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connector-holes-fastener-types

Guide on fastener types and sizes specified for use with our connectors to achieve published loads for optimal connector performance.

Connector Holes and Specified Fastener Types

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<h1>Connector Fastener Types</h1>



<div class="row">
  <div class="col-md-6">
    <p> 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. For more information about fasteners, see our <a href="/resources/literature/fastening-systems-catalog">Fastening Systems catalog</a > or access our <a href="/products/fastening-systems/fastener-finder">Fastener Finder web application</a >. See additional <a href="/products/connectors/wood-construction-connectors/technical-notes/nails">Strong-Drive&reg; Connector Nail</a > and <a href="/products/fastening-systems/technical-notes/sd-connector-screw-approved-connectors">Strong-Drive&reg; SD Structural-Connector Screw</a > information. </p>
    <p>&nbsp;</p>
    <div class="image la"> <img
		alt="Designed For Connectors"
		src="http://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/ovzwd49bce/exact/C-C-2019-PG-21-A-Designed-For-Connectors.jpeg" height="80"
	  /> </div>
    <p> The Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SD Connector screw is the only screw
      approved for use with our connectors. <a
		href="/products/fastening-systems/technical-notes/sd-connector-screw-approved-connectors"
		>See more information</a
	  >. </p>
    <div class="image la"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/0y4buvhzh6/C-C-2019-PG-21-C-Stainless-Steel-Icon.svg"
		alt="Stainless Steel Icon" height="31"
	  /> </div>
    <p> The allowable loads of stainless-steel connectors match those of
      carbon-steel connectors when installed with Simpson Strong-Tie
      stainless-steel, SCNR Ring Shank nails. For more information, refer to
      engineering letter <a href="/search/?q=L-F-SSNAILS">L-F-SSNAILS</a>. </p>
    <p> Fasteners are drawn to scale. Nail diameter assumes no coating. Screw diameter refers to shank diameter. </p>
  </div>
  <div class="col-md-6 col-sm-8 col-xs-8">
    <div class="image"> <img
		alt="Connector Sizes"
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/apteplbvrw/800px@2x/F_FastenerTypes_ProdIll_Ill_Prod_C-C-2021_CY.png"
	  /> </div>
  </div>
</div>


<div class="row">
  <div class="col-sm-12">
    <h3>Fastener Design Information</h3>
    <p> In some cases, it is desirable to install Simpson Strong-Tie face-mount joist hangers, post bases and caps, and straight straps and 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. </p>
  </div>
</div>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-sm-9">
    <h5> Load Adjustment Factors for Optional Fasteners Used with Face-Mount
      Hangers, Post Bases and Caps, and Straight Straps </h5>
    <div class="image"> <img
		alt="Load Adjustment Factors Table"
		src="https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/content/s2chvnjqh1/jpeg/C-C-2021-p022a_updated-2023-12.jpeg?quality=80"
	  /> </div>
    <ol>
      <li> Allowable load adjustment factors shown in the table are applicable to all face-mount hangers, post bases and caps, and straight straps throughout this catalog, except as noted in the footnotes below. </li>
      <li> Some products have been tested specifically with alternative fasteners and have allowable load adjustment factors or reduced capacities published on the specific product page or strongtie.com. Values published on the product page or strongtie.com may be used in lieu of using this table. </li>
      <li> This table does not apply to SUR/SUL/HSUR/HSUL/LSU/LSSR<sup>&trade;</sup>/LSSJ<sup>&trade;</sup> hangers or to hangers modified per allowed options, or to connectors made from steel thicker than 10 ga. </li>
      <li> Strong-Drive<sup>&reg;</sup> SD Connector screw substitutions in this table do not apply to sloped, skewed, or double-shear hangers. Strong-Drive SD Connector screws may be used in these connectors. For additional information and specific allowable loads, refer to <a href="/products/fastening-systems/technical-notes/sd-connector-screw-approved-connectors">strongtie.com/sd</a >. Where published allowable loads are for installation with #10 SD screws, multiply by 0.83 to obtain allowable loads for #9 SD screws. </li>
      <li> Nails and Strong-Drive SD Connector screws may not be combined in a connection. </li>
      <li> Do not substitute 0.148" x 1 1/2" nails for face nails in slope and skew combinations or in skewed-only LSU. </li>
      <li> For straps installed over 5/8" maximum wood structural panel sheathing, use a 2 1/2"-long fastener minimum. </li>
      <li> Where noted, use 0.80 for 10 ga., 11 ga., and 12 ga. products when using SPF lumber. </li>
      <li> Where noted, use 0.92 for 10 ga., 11 ga., and 12 ga. products when using SPF lumber. </li>
      <li> Where noted, 1 1/2"-long fasteners may be substituted for the specified fastener into the header only; double-shear fasteners shall be minimum 2 1/2" long. </li>
    </ol>
  </div>
  <div class="col-md-3 col-xs-6">
    <h4>For LUS, MUS, HUS, LRU, HHUS and HGUS<sup>&trade;</sup> Hangers</h4>
    <div class="image"> <img
		alt="Double Shear Nailing Example"
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/sq9tajomy1/400px@2x/Doubleshear_Correctinstall.png"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption"> Double-shear nailing shall use minimum 2 1/2"-long nails or 2 1/2"-long
        SD screws </div>
    </div>
    <div class="image"> <img
		alt="Shorter Fasteners Example"
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/acstne8jjk/400px@2x/Doubleshear_Misinstall.png"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption"> Shorter fasteners may not be used as double-shear nails </div>
    </div>
    <h4>Over-Driven Nails in Connectors and Straps</h4>
    <p> A nail that is installed such that the head deforms the steel of the
      connector or strap is considered over-driven. Extra care to prevent
      over-driven nails should be taken when installing power-driven nails.
      Simpson Strong‑Tie has evaluated the effect of over-driven nails in
      connectors and straps. No load reductions for connectors or straps apply
      as a result of over-driven nails if all of the following conditions are
      met: </p>
    <ul>
      <li>Connectors and straps are 14-, 16-, or 18-gauge steel.</li>
      <li> The top of the nail head is not driven past flush with the face of the
        metal hardware. </li>
      <li> The nail goes through an existing fastener hole without enlarging it. </li>
      <li> The steel around the hole is not torn or damaged other than denting
        caused by the nail head. </li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>


<h2>Fastening Identification</h2>
<div class="notice">
  <div class="icon icon-info"></div>
  <div class="notice__content"> Also see <a
	  href="/products/connectors/wood-construction-connectors/technical-notes/fastener-types-and-sizes"
	  >fastener types and nails</a
	>. </div>
</div>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image" style="text-align: center;"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/bfroyqcru0/C-C-2019-PG-20-F-Round-Holes-Example.svg"
		alt="Round Holes Example" height="15%"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Round Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Purpose: To fasten a connector.<br>
        <br>
        Fill Requirements: Always fill, unless noted otherwise. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/r1n6yj6bho/C-C-2019-PG-20-G-Obround-Holes-Example.svg"
		alt="Obround Holes Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Obround Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Purpose: To make fastening a connector in a tight location easier.<br>
        <br>
        Fill Requirements: Always fill, unless noted otherwise. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="http://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/p1uav4genh/exact/Square_hole.png"
		alt="Obround Holes Example" width="90"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Square Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Purpose: To fasten a connector.<br>
        <br>
        Fill Requirements: Always fill, unless noted otherwise. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/sufwd1i7dc/C-C-2019-PG-20-H-Hexagonal-Holes-Example.svg"
		alt="Hexagonal Holes Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Hexagonal Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Purpose: To fasten a connector to concrete or masonry.<br>
        <br>
        Fill Requirements: Always fill when fastening a connector to concrete or
        masonry. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/1zt36nhvel/C-C-2019-PG-20-I-Triangular-Holes-Example.svg"
		alt="Triangular Holes Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Triangular Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Purpose: To increase a connector’s strength or to achieve max.
        strength.<br>
        <br>
        Fill Requirements: When the Designer specifies max. nailing. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/msofq8j88c/C-C-2019-PG-20-J-Diamond-Holes-Example.svg"
		alt="Diamond Holes Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Diamond Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Purpose: To temporarily fasten a connector to make installing it
        easier.<br>
        <br>
        Fill Requirements: None. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/wyk5rkaqux/C-C-2019-PG-20-K-Pilot-Hole-Example.svg"
		alt="Pilot Hole Example" width="90"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Pilot Holes</strong><br>
        <br>
        Tooling holes for manufacturing purposes. No fasteners required. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/jkjhtjzskh/C-C-2019-PG-20-L-Speed-Prongs-Example.svg"
		alt="Speed Prongs Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Speed Prongs</strong><br>
        <br>
        Used to temporarily position and secure the connector for easier and
        faster installation. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/g1pfmdshhe/C-C-2019-PG-20-M-Positive-Angle-Nailing.svg"
		alt="ositive Angle Nailing"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Positive Angle Nailing (PAN)</strong><br>
        <br>
        Provided when wood splitting may occur, and to speed installation. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/jj3tindmed/C-C-2019-PG-20-N-Dome-Nailing.svg"
		alt="Dome Nailing"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Dome Nailing</strong><br>
        <br>
        This feature guides the nail into the joist and header at a 45° angle. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/cxruwwlzrb/C-C-2019-PG-20-O-Double-Shear-Nailing-Example.svg"
		alt="Double Shear Nailing Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>Double-Shear Nailing</strong><br>
        <br>
        The nail is installed into the joist and header, distributing the load through two points on each joist nail for greater strength. Double-shear nailing must be full-length catalog nail. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-sm-6 col-md-3">
    <div class="image"> <img
		src="https://embed.widencdn.net/svg/ssttoolbox/airs6r4jy4/C-C-2019-PG-20-P-ITS-IUS-Strong-Grip-Example.svg"
		alt="ITS IUS Strong Grip Example"
	  />
      <div class="image-caption" style="text-align: left;"> <strong>ITS/IUS Strong-Grip</strong><br>
        <br>
        The Strong-Grip<sup>&trade;</sup> seat allows the I-joist to “snap” in securely without the need for joist nails. </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</div>

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