The Simpson CCQ84SDS2.5 Column Cap is a heavy-duty structural connector sized for 8x beam to 4x post connections in wood construction. Its extended seat design provides additional bearing surface beyond each side of the column, helping to distribute beam loads more effectively across the connection. Fastened with included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, this column cap allows for faster, cleaner installation that engages a greater net section area of the column compared to standard through-bolt methods - making it a reliable choice for residential and commercial framing applications where uplift resistance under earthquake and wind loading is essential.

Key Features

• Extended Seat Bearing Surface - the seat reaches beyond each side of the column, distributing beam loads more broadly and strengthening the overall connection at the joint
• SDS Screw Fastening - Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws are included, enabling faster installation without the need for pre-drilling while attaching to a greater net section area than a standard bolted connection
• Low-Profile Design - the connector stays close to the column and beam faces, keeping the hardware visually unobtrusive and compatible with tight framing assemblies
• 3 Gauge Steel Construction - heavy-gauge steel provides the structural integrity needed for demanding load conditions, including lateral forces from wind and seismic events
• Gray Paint Finish - the factory-applied finish provides a consistent, clean appearance suitable for both exposed and concealed structural applications
• Field Welding Option Available - the CCOQ variant (no straps) can be ordered for field-welding to pipe or other column types, offering flexibility when wood-column installation is not the requirement

Why This Product

• Fasteners Included - the required 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws ship with the column cap, so the connection is ready to install without sourcing hardware separately
• Engineered for Uplift-Critical Applications - the connector is specifically approved for structural column-to-beam connections requiring enhanced uplift resistance, making it well suited for projects in earthquake or high-wind zones
• Supports Temporary Fastening During Assembly - the design accommodates temporary fastening while the structure is being aligned and assembled, giving installers flexibility during the framing process before final fastening
• Domestic Production - the CCQ84SDS2.5 is made in the United States, reflecting Simpson's commitment to consistent quality control for structural connectors used in load-bearing applications

Specifications

• Model Number: CCQ84SDS2.5
• Size: 8x Beam, 4x Post
• Thickness: 3 Gauge
• Finish: Gray Paint
• Beam Width: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 1: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 2: 3-5/8 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Wood column-to-beam structural connections in residential and commercial construction
• Applications requiring enhanced uplift resistance under earthquake or wind loading
• Connections where a low-profile fastener is preferred over standard through bolts
• Field installations requiring temporary fastening during assembly

Installation

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 same as CCQ and ECCQ.

What's Included

• 1x CCQ84SDS2.5 Column Cap
• 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (included with column cap)

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders

Frequently Asked Questions

What size beam and post is the CCQ84SDS2.5 designed for?

The CCQ84SDS2.5 is designed to connect an 8x beam to a 4x post, making it specifically sized for that beam-to-column configuration in wood construction.

What fasteners are used with this column cap, and are they included?

This column cap is designed specifically for use with Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are included with the product. These screws attach to a greater net section area of the column compared to standard bolt attachment.

What advantages does this cap offer over a standard bolt-attached column cap?

The SDS screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner, less obtrusive connection. Additionally, the screws attach to a greater net section area of the column than standard bolt attachment, and uplift loads have been increased to meet the demands of earthquake or wind loading applications.

What features help simplify installation of the CCQ84SDS2.5?

The cap includes diamond holes that allow for temporary fastening during installation, simplifying the assembly process. The extended seat bearing surface also helps stabilize the connection by distributing beam loads beyond each side of the column during and after installation.