The Simpson Bearing Plate Slotted 1/2" Hole, 3 x 4-1/2 BPS 1/2-6 is a heavy-duty structural bearing plate from Simpson engineered to provide a greater bearing surface than standard cut washers and help strengthen and distribute the load at critical connections. Typically used on foundation anchor bolts in place of cut washers, this slotted bearing plate is an essential component for reliable sill plate connections in 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing applications where load distribution and installation flexibility both matter.

Key Features

• Slotted hole design - allows for adjustability to account for bolts that are not in the middle of the sill plate, reducing the need for rework and keeping installations on schedule
• Compatible with 2x4 and 2x6 wall members - offers increased flexibility while meeting the latest code requirements for the most common residential and light commercial wall configurations
• 3-gauge steel construction - delivers substantial thickness and structural rigidity for dependable load distribution at high-stress anchor bolt connections
• Uncoated steel finish - provides a clean, ready-to-install surface suited for protected interior framing and foundation connections
• 3 in. x 4-1/2 in. plate dimensions with 1/2 in. bolt diameter - sized to cover more bearing area than a standard cut washer, helping spread load evenly across the sill plate

Why This Product

• Superior load distribution at critical connections - the larger footprint of this bearing plate spreads anchor bolt forces across more of the sill plate surface than a standard cut washer can, helping protect structural connections where it matters most
• Built-in adjustability for real-world field conditions - the slotted hole accommodates anchor bolts that land off-center in the sill plate, giving framers the flexibility to achieve a solid, code-compliant connection without repositioning hardware
• Code-compliant performance for 2x4 and 2x6 walls - designed to meet the latest requirements for these wall sizes, this plate supports confident, inspection-ready framing in both new construction and retrofit applications
• Trusted Simpson quality in domestic steel - constructed from 3-gauge steel by a brand widely recognized in structural connector engineering, this bearing plate delivers the material consistency professionals rely on for foundation and shearwall connections

Specifications

• MPN: BPS 1/2-6
• Bolt Diameter: 1/2 in.
• Plate Width: 3 in.
• Plate Length: 4-1/2 in.
• Gauge: 3
• Finish: Uncoated Steel
• Coating: None
• Compatible Member Sizes: 2x4, 2x6
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Foundation anchor bolt connections in place of standard cut washers
• Sill plate connections requiring load distribution at critical bearing points
• 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing applications requiring code-compliant bearing plates

Downloads and Resources

• View Spec Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of using this bearing plate over a standard cut washer?

Bearing plates give greater bearing surface than standard cut washers. They are designed to help strengthen and distribute the load at these critical connections, making them a superior choice for foundation anchor bolt applications.

Why does this bearing plate have a slotted hole instead of a round hole?

The slotted hole allows for adjustability to account for bolts that are not in the middle of the sill plate, offering increased installation flexibility while still meeting current code requirements for 2x4 and 2x6 walls.

What wall member sizes is the BPS 1/2-6 compatible with?

The BPS 1/2-6 is designed for use with 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing members, offering increased flexibility while meeting the latest code requirements for these common wall configurations.

What material and finish is the BPS 1/2-6 made from?

The BPS 1/2-6 is made from 3-gauge steel with an uncoated steel finish and no additional coating applied. It is manufactured in the United States.