The Simpson 8-3/4 x 4 Column Cap with SDS Screws is a heavy-duty structural connector engineered for reliable column-to-beam connections in wood framing. Designed by Simpson to handle the demands of structural applications subject to earthquake and wind loading, this column cap features an extended bearing seat that distributes load from the beam across a broader surface area, reducing stress at the connection point and supporting long-term structural integrity.

Key Features

• Included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws - the column cap ships with the required 1/4" x 2-1/2" fasteners, so installation can begin immediately without sourcing hardware separately.
• Low-profile SDS screw fastening - screws sit lower than standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner, less obtrusive connection that is easier to work around during and after installation.
• Greater net section area attachment - SDS screws engage more of the column's net section than a typical bolt attachment, improving load transfer and overall connection strength.
• Extended bearing seat design - the seat projects beyond each side of the column, distributing beam load over a larger area and providing robust support for heavy structural framing.
• Increased uplift load values - engineered to meet the demands of earthquake and high-wind applications where greater resistance to uplift forces is required.
• Certified welds - weld quality is verified for confidence in strength and load performance across structural framing applications.
• 3 gauge steel construction - heavy-gauge material supports demanding load requirements in column-to-beam connections.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for demanding structural connections - the extended seat and SDS fastening system work together to deliver enhanced load distribution and uplift resistance, making this column cap well suited for wood framing projects in seismic and high-wind zones.
• Faster, cleaner installation than through-bolt alternatives - the included SDS screws drive without pre-drilling through the full column section, saving time on the job site while maintaining a lower profile at the finished connection.
• Everything needed arrives with the connector - the required 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws are provided with the column cap, eliminating a separate trip to the fastener aisle and reducing the chance of using an incorrect fastener.
• American-made quality from a trusted structural hardware brand - produced in the United States by Simpson, this column cap carries the engineering standards and certified weld quality that structural framing professionals rely on.

Specifications

• Model Number: CCQ94SDS2.5
• Size: 8-3/4 x Beam, 4x Post
• Thickness: 3 gauge
• Finish: Gray Paint
• Beam Width: 8-3/4 in.
• Width 1: 8-7/8 in.
• Width 2: 3-5/8 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Column-to-beam connections in wood construction
• Structural framing requiring enhanced load distribution from beam to column
• Applications subject to earthquake or wind loading where increased uplift load values are required
• Projects requiring low-profile fastener connections in place of standard through bolts

What's Included

• CCQ94SDS2.5 Column Cap
• 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (provided with the column cap)

Installation Notes

Install with 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are provided with the column cap. Lag screws will not achieve the same load.

CCOQ and ECCOQ column cap only (no straps) may be ordered for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Dimensions are the same as CCQ and ECCQ.

For rough-cut lumber sizes, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of screws should be used to install the CCQ94SDS2.5?

Install with 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are provided with the column cap. Lag screws will not achieve the same load.

Why are SDS screws preferred over standard through bolts for this column cap?

The 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 entails, resulting in a stronger, cleaner connection.

Is this column cap suitable for use in high-wind or seismic zones?

Yes. Uplift loads have been increased for earthquake or wind loading, making the CCQ94SDS2.5 appropriate for applications requiring enhanced resistance to these forces.