The Simpson CCQ3-4SDS2.5 is a CCQ Series column cap from Simpson engineered to deliver strong, reliable column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Sized for a 3-1/8 in. beam width and a nominal 4x post, this connector features an extended seat that provides additional bearing surface area beyond each side of the column, helping to distribute beam loads efficiently across the connection point. Fabricated from 7-gauge steel with a Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish, it arrives ready for fast field installation with Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included - no separate fastener sourcing required.

Key Features

• Strong-Drive SDS screw installation - SDS screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner, less obtrusive finished connection without sacrificing holding strength
• Extended seat bearing surface - the seat extends beyond each side of the column to help distribute load from the beam and reinforce the connection point, improving overall structural performance
• Certified welds - factory-certified weld quality gives contractors and inspectors confidence in the connector's strength and load-carrying capacity
• Increased uplift load values - uplift loads have been increased to meet the demands of earthquake or high-wind loading conditions, making this cap suitable for seismic and wind-critical applications
• Diamond holes for temporary fastening - allows the cap to be held in position during layout and alignment before final fasteners are driven, streamlining the installation process
• Greater net section attachment - SDS screw attachment engages a greater net section area of the column than a standard bolt attachment, contributing to a stronger overall connection
• 7-gauge steel construction - heavy-gauge steel provides the structural rigidity and load capacity expected in demanding wood-frame column-to-beam applications
• Fasteners included - ships with the required Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws so installation can begin immediately without sourcing additional hardware separately

Why This Product

• A complete, field-ready connection solution - the included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws mean this column cap arrives with everything needed for a standard installation, reducing jobsite delays and trips to the supply house
• Built for high-demand structural conditions - with certified welds and uplift loads specifically increased for seismic and wind loading, this cap is engineered to perform where connection reliability matters most, not just under typical gravity loads
• Lower-profile hardware without compromise - SDS screws attach to a greater net section area of the column than standard bolts while keeping a lower profile, giving structural contractors a connection that is both stronger in section engagement and cleaner in appearance
• Sized to eliminate extra hardware - the extended bearing seat and purpose-matched sizing for a 3-1/8 in. beam and 4x post generally eliminate the need for additional brackets or braces, simplifying the connection assembly and reducing installed cost

Specifications

• MPN: CCQ3-4SDS2.5
• Beam Width: 3-1/8 in.
• Nominal Post Size: 4x
• Member Size: 3-1/8 in. beam, 4x post
• Width 1: 3-1/4 in.
• Width 2: 3-5/8 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Material Gauge: 7-gauge steel
• Finish / Coating: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Fastener Type: 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws

Approved Applications

• Column-to-beam connections in wood construction
• Structural connections requiring increased uplift capacity for seismic (earthquake) or high-wind loading conditions
• Applications where a lower-profile fastener solution is preferred over standard through bolts
• Projects requiring fast field installation with pre-included SDS connector screws

What's Included

This column cap includes (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212). No additional fasteners are required for standard installation.

Note: Lag screws will not achieve the same load values as the included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws.

Installation Notes

Install with the included (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212). Lag screws will not achieve the same load.

Related Products

Need a column cap without legs for field-welding to pipe or other column types? The CCOQ and ECCOQ column cap only (no straps) models may be ordered for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Dimensions are the same as the CCQ and ECCQ series.

For rough-cut lumber sizes or custom configurations,

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders

Frequently Asked Questions

What beam width and post size is the CCQ3-4SDS2.5 designed for?

The CCQ3-4SDS2.5 is designed for a 3-1/8 in. beam width paired with a nominal 4x post. The extended seat of the column cap provides additional bearing surface beyond each side of the column to help distribute the load from the beam and reinforce the connection point.

What fasteners are required for installation, and are they included?

Installation requires 30 Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws sized 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. (Model: SDS25212). These screws are included with the column cap, so no separate fastener purchase is necessary.

Why use SDS screws instead of standard through bolts?

Strong-Drive SDS screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner finished appearance. They also attach to a greater net section area of the column than a bolt attachment normally provides, contributing to a stronger overall connection.

What material and finish is the CCQ3-4SDS2.5 made from?

The CCQ3-4SDS2.5 is constructed from 7-gauge steel and features a Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish. It also incorporates certified welds for confidence in strength and loading performance, and its uplift loads have been increased to address earthquake or wind loading demands.