The Simpson CCQ96SDS2.5 is a heavy-duty column cap from Simpson Strong-Tie engineered to deliver strong, reliable column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Sized for an 8-3/4 in. beam and a nominal 6x post, this cap 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 overall connection. Built from 3-gauge steel with certified welds and a Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish, the CCQ96SDS2.5 is purpose-built for structural applications where uplift resistance from earthquake or wind loading is a priority. Installation is streamlined with included 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which attach to a greater net section area of the column than a standard bolt attachment normally provides - eliminating the need for additional brackets or braces in most applications.

Key Features

• Strong-Drive SDS screw installation - provides a lower profile than standard through bolts and attaches to a greater net section area of the column, resulting in a cleaner, stronger connection
• Extended seat with additional bearing surface - distributes load from the beam beyond each side of the column, improving structural support at the connection point
• Certified welds - gives builders and inspectors confidence in the cap's strength and load-carrying performance on the job site
• Increased uplift load ratings - engineered to meet the demands of seismic and high-wind environments, making this cap a sound choice for earthquake and wind-load construction zones
• Diamond holes for temporary fastening - allow the cap to be held in position during layout and alignment before final fastening, simplifying the installation process
• 3-gauge steel construction - delivers the heavy-duty structural integrity required for demanding column-beam applications
• Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish - provides a consistent, finished appearance suitable for exposed structural connections

Why This Product

• A complete, ready-to-install connection solution - the CCQ96SDS2.5 ships with (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included, so installers have everything needed for a code-compliant installation right out of the box with no separate fastener sourcing required
• Built to handle seismic and wind uplift demands - uplift loads have been specifically increased for earthquake and wind loading scenarios, making this cap well-suited for projects in high-risk structural zones where connection integrity is non-negotiable
• SDS screws outperform bolts at the connection - by fastening to a greater net section area of the column than a bolt attachment normally allows, the Strong-Drive SDS screws deliver a stronger, lower-profile connection that simplifies installation without compromising load performance
• Designed to simplify wood construction framing - Simpson Strong-Tie column caps are sized to generally eliminate the need for additional brackets or braces, reducing both material costs and installation time on column-to-beam connections

Specifications

• Model Number: CCQ96SDS2.5
• Member Size: 8-3/4 in. beam, nominal 6x post
• Beam Width: 8-3/4 in.
• Width 1: 8-7/8 in.
• Width 2: 5-1/2 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Steel Gauge: 3-gauge
• Finish / Coating: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Wood construction column-to-beam connections requiring high uplift resistance
• Structural connections in seismic (earthquake) load zones
• Structural connections in high-wind load environments
• Applications requiring an 8-3/4 in. beam and nominal 6x post connection
• Projects where a lower fastener profile than standard through bolts is required

What's Included

This column cap ships complete with (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212) - everything needed for a code-compliant installation right out of the box.

Important Installation Note: Install with the included 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws. Lag screws will not achieve the same load.

Related Products

Looking for a column cap only (no straps) for field-welding to pipe or other columns? The CCOQ and ECCOQ column cap only versions may be ordered for that purpose. Dimensions are the same as the CCQ and ECCQ. Contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What beam and post sizes is the CCQ96SDS2.5 compatible with?

The CCQ96SDS2.5 is specifically sized for an 8-3/4 in. beam and a nominal 6x post, making it important to confirm your lumber dimensions match before installation.

What fasteners are required, and are they included?

Installation requires 30 of the 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212), which are included with the column cap. No additional fasteners are needed for a standard installation.

Why use SDS screws instead of standard through bolts?

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, resulting in a cleaner connection without sacrificing structural performance.

Is this column cap suitable for high-wind or seismic applications?

Yes. The CCQ96SDS2.5 features increased uplift load capacity specifically to meet the demands of earthquake or wind loading, and its certified welds provide additional confidence in strength and load-bearing performance under these conditions.