General Instructions for the Installer

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These general instructions for the installer are provided to ensure proper selection and installation of Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. products and must be followed carefully. These general instructions are in addition to the specific installation instructions and notes provided for each particular product, all of which should be consulted prior to and during installation of Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. products.

All specified fasteners must be installed according to the instructions in this catalog. Incorrect fastener quantity, size, type, material, or finish may cause the connection to fail.
- 16d fasteners are common nails (0.162" dia. x 3 1/2" long) and cannot be replaced with 16d sinkers (0.148" dia. x 3 1/4" long) for full load value unless otherwise specified.
- Screws may not be used to replace nails in connectors unless approved and recommended by the Designer/Engineer of Record. Unless stated otherwise, Simpson Strong-Tie cannot and does not make any representations regarding the suitability of use or load-carrying capacities of connectors with screws replacing nails.
- When using stainless steel connectors, use stainless steel fasteners. When using ZMAX^®/HDG galvanized connectors, use fasteners that meet the zinc coating specifications of ASTM A153.
Fill all fastener holes as specified in the installation instructions for that product. Refer to Simpson’s Fastener Guide for the requirements of the various shaped fastener holes.
Do not overdrive nails. Overdriven nails reduce shear capacity.
Use the materials specified in the installation instructions. Substitution of or failure to use specified materials may cause the connection to fail.
Do not add fastener holes or otherwise modify Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. products. The performance of modified products may be substantially weakened. Simpson will not warrant or guarantee the performance of such modified products.
Install products in the position specified in the catalog.
Do not alter installation procedures from those set forth in this catalog.
The proper use of certain products requires that the product be bent. For those products, installers must not bend the product more than one time (one full cycle).
Bolt holes shall be at least a minimum of 1/32" and no more than a maximum of 1/16" larger than the bolt diameter (per the 2005 NDS, section 11.1.2. and AISI NASPEC, section E3a if applicable).
Install all specified fasteners before loading the connection.
Some hardened fasteners may have premature failure if exposed to moisture. The fasteners are recommended to be used in dry interior applications.
Use proper safety equipment.
Welding galvanized steel may produce harmful fumes; follow proper welding procedures and safety precautions. Welding should be in accordance with A.W.S. (American Welding Society) standards. Unless otherwise noted Simpson connectors cannot be welded.
Pneumatic or powder-actuated fasteners may deflect and injure the operator or others. Pneumatic nail tools may be used to install connectors, provided the correct quantity and type of nails (length and diameter) are properly installed in the nail holes. Tools with nail hole-locating mechanisms should be used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate safety equipment. Overdriving nails may reduce allowable loads. Contact Simpson. Powder-actuated fasteners should not be used to install connectors.
Joist shall bear completely on the connector seat, and the gap between the joist end and the header shall not exceed 1/8” per ICC-ES AC261 and ASTM D1761 test standards.
For holdowns, anchor bolt nuts should be finger-tight plus 1/3 to 1/2 turn with a hand wrench, with consideration given to possible future wood shrinkage. Care should be taken to not over-torque the nut. Impact wrenches should not be used as they may preload the holdown.
Holdowns and Tension Ties (except MTT and LTT) may be raised off the sill as dictated by field conditions to accommodate an anchor mislocated no more than 1 1/2". The holdown shall be raised off the sill at least 3" for every 1/4" that the bolt is offset from the centerline of the holdown (as defined in the tables and footnotes of Holdown products, to a maximum of 18"). Anchor bolt slope shall be no greater than 1:12 (or 5 degrees). Contact the Designer if the holdown anchor is offset more then 1 1/2". Raised holdown height is measured from the top of concrete to the top of the holdown bearing plate.
Strong-Drive Screws are permitted to be installed through metal truss plates as approved by the Truss Designer, provided the requirements of ANSI/TPI 1-2002 Section 8.10 are met (pre-drilling required through the plate using a maximum of a 5/32" bit).
For cold-formed steel applications to the beginning of, all screws shall be installed in accordance with the screw manufacturer’s recommendations. All screws shall penetrate and protrude through the joined materials a minimum of 3 full exposed threads per AISI Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing - General Provisions, section D1.3, if applicable.
Nuts shall be installed such that the end of the threaded rod or bolt is at least flush with the top of the nut.
When installing hurricane ties on the inside of the wall special considerations must be taken to prevent condensation on the inside of the completed structure in cold climates.

top Top Flange Hangers:

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Flush Framing Top flange configuration and thickness of top flange need to be considered for flush frame conditions.	Hanger Over-Spread If the hanger is over-spread, it can raise the I-joist above the header and may cause uneven surfaces and squeaky floors.	Hanger Not Plumb A hanger “kicked-out” from the header can cause uneven surfaces and squeaky floors.

top Wood Nailers:

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Correct Attachment		Nailer Too Wide The loading may cause cross-grain bending. As a general rule, the maximum allowable overhang is 1/4", depending on nailer thickness.


Nailer Too Narrow A maximum mismatch of 1/8" for normal installations is allowed.		Nailer Too Thin or the wrong hanger for the application.

top Prevent Rotation:

Hangers provide some joist rotation resistance; however, additional lateral restraint may be required for deep joists.

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No Web Stiffener Installed Hanger side flange supports joist top flange.		Rotation Resistance If non-skewed hanger side flange is less than 60% of joist depth, attach staggered A34 framing anchors above the hanger.


Web Stiffener Required Hanger side flange should be at least 60% of joist depth or potential joist rotation must be addressed.		No Web Stiffener Results in Rotation Hanger side flange is below the joist top flange. No web stiffener results in rotation, unless restrained by other means.