The Simpson CCQ7.1-7.1SDS2.5 Column Cap from Simpson Strong-Tie is a heavy-duty connector engineered to deliver high-capacity column-to-beam connections in wood frame construction, designed specifically for 7-inch beams paired with 7-inch posts. The CCQ series generally eliminates the need for additional brackets or braces by incorporating an extended seat that provides extra bearing surface area beyond each side of the column - helping distribute beam loads evenly and providing solid support at the connection point. This model ships complete with 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, enabling fast installation with a lower profile than standard through bolts while engaging a greater net section area of the column than bolt attachment typically allows. Built from 3-gauge steel and finished in Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint, this column cap is well suited to post-and-beam structures in demanding applications including seismic zones and high-wind regions.

Key Features

• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included - screws ship with the cap, so installation can begin immediately without sourcing separate fasteners, and the lower profile compared to standard through bolts keeps the connection clean and compact
• Extended seat bearing surface - the seat reaches beyond each side of the column to distribute beam loads across a wider area, reducing stress concentration at the connection and providing reliable structural support
• Certified welds - factory-certified weld quality gives builders and inspectors confidence in the connector's rated strength and load capacity without additional verification guesswork
• Increased uplift load ratings for seismic and wind loading - engineered with elevated uplift resistance so the connection holds up in earthquake-prone or high-wind environments where code-compliant uplift performance is critical
• Diamond holes for temporary fastening - allow the cap to be tacked in place during positioning before final fastener installation, reducing the chance of misalignment and speeding up the overall process
• 3-gauge steel construction - heavy-gauge material provides the structural integrity expected in demanding heavy timber and post-and-beam applications
• Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish - provides a consistent, professional appearance and baseline surface protection suited to the connector's intended structural role

Why This Product

• One connector, no extra hardware needed - the CCQ series is designed to generally eliminate the need for additional brackets or braces, and this model arrives with its Strong-Drive SDS screws already included, simplifying procurement and reducing on-site delays
• Greater column engagement than bolted connections - SDS screw attachment connects to a greater net section area of the column than a standard bolt attachment normally allows, delivering stronger load transfer through the joint without bulky hardware
• Built for high-demand structural environments - certified welds, increased uplift load ratings, and 3-gauge steel construction make this cap a dependable choice for post-and-beam projects in seismic zones or high-wind regions where connection integrity is non-negotiable
• Sized for heavy timber framing - purpose-built to fit 7-inch beams and 7-inch posts, this cap slots directly into heavy timber layouts without modification, saving time and avoiding the compromises of using an undersized or oversized connector

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): CCQ7.1-7.1SDS2.5
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Series: CCQ Column Cap
• Beam Width: 7 in.
• Post Width: 7 in.
• Member Size: 7 in. beam, 7 in. post
• Width 1: 7-1/8 in.
• Width 2: 7-1/8 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Material Gauge: 3-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
• Fastener Quantity (Included): 30 screws (Model: SDS25212)
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Column-to-beam connections in wood frame construction requiring high-capacity load transfer
• Post-and-beam structures where extended bearing surface is needed to distribute beam loads
• Construction in seismic zones or high-wind regions where increased uplift resistance is required
• Projects where a low-profile fastener connection is preferred over standard through-bolt attachment
• Applications using 7-inch posts and 7-inch beams in residential or commercial wood construction

What's Included

• 1x Simpson Strong-Tie CCQ7.1-7.1SDS2.5 Column Cap