The Simpson BA68 Top-Flange Joist Hanger is a heavy-duty structural connector built for nominal 6x8 solid sawn lumber and engineered wood product framing applications. Part of the Simpson BA hanger series, this 12-gauge galvanized steel hanger supports medium loads with solid sawn lumber and higher loads with engineered wood products, giving builders flexible performance across a range of structural framing conditions. Its positive-angle nailing (PAN) system accommodates both minimum nailing for moderate load conditions and maximum nailing for higher load demands, making it a reliable single-hanger solution for diverse residential and commercial framing projects.

Key Features

• Cost-effective one-piece design - eliminates the added expense and complexity of welded hangers, reducing both material costs and installation time on the job site
• Full-height joist flange that captures the top chord of the joist - prevents joist rotation and eliminates the need for web stiffeners, simplifying the framing assembly and reducing the number of additional components required
• Positive-angle nailing (PAN) system with minimum and maximum nailing configurations - allows the installer to match fastening to actual load requirements, supporting both moderate and higher load conditions with a single hanger model
• Compatible with solid sawn lumber and engineered wood products - delivers medium load capacity with solid sawn lumber and higher load capacity with engineered wood products, providing versatility across framing material choices
• Available for special order to accommodate sloped and/or skewed members - adapts to non-standard framing angles, making it suitable for complex roof and floor framing configurations without requiring a completely different connector
• Made from 12-gauge steel with G90 zinc galvanized coating - provides the structural rigidity expected in load-bearing connections while the G90 galvanized finish delivers corrosion resistance for demanding jobsite environments

Why This Product

• One hanger, two load scenarios - the BA68 handles both medium loads with solid sawn lumber and higher loads with engineered wood products, so the same connector works across different framing material choices without needing to source a separate hanger for each application
• Rotation control built in - the full-height joist flange captures the top chord of the 6x8 joist directly, preventing rotation and eliminating the cost and labor of installing web stiffeners as a secondary step
• Simplified, efficient installation - the one-piece construction and positive-angle nailing system reduce the number of parts on site and allow the installer to drive nails at an angle that positively engages the connection, helping maintain consistent load performance with straightforward fastening
• Corrosion-resistant finish for long-term performance - the G90 zinc galvanized coating protects the 12-gauge steel connector against moisture and corrosion, supporting the structural integrity of the connection over the life of the assembly

Specifications

• Model Number: BA68
• Member Size: 6x8
• Steel Gauge: 12
• W (in.): 5-1/2
• H (in.): 7-1/8
• B (in.): 3
• TF (in.): 2-1/2
• Coating / Finish: Zinc Galvanized, G90
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Solid sawn lumber framing connections requiring medium load capacity
• Engineered wood product (EWP) framing connections requiring higher load capacity
• Top-flange hanger applications where web stiffener elimination is desired
• Structural framing assemblies using 6x8 nominal joist members
• Sloped and/or skewed framing configurations (available via special order)

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.

• 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 size lumber is the BA68 designed to support?

The BA68 is designed for a nominal 6x8 member size, making it suitable for framing connections that require a hanger sized specifically for 6x8 solid sawn lumber or engineered wood products.

What nails should be used to install the BA68?

Install the BA68 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.

Can the BA68 be used with both solid sawn lumber and engineered wood products?

Yes. The BA68 is designed for both solid sawn lumber and engineered wood product applications. It carries medium loads with solid sawn lumber and higher loads with engineered wood products, offering flexibility across a range of structural framing conditions.

What material and finish is the BA68 made from, and is it suitable for corrosive environments?

The BA68 is constructed from 12-gauge steel and features a G90 zinc galvanized finish, which provides enhanced corrosion resistance, making it appropriate for applications where corrosion protection is a consideration.