Simpson Strong-Tie .162" x 2-1/2" 33 deg. Smooth Shank Connector Nail, Hot-Dip Galvanized is a pneumatic-driven structural connector nail engineered as a direct replacement for hand-driven 8d, 10d, and 16d common nails in a wide range of Simpson Strong-Tie connector applications. Featuring a full round smooth head, 8-gauge smooth shank, and 33 deg. paper tape collation, these nails are designed to maximize efficiency and accuracy when fastening structural connectors with compatible pneumatic nailers. The hot-dip galvanized coating delivers durable corrosion resistance, making these nails suitable for demanding construction environments and pressure-treated lumber applications.

Key Features

• 33 deg. paper tape collation - compatible with a wide variety of popular pneumatic nailers, enabling faster installation compared to hand-driving and reducing installer fatigue on high-volume connector jobs
• Full round smooth head (0.285" diameter) - provides maximum bearing surface against connector flanges, helping achieve full load values when installing Simpson Strong-Tie connectors
• Smooth shank, 0.162" diameter, 8 gauge - sized to replace 16d common nails in approved connector applications, delivering consistent holding performance without overdriving risk
• Hot-dip galvanized finish - provides a heavy, uniform zinc coating that resists corrosion in outdoor environments and is compatible with pressure-treated lumber used in structural framing
• 2-1/2" length (16d penny size) - long enough to achieve proper embedment depth in structural connector applications, meeting the requirements for many common Simpson Strong-Tie products
• Tested and approved for use in Simpson Strong-Tie products - removes guesswork for installers and inspectors by confirming the nail meets structural performance criteria for the connectors it fastens

Why This Product

• Pneumatic nailers with a hole-locating mechanism position nails precisely through connector holes, making this collated nail a more convenient and efficient alternative to hand-driving when installing Simpson Strong-Tie structural connectors at scale
• The 33 deg. paper tape collation format is broadly compatible with popular pneumatic nailer brands and models, reducing the chance of tooling conflicts on the job site
• Hot-dip galvanizing provides a corrosion-resistant barrier suited to outdoor structural framing and pressure-treated lumber environments where bare or lightly coated nails would degrade over time
• Because these nails have been specifically tested and approved for use in many Simpson Strong-Tie connector products, they support code-compliant installations and give builders confidence that load ratings are preserved

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Penny Size: 16d
• Gauge: 8
• Length: 2-1/2 in.
• Shank Diameter: 0.162 in.
• Shank Type: Smooth Shank
• Head Diameter: 0.285 in.
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Smooth Head
• Collation Angle: 33 deg.
• Collation Type: Paper Tape
• Coating: Hot-Dip Galvanized
• Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized
• Color: None

Available Pack Options

• N16HDGPT500: 500 Pk
• N16HDGPT2000: 2000 PK

Approved Applications

• Fastening Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these nails replace standard hand-driven 16d common nails in Simpson Strong-Tie connector installations?

Yes. These connector nails are specifically designed and tested to replace 8d, 10d, and 16d common nails in a variety of Simpson Strong-Tie connector applications, allowing installers to use compatible pneumatic nailers instead of hand-driving for improved speed and consistency.

What type of collation do these nails use, and why does it matter?

These nails use 33 deg. paper tape collation. This collation angle is compatible with a wide variety of popular pneumatic nailers, and the paper tape format is commonly accepted by many tool brands used in structural framing work. Compatible nailer models include tools from Bostitch, Grip-Rite, Hitachi, Paslode, and Senco, among others.

Are these nails suitable for use with pressure-treated lumber?

The hot-dip galvanized coating provides a corrosion-resistant finish that is appropriate for use in outdoor and pressure-treated lumber environments. Always verify compatibility with your specific project's requirements and local building codes.

What is the head diameter and why is a full round head important for connector nailing?

The head diameter is 0.285 in. A full round smooth head maximizes the bearing surface against connector flanges, which is the best approach for achieving full load values when fastening Simpson Strong-Tie structural connectors - an important factor in maintaining the structural integrity of the connection.