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Fastener Types

Fastener Types and Sizes Specified for Simpson Strong-Tie® Connectors

Many Simpson Strong-Tie connectors have been designed and tested for use with specific types and sizes of fasteners. The specified quantity, type and size of fastener must be installed in the correct holes on the connector to achieve published loads. Other factors such as fastener material and finish are also important. Incorrect fastener selection or installation can compromise connector performance and could lead to failure. Simpson Strong-Tie does not offer all of these fasteners, see retail information for Simpson Strong-Tie nails. For more information, see Fastening Systems, or access our Fastener Finder.

Also see fastening identification on Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and nail information.

Fasteners are drawn to scale. Nail diameter assumes no coating. Screw diameter refers to shank diameter. See technical bulletin T-NAILGUIDE for more information.

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The Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SD Connector screw is the only screw approved for use with our connectors.

Fastener Design Information:

In some cases it is desirable to install Simpson Strong-Tie face mount joist hangers and straight straps with nails that are a different type or size than what is called out in the load table. In these cases these reduction factors must be applied to the allowable loads listed for the connector.

Load Adjustment Factors for Optional Fasteners Used with Face Mount Hangers and Straight Straps

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Double shear nailing should use full length common nails
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Shorter nails may not be used as double shear nails
  1. Allowable load adjustment factors shown in the table are based on calculated reduction factors and are applicable for all face mount hangers and straight straps throughout this catalog, except as noted in the footnotes below.
  2. Some products have been tested specifically with alternate fasteners and have allowable load adjustment factors or reduced capacities published on the specific product page which may differ from the values calculated using this table.
  3. This table does not apply to SUR/L hangers or to hangers modified per the Hanger Options, or steel thicker than 10 gauge.
  4. Unless noted otherwise, fasteners shorter than 3" in length may not be substituted for specified joist nails in double-shear hangers (i.e. LUS, MUS, HUS, HHUS, HGUS). For applications involving pneumatic nails, refer to technical bulletin T-PNEUMATIC.
  5. Strong-Drive® SD Connector screw substitutions in this table do not apply to sloped, skewed or double-shear hangers. For additional information and specific allowable loads, see Strong-Drive SD Connector screws.
  6. Nails and Strong-Drive SD Connector screws may not be combined in a connection.
  7. Do not substitute 10dx1 1/2" nails for face nails on slope and skew combinations or skewed only LSU and LSSU.
  8. For straps installed over sheathing use a 2 1/2" long fastener minimum.
  9. Where noted, use 0.80 for 10 ga, 11 ga, and 12 ga products when using SPF lumber.
  10. Where noted, use 0.92 for 10 ga, 11 ga, and 12 ga products when using SPF lumber.