The Simpson Hidden Timber Connector Kit with Screws ETB230A-SCRB is a concealed beam-to-beam fastening system from Simpson designed for timber frame construction and architectural applications where a clean, hardware-free finish is required. The interlocking plate system - consisting of a lower plate for the supporting beam and a horseshoe plate for the supported beam end - delivers a load-tested structural connection without leaving any visible hardware once installation is complete, making it the practical choice for exposed timber work where both appearance and structural reliability matter.

Key Features

• Fully concealed once installed - the interlocking plate design hides all hardware after assembly, giving exposed timber frames and architectural beam work a clean, finished appearance with no visible fasteners.
• Screws included for horseshoe plate - the kit ships with SCRB screws sized and engineered specifically for installing the horseshoe plate onto the supported beam end, so the critical fasteners for that step are ready to use out of the box.
• Interlocking lower plate and horseshoe plate system - the two-component design locks the supporting and supported beams together securely, providing a structurally verified connection suited for concealed timber framing applications.
• Routed pocket installation for the lower plate - the lower plate seats into a 3/8 in. deep pocket routed into the side of the supporting beam, keeping the connector fully recessed and flush for a seamless timber connection.
• Angled screw installation for positive engagement - SCRB screws are driven at approximately 45 deg. downward into the supported beam end, creating a mechanically sound fastening angle that resists pull-out and supports structural load transfer.

Why This Product

• Aesthetics and structural performance in one system - the hidden connector design is specifically approved for structural beam-to-beam connections, meaning buyers do not have to choose between a clean look and a load-tested fastening solution.
• Purpose-built for exposed and architectural timber work - because all hardware disappears once the connection is made, this connector is directly suited for visible timber frame construction where surface-mounted brackets or straps would compromise the finished appearance.
• Key fasteners supplied in the kit - the inclusion of the SCRB screws for horseshoe plate installation means the hardware needed for that critical step is matched and ready, reducing the risk of mismatched or inadequate fasteners on the job.
• Clear, defined installation method - the step-by-step process - routing the pocket, seating the lower plate, then attaching the horseshoe plate at 45 deg. - gives builders a straightforward installation sequence that supports consistent, repeatable results across timber framing projects.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): ETB230A-SCRB
• Country of Origin: Denmark

Approved Applications

• Structural beam-to-beam connections requiring concealed hardware
• Timber frame construction where visible connectors are undesirable
• Supporting beam connections requiring a load-tested, hidden fastening solution
• Architectural and exposed timber applications where a clean finish is required

What's Included

• ETB230A lower plate (for supporting beam)
• Horseshoe plate (for supported beam end)
• SCRB screws (for horseshoe plate installation)

Note: 16d hot-dip galvanized nails for lower plate installation are not included in the kit.

Installation Overview

• Rout a 3/8" (10mm) deep pocket into the side of the supporting beam as directed for the lower plate.
• Install the lower plate using 16d hot-dip galvanized nails (not included in kit).
• Install the horseshoe plate onto the end of the supported beam using the SCRB screws supplied in the kit, installed at a downward angle of approximately 45 deg..

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of screws are included in the kit?

The kit includes SCRB screws specifically designed for installing the horseshoe plate onto the end of the supported beam.

At what angle should the SCRB screws be installed?

The SCRB screws should be installed at a downward angle of approximately 45 deg. into the supported beam end.

Are nails included for the lower plate installation?

No. The 16d hot-dip galvanized nails required for installing the lower plate into the supporting beam are not included in the kit and must be sourced separately.

How deep does the pocket need to be routed for the lower plate?

A 3/8" (10mm) deep pocket must be routed into the side of the supporting beam to properly seat the lower plate for a flush, concealed installation.

Note: Product dimensions and/or screw holes may differ from picture. Please see item description for specifications.