Watch and learn as we assemble a Dapping Tool, create the specialized grooves required for shear plate installation, and demonstrate a wood-to-wood connection with two 4″ shear plates. See more videos on our channel at www.youtube.com/pdxbolt.

Transcript

Shear plates are cast iron discs that are set into precut daps in wood.

They are designed to spread the load and reduce the number of bolts required in a structure.

This video will demonstrate the proper use of a dapping tool to install a 4″ diameter shear plate for a 3/4″ diameter bolt.

Assemble the 3/4″ pilot bit into the cutter head and tighten it with an Allen wrench.

Set the dapping tool aside.

In order to properly groove the timber, a 13/16″ bolt hole must first be drilled through the wood.

Insert the dapping tool into a drill press or 3/4″ or larger handheld, portable drill.

Use the pilot bit to properly align the cutter head so that it centers itself on the predrilled bolt hole.

This will ensure that the grooves created for the interior and exterior lips on the shear plate will be concentric to the bolt hole. Set screws on the face of the dapping tool can be adjusted to increase or decrease the depth of the grooves.

When properly installed, the face of the shear plate should be flush with the surface of the timber.

We are demonstrating one application in which two shear plates are being installed between two wooden members.

The edge of one board has been cut away simply for demonstration purposes.

Refer to www.shearplates.com for other applications of shear plates.

See step-by-step installation instructions here.