outdoor use to hold plywood on and strong enough to hold a board on during a hurricane.

I would need roughly 100 count. I will try the other store today (L.....) and there is a specialty bolt store in town, and will head that direction this week.

if I have to order online....then I will.

I just don't know what you call them or if they exist.

I don't want to screw where threads are hanging out of my window frame, as the threads will rust and I am sure I will either brush up one and break it or it will break me. I have seen threads sticking out of brick on a recent build for hurricane boards and it looked horrible, functional but horrible or at least in my eyes. I envisioned my blood and skin on those threads.

thanks in advance....worst case scenario...I am using lag bolts.

 

[427mach1]

Are these what you are looking for? I've used them on several projects and they work.


Woodworker.com: HEX DRIVE DIE CAST THREADED INSERTS FOR WOOD

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, Ace Hardware has the inserts you're looking for. They're brass and thread into the wood, and they have machine screw threads inside. They're available in various sizes, and I'm pretty sure they go as big as 1/4-20.

Ace is expensive, though, and 100 of them will cost a bit. What you might do is go buy a few at Ace and then take one to a specialty fastener outfit and say, "I'd like 100 of these, please."

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[kb5601]

You could use whats called a "drop in anchor"
It's 1/4-20 thread, has to be drilled with a 3/8 bit and set to the frame.
with a "Set Pin" What this does is drive a wedge pill, to swage the lead body of the drop in the 3/8 drilled hole.
They are normally used in concrete to support or hang a number of things.
Just keep in mind, this will only be as strong as your window frames, or Brick Mold.
Also, The drop in will be visible when the plywood is not installed, but would be flush with the brick mold frame...
In my opinion(fwiw) the deck screws are the best method... In the event of a severe storm, your window caseings will be the least of your concerns...
I hope this helps,
KB

 

[Sebago Son]

What you are looking for are called Lag Shields. Sometimes used in concrete.

You could take a page from Old Time Storm Windows. They were hung from hooks secured through the sheathing to the studwork above the head of the window, and if necessary, you could 'dog' them down with a turn clip.

 

[Stevens]

I put 2 or 3 1/4" stainless steel studs on each side of the window, they stay in year round. The plywood boards are predrilled and labled as to what window and orientation. the studs won't loosen or rust, and if when painting you get a bit of paint at the base it doesn't interfere with the nut, (with fender washer) since it only begins to tighten 3/8" up the threaded portion. I keep all the fasteners in a bag with the boards.
Has always worked well and easy to put in place single handed. Using the inserts you mentioned you may need help holding the board in place while you start the first bolt into the insert.

If you want to use inserts you ca find them here
Steel Threaded Inserts - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Good luck I hope we won't need the this year.
Steve W

 

[Rule3]

I just have my plywood pre drilled and holes in the concrete block and use Tap On Screws with washers. They ain't going anywhere.

As mentioned the old lead lag shields pounded into the block and then use lag bolts. have been used forever.

 

[m1gunner]

For wood, this is what you want:

Amazon.com: 30 1/4-20 Brass Threaded Inserts for Wood: Home Improvement

 

[SW CQB 45]

thanks for the assistance.

I will check out my best options.

take care

 

[Redeyedj]

If your windows are recessed, consider PLYLOX. No drilling, no screws, no problems. There are also canvas/fabric covers that can cover your windows as well as the aluminum or plastic corrugated storm panels. We have those at the office, and they have the advantage over plywood of being easy to store and transport. Disadvantage is cost, but buy once, cry once. Wood is heavy. If you have second story windows, lugging a sheet of 1/2" - 5/8" plywood up a ladder is a bear. Good luck.

 

[SW CQB 45]

my house is 90% brick with wood around the windows.

My window (recent replacements) are vinyl and the frame actually extends outward of the exterior. I was not going to torque down the coverings but just snug them up against the window.

I think I have made a decision as the posts got me to thinking. how would the wife do it if I am not around. it would be best to do both, threaded stud up high and inserts at the bottom. that way the top can just hang while the bottom bolt is started.

thanks to all

reference plylox....get this crock....they are only available at H/D when a hurricane threatens the area. if that aint some B/S!

 

[Redeyedj]

my house is 90% brick with wood around the windows.

My window (recent replacements) are vinyl and the frame actually extends outward of the exterior. I was not going to torque down the coverings but just snug them up against the window.

I think I have made a decision as the posts got me to thinking. how would the wife do it if I am not around. it would be best to do both, threaded stud up high and inserts at the bottom. that way the top can just hang while the bottom bolt is started.

thanks to all

reference plylox....get this crock....they are only available at H/D when a hurricane threatens the area. if that aint some B/S!

I'm pretty sure the HD here has them year round. I'm there once a week. I'll check next time I go in. If I see them, I'll shoot you a PM.