The Simpson HDUE 14-11/16 in. Galvanized Predeflected Holdown with Strong-Drive SDS Screws is a heavy-duty connector engineered by Simpson to deliver exceptional overturning resistance in shearwall, braced wall panel, and lateral-force-resisting applications throughout wood construction. Built from 14-gauge steel with a G90 zinc galvanized finish, this holdown combines a predeflected seat, an overlapping back plate, and an angled fastening system to maximize load capacity, control deflection, and protect wood posts from splitting - making it a dependable solution for modern residential structural connections.

Key Features

• Predeflected seat - reduces deflection under load so the connection maintains tighter tolerances and performs more reliably in lateral-force-resisting applications.
• Angled fastening system - engages the Strong-Drive SDS screws in tension for higher load capacity, reducing the total number of screws required and speeding up installation.
• Angled fastening tabs with offset holes on the second back plate - guide each fastener to the correct 45 deg. angle automatically and physically block straight-in driving, ensuring proper installation every time.
• Overlapping back plate - increases fastener strength and shear values while helping prevent post splitting, adding a critical layer of structural integrity at the connection point.
• Optimized screw patterns - reduce splitting at the end of the post and maximize individual fastener capacity so each screw contributes its full load-carrying potential.
• Extruded seat - adds a greater cross-sectional steel section for added strength, giving the seat itself a higher load-bearing capacity than a standard formed seat.
• Teardrop holes - allow higher and more even distribution of load across the connector, reducing stress concentrations that could compromise long-term performance.
• 14-gauge steel with G90 galvanized finish - provides the structural rigidity and corrosion resistance needed for exposed or demanding installation environments.
• Includes all required wood-side fasteners - ships with 13 Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws and a crescent washer, so the wood-side installation is ready to go straight from the package.

Why This Product

• Engineered to minimize deflection from the start - the predeflected seat design addresses one of the most common performance limitations in holdown connections, helping shearwall systems stay within tighter displacement tolerances under real lateral loads.
• Fewer fasteners needed without sacrificing capacity - the angled tension-engaging screw system delivers higher load capacity per fastener, which means less labor, less material, and reduced risk of splitting the post during installation.
• Built-in installation accuracy - the angled tabs and offset blocking holes remove guesswork by physically guiding every screw to the correct 45 deg. angle, reducing the chance of an installation error that could compromise the connection's rated performance.
• Hardware-complete and ready to install on the wood side - with the Strong-Drive SDS screws and crescent washer included, contractors can move directly to installation without sourcing separate fasteners, keeping the job on schedule.

Specifications

• Model Number: HDUE7-SDS3
• Height: 14-11/16 in.
• Width: 2-7/8 in.
• Gauge: 14
• Coating/Finish: Zinc Galvanized, G90
• Installation Hardware: Install with 5/8 in. anchor bolt and (13) 1/4 in. x 3 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (included)
• Seat Depth: 3-3/8 in.
• Centerline: 1-3/8 in.
• Screw Offset: 1-1/2 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Securing shearwalls in residential wood construction
• Braced wall panel connections
• Lateral-force-resisting applications in wood structures

What's Included

Each pack contains (1) HDUE7-SDS3 Galvanized Predeflected Holdown, (13) 1/4 in. x 3 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws and (1) crescent washer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the predeflected seat do on the HDUE7-SDS3?

The predeflected seat is engineered to reduce deflection under load, helping the holdown maintain tighter tolerances and better performance in lateral-force-resisting applications compared to non-predeflected designs.

Why does the HDUE7-SDS3 use angled fastening rather than straight-in screws?

The angled fastening tabs drive each fastener at a 45 deg. angle, engaging the Strong-Drive SDS screws in tension for higher load capacity. Offset holes on the second back plate also prevent screws from being driven straight, ensuring the correct installation angle is achieved every time.

What hardware is needed to install the HDUE7-SDS3?

Installation requires a 5/8 in. anchor bolt (not included) and (13) 1/4 in. x 3 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are included with the holdown along with a crescent washer.

How does the overlapping back plate benefit the HDUE7-SDS3's performance?

The overlapping back plate increases fastener strength and shear values while helping prevent post splitting. Combined with optimized screw patterns that reduce splitting at the end of the post, this design maximizes individual fastener capacity for a stronger, more reliable connection.

Note: Product dimensions and/or screw or bolt holes may differ from picture.