The Simpson NCA2X10-16 NCA 20-Gauge Galvanized Nailless Bridging from Simpson delivers essential bracing between floor joists, making a critical contribution to the structural strength of a floor system. Installed in pairs, this nailless compression bridging keeps joists in place, prevents rotation, and distributes loads across more than one joist - all without requiring nails. Precision-formed v-shaped prongs provide a secure grip before the drive-home blow, driving deeper for a firm, squeak-free connection that holds reliably throughout the life of the floor.

Key Features

• Keeps floor system continuity and prevents joist rotation - maintains proper joist alignment over time, protecting the long-term integrity of the entire floor assembly.
• Installs with built-in prongs that eliminate nail squeaks - no nails means no nail-related squeaking, giving you a quieter, more stable finished floor.
• Precision-formed into a rigid "V" section - the formed profile resists flex and compression, ensuring the bridging holds its shape and stays firmly seated between joists.
• May be installed before or after sheathing, from the top or bottom - flexible installation timing adapts to your workflow and fits various stages of framing and construction.
• Fits nominal 2x10 and 2x16 joists at 16-in. on-center spacing - engineered for a specific, precise fit that ensures full contact and reliable performance with compatible joist sizes.
• Made from 20-gauge steel - provides a consistent, rigid structure that holds up under the compression forces typical of floor joist bracing applications.
• Galvanized with a G90 zinc coating - corrosion-resistant finish helps the bridging hold up in environments where moisture exposure is a concern.

Why This Product

• No nails, no squeaks, no callbacks - the built-in prong system locks into the joist without nails, eliminating the loose fasteners and nail movement that commonly cause floor squeaking after installation.
• Structural performance in a simple, one-piece design - installed in pairs, these compression bridging units brace joists against rotation and spread loads across multiple joists, adding meaningful structural continuity to the floor system with minimal hardware.
• Installation flexibility that fits real job-site conditions - because it can be driven from either the top or bottom of the joist bay, before or after subfloor sheathing is applied, this bridging works around your schedule rather than dictating it.
• Built to last with G90 galvanized steel - the zinc galvanized finish and 20-gauge steel construction mean this bridging is built for durability, not just ease of installation, making it a dependable long-term component of any wood-framed floor system.

Specifications

• Model Number: NCA2X10-16
• Gauge: 20
• Bridging Length: 15-13/16 in.
• Nominal Joist Size: 2x10, 2x16
• Joist Spacing: 16 in.
• Coating: Zinc Galvanized, G90
• Finish: Zinc Galvanized, G90
• Country of Origin: United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this called "nailless" bridging and what holds it in place?

The Simpson NCA2X10-16 uses precision-formed v-shaped prongs instead of nails. These prongs provide a secure grip on the joist before the final drive-home blow, which drives them deeper for a firm, squeak-free installation - no nails or additional fasteners required.

When can the NCA2X10-16 be installed - before or after the subfloor sheathing is applied?

This nailless compression bridging offers flexible installation timing. It may be installed before or after sheathing, and can be driven in from either the top or the bottom of the joist bay, making it adaptable to various stages of construction.

What joist sizes and spacing is the NCA2X10-16 designed for?

The NCA2X10-16 is designed for nominal 2x10 and 2x16 joist sizes at 16-inch on-center spacing, with a bridging length of 15-13/16 inches.

Does this bridging need to be installed in pairs?

Yes. The NCA nailless compression bridging is designed to be installed in pairs. Installing them in pairs ensures joists are fully braced, prevents rotation, and allows loads to be distributed across more than one joist for optimal floor system performance.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture.