Categories: Framing

Using Metal Hangers/Connectors For Wood Framing

One of the great products available for construction these days are the metal hangers and connectors. Almost every house built today uses some type of hanger to connect joists, beams and posts. We use a multitude of these hangers everyday. We use them for joists, trusses, beams, headers, posts, columns and walls.

A great resource for helping you select the proper connector is Simpson Strong-Tie. The site has tons of hangers for every type of connection you can think of. They even have a cool free software selector that you can download.

The nice thing about using these types of hangers and connection plates is you can create much stronger mechanical connections. Instead of relying on “toe-nailing” or end nailing you can make connections that rely on the fasteners in shear. The shear strength of nails is much higher than a nail in tension pulling out of wood.

Keep your eyes open for these great devices and ask about them at your local lumber yard. Most lumber yards have staff that are qualified to help you select the correct product for your needs.

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

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View Comments

Paul says:
November 15, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Todd, You are right about using joist hangers. I used the galvanized hangers when I built the deck last summer. They also make it easier work because they hold up the piece you are nailing so you can use both hands. I used stainless steel square drive screws for my deck frame, tow screwing in from each side.