The Simpson CCQ78SDS2.5 Column Cap from Simpson Strong-Tie delivers a high-capacity column-to-beam connection engineered for demanding wood construction applications. Designed to fit a 6-3/4 in. wide beam and a nominal 8x post, this connector eliminates the need for additional brackets or braces by combining an extended bearing seat with heavy-duty fastening in a single, ready-to-install package. The seat extends beyond each side of the column to distribute load from the beam across a broader bearing surface, providing robust support at the connection point. Fabricated from 3-gauge steel with certified welds and a Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish, the CCQ78SDS2.5 ships complete with 30x 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws so installation can begin without sourcing additional hardware.

Key Features

• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included - 30 screws ship with the cap, so you can begin installation immediately without sourcing separate fasteners.
• Lower-profile SDS screw fastening - SDS screws sit closer to the surface than standard through-bolts, resulting in a cleaner, less obtrusive finished connection.
• Extended bearing seat beyond each side of the column - the additional bearing surface area distributes beam load more evenly across the column top, reducing stress concentration at the connection.
• Certified welds - weld quality is independently verified, giving builders and inspectors confidence in the structural integrity and load capacity of the connector.
• Increased uplift load capacity for earthquake and wind loading - enhanced uplift ratings make this cap appropriate for structures in high-wind or seismic zones where code-compliant uplift resistance is critical.
• Diamond holes for temporary fastening - allow the cap to be held in position during alignment before final fastening, reducing the chance of misplacement and saving installation time.
• 3-gauge steel construction - heavy-gauge material provides the thickness and rigidity needed for high-load column-to-beam applications in wood framing.
• Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish - factory-applied coating provides a consistent, professional appearance and a base level of corrosion resistance for the connector.

Why This Product

• A complete, bracket-and-brace-free connection in one connector - the CCQ series is designed to generally eliminate the need for additional brackets or braces, simplifying layout and reducing the number of components required at each post-to-beam joint.
• Faster installation with a lower profile - Strong-Drive SDS screws drive quickly without pre-drilling through the full member, attach to a greater net section area of the column than a bolt attachment normally entails, and keep hardware from protruding beyond the connector profile.
• Built for high-wind and seismic environments - uplift loads have been specifically increased for earthquake and wind loading, making this column cap a dependable choice for structures where lateral and uplift forces govern the design.
• Trusted fabrication quality - certified welds and heavy 3-gauge steel construction mean every connector leaves the factory meeting the strength and loading standards that structural connections in wood construction demand.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): CCQ78SDS2.5
• Beam Width: 6-3/4 in.
• Width 1: 6-7/8 in.
• Width 2: 7-1/2 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Nominal Post Size: 8x
• Steel Gauge: 3-Gauge
• Finish / Coating: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Fastener Type: 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws
• Fastener Quantity: 30 screws included (Model: SDS25212)
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

The CCQ78SDS2.5 is designed for column-to-beam connections in wood construction where a strong, load-distributing interface is required. The extended bearing seat makes it particularly well-suited for applications where beam load distribution across the column top is critical. The increased uplift load capacity makes it appropriate for structures located in high-wind or seismic zones. This column cap is intended for use with a 6-3/4 in. wide beam and a nominal 8x post.

What's Included

• 1x Simpson Strong-Tie CCQ78SDS2.5 Column Cap
• 30x 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws (Model: SDS25212)

Installation Note: Install with (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are provided with the column cap. Lag screws will not achieve the same load.

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders
• The CCOQ and ECCOQ column cap only (no straps) may be ordered for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Dimensions are the same as the CCQ and ECCQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What beam width and post size is the CCQ78SDS2.5 designed to fit?

The CCQ78SDS2.5 is specifically designed for a 6-3/4 in. wide beam and a nominal 8x post, making it suitable for heavy timber construction applications requiring a secure column-to-beam connection.

What fasteners are included, and how many are required for installation?

The CCQ78SDS2.5 includes 30 Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws sized 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. (Model: SDS25212). These screws ship with the column cap, so no separate fastener purchase is necessary for a standard installation.

Why use SDS screws instead of standard through bolts for this column cap?

The Strong-Drive SDS screws attach to a greater net section area of the column than a standard bolt connection typically allows, while also providing a lower profile than through bolts for a cleaner finished appearance on the assembly.

What material and finish is used on the CCQ78SDS2.5, and is it rated for high-load applications?

The CCQ78SDS2.5 is fabricated from 3-gauge steel with certified welds and finished in Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint. The certified welds provide confidence in strength and load performance, and uplift loads have been increased to address earthquake or wind loading demands.