The Simpson Column Cap 8-3/4 x 6 with SDS Screws and Rotated Straps is a heavy-duty structural connector engineered for wood-to-wood column-to-beam connections in post-and-beam framing. Designed by Simpson for residential and commercial construction, this column cap features 90 deg. rotated straps and is installed using 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws - making it a practical, performance-focused solution for framing applications subject to high uplift forces from seismic or wind loading.

Key Features

• 90 deg. Rotated Straps - Straps are oriented at 90 deg., accommodating framing configurations where a standard strap orientation would not fit, giving builders flexibility on complex post-and-beam layouts.
• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screw Installation - Fastening with SDS screws rather than through-bolts is faster in the field and engages a greater net section area of the column, supporting stronger load transfer at the connection point.
• Extended Seat Bearing Surface - The seat of the column cap extends beyond each side of the column, distributing beam load across a wider area for a more solid, stable structural connection.
• High-Load Uplift Resistance - Engineered to resist high uplift forces from both earthquake and wind loading, making this cap suitable for demanding structural applications in seismic and high-wind regions.
• Gray Paint Finish - The factory-applied gray paint finish provides a layer of surface protection suited to interior framing environments and typical construction conditions.
• SDS Screws Included - The required 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws are provided with the column cap, so installers have the correct fasteners on hand without sourcing them separately.

Why This Product

• Built for seismic and wind-critical connections - This column cap is specifically approved for applications subject to high uplift forces from seismic and wind loading, giving builders and engineers a reliable hardware choice where structural performance requirements are highest.
• Faster installation without sacrificing load capacity - The use of Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws eliminates the need for through-bolting, speeding up installation while achieving load values that lag screws cannot match - an important distinction called out in the installation guidance.
• Rotated strap design solves real framing challenges - The 90 deg. rotated straps make this cap the right choice when framing geometry calls for a different strap orientation than a standard column cap provides, reducing the need for field modifications or custom fabrication.
• Domestic-made Simpson hardware for post-and-beam framing - Produced in the United States under the Simpson brand, this column cap brings consistent manufacturing quality to structural wood framing connections in both residential and commercial construction.

Specifications

• Model Number: CCQ96SDS2.5ROT
• Strap Orientation: 90 deg. Rotated Straps
• Beam Size: 8-3/4x
• Post Size: 6x
• Thickness (Gauge): 3 gauge
• Finish: Gray Paint
• 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.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Wood-to-wood column-to-beam structural connections in post-and-beam framing
• Residential and commercial construction requiring high-load column cap connections
• Applications subject to high uplift forces from seismic (earthquake) loading
• Applications subject to high uplift forces from wind loading
• Framing configurations requiring rotated (90 deg.) strap orientation
• Field installation where fast screw-driven fastening is preferred over through-bolt methods

What's Included

• 1 x CCQ96SDS2.5ROT Column Cap (Rotated Straps)
• 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.
• Important: Lag screws will not achieve the same load as SDS screws and should not be substituted.
• 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 custom configurations or project-specific requirements, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the rotated straps on the CCQ96SDS2.5ROT different from a standard column cap?

The straps on this column cap are oriented at 90 degrees relative to a standard configuration, making it suitable for specific framing layouts that require an alternate strap direction that a conventional column cap cannot accommodate.

Why are SDS screws used instead of standard through bolts?

Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts while engaging a greater net section area of the column, which supports stronger attachment and faster installation without the need for pre-drilling large bolt holes.

Is this column cap appropriate for use in areas subject to earthquake or wind loading?

Yes. The CCQ96SDS2.5ROT features increased uplift loads specifically designed to address the demands of earthquake or wind loading, making it a suitable choice for structural framing applications in high-load environments.

What is the purpose of the diamond-shaped holes on this column cap?

The diamond-shaped holes are designed to allow for temporary fastening during installation, helping to hold the cap in place while permanent fasteners are being applied, which can simplify the installation process.