The Simpson 8x8 Column Cap with Rotated Straps is a heavy-duty structural connector engineered for reliable column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Designed for 8x post and 8x beam assemblies, this connector features 90 deg. rotated straps that extend the bearing seat beyond each side of the column, distributing load more effectively and reinforcing the overall connection. Installation is driven entirely by Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws - included with the cap - delivering faster engagement, a lower profile than through-bolt alternatives, and improved net section area at the column. Built to handle demanding structural environments, this column cap is well suited for residential and commercial framing projects where increased uplift resistance is required due to seismic or high-wind loading conditions.

Key Features

• 90 deg. rotated strap orientation - extends the bearing seat beyond each side of the column, broadening load distribution and improving connection integrity at 8x post and 8x beam intersections
• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included - eliminates the need for through bolts, reducing installation time and maintaining a lower profile while achieving the uplift load ratings the connection demands
• SDS screw fastening system - engages a greater net section area of the column compared to conventional lag screws, supporting enhanced uplift capacity in seismic and high-wind applications
• Heavy 3-gauge steel construction with gray paint finish - provides the structural rigidity and corrosion resistance appropriate for demanding residential and commercial framing environments
• Certified welds and engineered uplift load ratings - gives contractors and engineers confidence that the connector meets the performance requirements of code-conscious structural applications
• Approved for seismic and high-wind loading conditions - makes this column cap a practical choice for projects in regions where building codes require verified uplift resistance at post-to-beam connections

Why This Product

• Screws ship with the cap - the included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws mean the hardware needed for a code-compliant installation arrives as a complete package, reducing trips to the supply house and keeping the job moving
• Rotated straps solve a common framing challenge - when standard strap orientation conflicts with adjacent framing members or architectural details, the 90 deg. rotated configuration provides the clearance and bearing surface needed without requiring field modification
• Engineered for uplift, not just gravity loads - with load ratings specifically suited to seismic and high-wind conditions, this column cap addresses both downward bearing and upward pull-out forces, making it appropriate for a wider range of structural scenarios than a basic post cap
• American-made quality for structural-grade applications - produced in the United States to Simpson's manufacturing standards, this connector is designed for the precision and consistency that structural connections in residential and commercial construction require

Specifications

• Model Number: CCQ88SDS2.5ROT
• Strap Orientation: 90 Deg. Rotated Straps
• Beam Size: 8x
• Post Size: 8x
• Steel Thickness (Gauge): 3 gauge
• Finish: Gray Paint
• Beam Width: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 1: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 2: 7-1/2 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Column-to-beam structural connections in wood construction
• Residential and commercial framing where rotated strap orientation is required
• Applications demanding increased uplift resistance due to seismic (earthquake) or high-wind loading conditions
• Projects requiring fast installation with a lower-profile fastener than standard through bolts
• 8x post and 8x beam assemblies requiring extended bearing surface support

What's Included

• CCQ88SDS2.5ROT Column Cap (90-degree 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. Lag screws will not achieve the same load. For rough-sawn lumber or non-standard column materials, field-welding options are available - 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.

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lag screws instead of SDS screws with the CCQ88SDS2.5ROT?

No. This column cap must be installed with the provided 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws. Lag screws will not achieve the same load performance and are not an approved substitute.

What makes the SDS screw attachment better than a standard bolt connection?

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 and cleaner connection.

Are the welds on this column cap certified?

Yes. The CCQ88SDS2.5ROT features certified welds, providing confidence in strength and loading performance for structural column-cap connections.