Hex head flange screws…
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smifffymoto

Original Poster:

5,087 posts

221 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
I hope the title has piqued your interest.

Do you know the shear force/breaking point of 6mm hex head screws.

For context they will be securing a roof anchor with a 120kg man attached to it. They to withstand him/me falling from height.

The roof anchor is 4 mm steel,the 7 fixing holes 6.5mm.
The screws 6mm x 50mm screwed into timber.
Steel or stainless?

Belle427

10,678 posts

249 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
I wouldn't rely on timber as a safe fixing for such a critical item personally.

shtu

3,908 posts

162 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
Can you show us the roof anchor in question?

POIDH

1,872 posts

81 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
Way to many variables here -
- which brand and length of screw
- what you are fastening into
- what is the anchor
- how far are you falling - a slip and load is fraction of a 3m free fall
- what ropes and harness, and are they impact absorbing

(etc)

As a climber, I have in the past used big slings around chimney pots and once a rope led into a roof window with belayer...plus great care.

wolfracesonic

8,256 posts

143 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
The OP on his last job.



Isn’t answer to this question ‘get some professional on site advice’?

OutInTheShed

11,580 posts

42 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
120kg lump falling say 1 metre can create a very, very big force if you try to stop it in a short distance.
Fall arrest is a very serious matter.

smifffymoto

Original Poster:

5,087 posts

221 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
I’m using fall restraint not fall arrest.

The arrest bit is if it goes to st,which it shouldn’t..

This is a last resort ,my prefered method is a webbing sling around the roof timbers or wire rope around a chimney.

Simpo Two

89,229 posts

281 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
120kg is 19 stone. Finding somebody lighter would seem to be a good start....!

Nigel_O

3,337 posts

235 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
The shear force of the screws depends on what they’re made from. Just as important is what they are screwed into.

Personally, I wouldn't be trusting my life to any number of 6mm screws into wood, especially if they are only going 50mm into the wood.

Have a look at the anchor bolts that window cleaners / maintenance engineers use when they’re on the outside of a building. Quite similar to car harness eye bolts.

In fact - look at the size of a seatbelt bolt - that should give you an idea of the strength you need.

Edited by Nigel_O on Friday 28th February 12:13

OutInTheShed

11,580 posts

42 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
smifffymoto said:
I’m using fall restraint not fall arrest.

The arrest bit is if it goes to st,which it shouldn’t..

This is a last resort ,my prefered method is a webbing sling around the roof timbers or wire rope around a chimney.
I'm sure having half a chimney for company will be a great comfort on the way down.

curvature

482 posts

90 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
As somebody who works in construction I am so glad I don't get involved with domestic customers.

Seriously, you need a professional in to look at this.

thebraketester

15,068 posts

154 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
Don’t forget to video it’s first use.

ferret50

2,283 posts

25 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
I would ask 'er indoors to test it for me.....

hehe

POIDH

1,872 posts

81 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
thebraketester said:
Don’t forget to video it’s first use.
And submit:

https://darwinawards.com/

Aluminati

2,918 posts

74 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
smifffymoto said:
I’m using fall restraint not fall arrest.

The arrest bit is if it goes to st,which it shouldn’t..

This is a last resort ,my prefered method is a webbing sling around the roof timbers or wire rope around a chimney.
That would be my preferred also, depending on what and how the timbers are fixed. When we have fall restraint systems installed, if in timber they’ll either have a saddle,plate to spread the load, or strapped over at least 2 joists.

Rob.

303 posts

51 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
The fall arrest anchors we use require 2 x 10mm anchor bolts, rated to 30kN (though I think that's for 2 x operatives). I wouldn't trust 6mm screws personally.

Aluminati

2,918 posts

74 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
Rob. said:
The fall arrest anchors we use require 2 x 10mm anchor bolts, rated to 30kN (though I think that's for 2 x operatives). I wouldn't trust 6mm screws personally.
You would never hang 2 operatives off of one point.

Rough101

2,717 posts

91 months

Friday 28th February
quotequote all
If the is was for myself, for DIY, I’d be hanging off four 8mm or 3 10mm and an absolute minimum, and checking out the substrate carefully. Not a chance I’d be hanging off 6mm’s. I’m all cases I’d prefer protruding studs and a double nut and shake proof washer set up.

Installing for someone else, I’d only do it to a detail from a Prosfessional with PI insurance or following manufacturers recommendations to the letter, exceeding them even.