I'm looking for advice on how to securely attach two railroad ties together, stacking one on top of the other. I'm planning to use them as a backup for my jack stands when I work under my car. Initially, I thought about using tap bolts with nuts, but I couldn't find bolts long enough - the wood pieces measure 7" x 9", and the longest bolt I found was only 6" while I need something at least 14" long. Are bolts a good choice for this, or should I consider other options? I'm also planning to glue them for extra stability.
3 Answers
You might want to consider using threaded rods instead. Just get a rod long enough, and you can put a nut and washer at each end for a solid hold. It's a pretty effective and strong option!
Check out landscaping screws; they’re specifically designed to connect railroad ties and should work great for what you’re planning. Just make sure you’re careful with the weight!
In all honesty, using railroad ties can be risky since they're often soaked in creosote. It might be better to explore other options for your support. As others pointed out, a wider base helps prevent tipping, and getting some construction lag screws from brands like GRK or Spax could really make a difference. Plus, don’t forget about jack stands—they're specifically made for safety!
Yeah, definitely! And if you decide to go with the threaded rod idea, just be sure to measure and cut it right. You don't want any mishaps under there.