The Simpson BA38 Top-Flange Joist Hanger is built for structural framing applications that demand reliable load transfer with solid sawn lumber and engineered wood products, including LVL, LSL, PSL, and I-joist configurations. Part of the Simpson Strong-Tie BA series, this 12-gauge G90 galvanized hanger accommodates both minimum nailing with positive-angle nailing (PAN) for moderate load conditions and maximum nailing to support higher loads - giving contractors and builders a single versatile connector for a wide range of 3x8 joist connections.

Key Features

• One-piece construction - eliminates the added cost and complexity of welded hangers, reducing both material expense and installation time on the job site
• Full-height joist flange - captures the top chord of the joist to prevent rotation and removes the need for web stiffeners, simplifying framing and keeping assemblies cleaner
• Positive-angle nailing (PAN) with flexible nailing schedules - supports moderate load conditions at minimum nailing and scales up to higher load demands at maximum nailing, adapting to the structural requirements of each application
• Compatible with both solid sawn lumber and engineered wood products - carries medium loads with standard dimensional lumber and higher loads when used with engineered wood, making it suitable across a broad range of project types
• 12-gauge steel with G90 galvanized coating - provides the structural thickness required for medium-to-high load conditions while the zinc galvanized finish delivers corrosion resistance for long-term performance
• Modifiable for sloped and skewed members - can be configured for slopes and skews up to 45 deg. and top flanges can be sloped up to 35 deg., accommodating non-standard framing geometry without requiring a completely different connector

Why This Product

• One connector, two load scenarios - the BA38 handles both medium loads with solid sawn lumber and higher loads with engineered wood products, so builders are not locked into a single application type when structural demands vary across a project
• Built-in anti-rotation without extra hardware - the full-height joist flange captures the joist top chord and eliminates the need for web stiffeners, cutting down on additional components and the labor required to install them
• Cost-effective alternative to welded hangers - the one-piece stamped design delivers comparable structural performance to welded alternatives at a lower material cost, benefiting budget-conscious structural framing work without sacrificing capability
• Geometry flexibility built into the product line - the ability to accommodate slopes, skews, and open or closed top flange configurations up to specified limits means the BA38 can serve non-standard framing conditions that a rigid, fixed-geometry hanger cannot

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): BA38
• Series: BA - Top-Flange Joist Hanger
• Nominal Joist Size: 3x8
• Width: 2-9/16 in.
• Height: 7-1/8 in.
• B (Bearing Length): 3 in.
• TF (Top Flange): 2-1/2 in.
• Gauge: 12
• Coating / Finish: Zinc Galvanized, G90
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Engineered wood products - supports higher load conditions when used with LVL, LSL, PSL, or I-joist applications
• Solid sawn lumber - carries medium loads in standard framing applications
• Nominal 3x8 joist connections requiring a top-flange hanger with anti-rotation capability
• Structural framing where web stiffeners would otherwise be required, eliminated by the full-height joist flange design

Installation

Install with 0.162 in. x 3-1/2 in. nails in the header and 0.148 in. x 1-1/2 in. nails in the joist. Refer to Simpson Strong-Tie load tables for minimum and maximum nailing schedules based on required load conditions.

Options

• Other widths are available; specify W dimension (the minimum W dimension is 1 9/16").
  
• For modified hangers, fastener quantity listed in tables may need to increase depending on joist size, skew and slope. All modified hangers are 12 ga.
• Hangers may be modified for slopes and/or skews up to 45 deg.. The top flanges may be sloped as much as 35 deg. and may be open or closed up to 30 deg.. See Modifications and Associated Load Reductions under Specifications
• Contact us for Customizations and Special orders

Frequently Asked Questions

What joist size is the BA38 designed to fit?

The BA38 is designed for a nominal 3x8 joist size, providing a precise, secure connection for that member dimension in both engineered wood and solid sawn lumber applications.

What nails should be used to install the BA38?

Install the BA38 using 0.162 in. x 3-1/2 in. nails in the header and 0.148 in. x 1-1/2 in. nails in the joist.

Can the BA38 be used for sloped or skewed framing applications?

The standard BA38 is designed for typical framing configurations, but it is available for special order to accommodate sloped and/or skewed members when your project requires angled connections.

What material and coating is used on the BA38, and why does it matter?

The BA38 is made from 12-gauge steel and features a Zinc Galvanized (G90) finish, which provides corrosion resistance in demanding environments and contributes to its long-term structural reliability.