The Simpson CCQ86SDS2.5 CCQ Column Cap for 8x Beam, 6x Post with Strong-Drive SDS Screws by Simpson Strong-Tie is engineered to deliver high-capacity column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Designed for 8x beams and 6x posts, this cap features an extended bearing seat that projects beyond each side of the column, distributing load from the beam and providing robust support at the connection point. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws are used for installation, attaching to a greater net section area of the column than a standard bolt attachment normally entails - resulting in a strong, reliable connection with a lower profile. With uplift loads increased for earthquake or wind loading and certified welds throughout, this column cap is built to perform in structurally demanding applications.

Key Features

• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws included - thirty 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. SDS screws ship with the cap, so you have the correct fasteners on hand and can begin installation without sourcing hardware separately
• Lower-profile SDS screw attachment - screws sit below the surface compared to standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner finished appearance without sacrificing connection strength
• Extended bearing seat design - the seat projects beyond each side of the column to distribute beam load over a greater surface area, reducing stress concentration at the connection
• Increased uplift load values for seismic and high-wind conditions - engineered to handle elevated uplift forces, making it a dependable choice for earthquake-prone or hurricane-risk regions
• Certified welds - weld quality is verified for confidence in strength and loading performance throughout the life of the structure
• Diamond holes for temporary fastening - allow the cap to be held in position during layout and alignment before final fastening, reducing installation time and the chance of positioning errors
• 3-gauge steel construction - heavy-gauge steel provides the structural integrity required for load-bearing column-to-beam connections in wood framing
• Simpson Strong-Tie gray paint finish - provides a consistent, finished appearance suitable for exposed post-and-beam applications

Why This Product

• A complete connection solution in one package - the column cap and all required Strong-Drive SDS screws are included together, eliminating guesswork about fastener compatibility and ensuring the connection is built exactly as engineered
• Designed to go beyond basic load transfer - the extended bearing seat adds surface area at the column-beam interface, helping distribute structural loads more evenly than a standard cap connection, which matters in high-load post-and-beam framing
• Built for code-sensitive and high-risk structural environments - increased uplift ratings for seismic and wind loading, combined with certified welds, make this cap a practical choice for projects where structural performance documentation and reliability are non-negotiable
• Faster, cleaner installation than bolt-based alternatives - SDS screw attachment engages a greater net section area of the column than a through-bolt normally entails while keeping hardware flush and low-profile, reducing both installation time and the visual impact of the hardware on the finished structure

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): CCQ86SDS2.5
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Member Size: 8x beam, 6x post
• Nominal Beam Width: 8x
• Beam Width: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 1: 7-1/2 in.
• Width 2: 5-1/2 in.
• Length 1: 11 in.
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Nominal Post Size: 6x
• Material Gauge: 3-gauge steel
• Finish: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Coating: Simpson Strong-Tie Gray Paint
• Country of Origin: United States

What's Included

• 1 x CCQ86SDS2.5 Column Cap
• (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212) - included with the column cap

Frequently Asked Questions

What fasteners are used to install the CCQ86SDS2.5, and are they included?

The CCQ86SDS2.5 installs with (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212), which are included with the column cap. Note that lag screws will not achieve the same load values as the specified SDS screws.

Why use SDS screws instead of standard through bolts?

The Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts and attach to a greater net section area of the column than a bolt attachment normally entails, resulting in both a cleaner appearance and a strong, reliable connection.

Is this column cap suitable for high-wind or seismic applications?

Yes. The CCQ86SDS2.5 features uplift loads that have been increased for earthquake or wind loading, and its certified welds provide confidence in strength and loading performance for demanding structural applications.

Can the CCQ column cap be ordered without legs for field-welding to pipe or other columns?

Yes. The CCOQ and ECCOQ column cap configurations (cap only, no straps) may be ordered for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Their dimensions are the same as the CCQ and ECCQ. For rough-cut lumber sizes or custom requirements, please contact us.

Related Products

• CCOQ - Column Cap Only, Quick-Install (for field-welding to pipe or other columns)
• ECCOQ - End Column Cap Legs Omitted, Quick-Install (for field-welding to pipe or other columns)

Note: Product dimensions and/or screw holes may differ from picture.