The Simpson CCQ44SS-SDS2.5 is a 7-gauge stainless-steel column cap engineered to create strong, reliable column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Sized for nominal 4x beams and 4x posts, this heavy-duty connector features an extended seat that provides additional bearing surface area beyond each side of the column, helping distribute load from the beam and reinforcing the connection at its most critical point. The CCQ design uses Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws for fast installation, attaching to a greater net section area of the column than standard bolt attachment normally provides - and the complete hardware kit of 30 stainless-steel SDS screws is included so the connection is ready to install right out of the box.

Key Features

• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included - 30 stainless-steel 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. SDS screws are included, so no separate fastener purchase is needed and installation can begin immediately
• Lower-profile SDS screw attachment - SDS screws sit closer to the surface than standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner finished appearance and reducing interference with adjacent framing
• Extended seat bearing surface - the seat projects beyond each side of the column to distribute beam loads more broadly, reducing stress concentrations at the connection point
• Certified welds - every weld meets certification standards, giving buyers confidence in the structural integrity and load-carrying capacity of the connector
• Increased uplift loads for seismic and wind applications - uplift capacity has been engineered to meet the demands of earthquake and high-wind loading conditions, making this cap suitable for code-required lateral-force applications
• Stainless-steel construction rated for high and severe corrosion environments - the material and finish hold up in coastal, industrial, and other chemically aggressive settings where standard galvanized hardware would degrade over time
• Diamond holes for temporary fastening - allow the connector to be tacked in position during layout and alignment before final installation, reducing the chance of misalignment errors
• Made from 7-gauge steel - heavy-gauge construction delivers the wall thickness required for demanding structural load applications in wood-frame projects

Why This Product

• A complete, hardware-included connection solution - because the required stainless-steel SDS screws are packaged with the cap, buyers avoid the common frustration of receiving a structural connector and then hunting down compatible, code-required fasteners separately
• Built specifically for high-corrosion and severe-corrosion environments - the stainless-steel material and finish address a real gap in wood construction near coastlines, pools, or treated-lumber applications where standard hardware carries a high risk of premature corrosion-related failure
• Engineered for both gravity loads and lateral force events - the combination of extended bearing surface for load distribution and increased uplift capacity for seismic and wind loading means this single connector handles multiple structural demands without requiring supplemental brackets or braces
• Greater fastener engagement than traditional bolted connections - by using SDS screws that attach to a greater net section area of the column, the connection achieves strong load transfer while keeping the installation process fast and straightforward for the installing contractor

Specifications

• Model Number: CCQ44SS-SDS2.5
• Nominal Beam Width: 4x
• Beam Width: 3-1/2 in.
• Width 1: 3-5/8 in.
• Width 2: 3-5/8 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Nominal Post Size: 4x
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Gauge: 7-Gauge
• Corrosion Resistance: High / Severe
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Column-to-beam connections in wood construction
• Structural connections in high-corrosion and severe-corrosion environments
• Applications requiring increased uplift resistance for earthquake or wind loading
• 4x post and 4x beam connections where extended bearing surface support is required

What's Included

This column cap includes (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. stainless-steel Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model SDS25212SS). Stainless-steel fasteners are required for installation of stainless-steel connectors.

Related Products

• CCOQ - Column Cap Only (no straps), available for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Dimensions are the same as the CCQ.
• ECCOQ - End Column Cap Legs Omitted Quick-Install, available for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Dimensions are the same as the ECCQ.

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders

Frequently Asked Questions

What beam and post sizes is this column cap designed for?

The CCQ44SS-SDS2.5 is designed for a nominal 4x beam width and a nominal 4x post size, making it specifically suited for wood construction connections using those member sizes.

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

The column cap includes 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. stainless-steel Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model SDS25212SS). Installation requires 30 of these screws. Note that stainless-steel fasteners are required when installing stainless-steel connectors.

Why is stainless steel used for this column cap, and where is it best suited?

This column cap is made from 7-gauge stainless steel, which provides high and severe corrosion resistance. It is best suited for environments where exposure to moisture, salt, or other corrosive elements makes standard steel connectors unsuitable for long-term structural integrity.

How do the SDS screws compare to traditional through-bolt installation?

The Strong-Drive SDS screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts and attach to a greater net section area of the column than a bolt attachment normally allows. This results in superior load performance while simplifying installation.