The Simpson CJTZ Concealed Joist Tie with Short Pins is a 12-gauge steel connector engineered to create strong, hidden joist-to-header, joist-to-post, and joist-to-beam connections without sacrificing the clean look of finished framing. The CJTZ offers three installation methods - no routing of the header, post, or beam; a routed header or post; or a routed beam - giving builders flexibility to suit the project at hand. A ZMAX galvanized finish provides extra corrosion resistance, making this concealed tie a dependable choice for exterior and treated-wood applications. Every package arrives complete with all short pins and screws required for a full installation, so no separate hardware sourcing is needed.

Key Features

• Three installation methods - install with no routing, a routed header or post, or a routed beam, giving you the flexibility to adapt to different framing conditions on the same job
• Part of the CJTZ concealed connector system - pairs with the CPTZ and CBTZ connectors so an entire concealed structural system can be built with compatible, matched hardware
• Short dowel sized for specific engineered lumber - the 1/2 in. x 2 3/4 in. pin is designed specifically for 3-1/8 in. glulam beams, 4x sawn lumber, and 3-1/2 in.-wide PSL, preventing the guesswork of matching hardware to material
• Center dowel placement in beam - positioning the dowel at center maximizes available beam width when using short dowels, preserving structural integrity of the member
• 12-gauge steel construction - heavy-gauge material delivers the structural strength required for load-bearing joist connections in demanding framing applications
• ZMAX galvanization - offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications, keeping the connector performing in environments where standard galvanized finishes fall short
• Approved for glulam, PSL, LSL, LVL, and well-dried sawn lumber only - using the correct lumber types protects against splitting caused by dowels aligned across the grain in wood that may shrink excessively
• All required hardware included - short pins and Strong-Drive SDS screws are supplied in the package, and a hex-head driver is all you need to complete the installation

Why This Product

• A fully concealed connection with no compromise on strength - the CJTZ hides structural hardware inside the framing assembly, letting you deliver clean, exposed-beam aesthetics while maintaining the load-carrying performance that engineered lumber connections demand
• Ready to install right out of the box - because Simpson supplies every short pin and SDS screw needed for the installation, there are no extra trips for hardware and no risk of mismatched fasteners on the job site
• Built for the moisture-prone and chemical environments where hidden connectors are most common - the ZMAX galvanized finish is specifically engineered to stand up to exterior conditions and treated-wood contact, giving the connection long-term durability even when it cannot be easily inspected after framing is complete
• System-level thinking baked in from the start - as part of a concealed connector family that includes the CPTZ post tie and CBTZ beam tie, this joist connector integrates into a coordinated hidden hardware system rather than leaving you to mix and match components from different product lines

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): CJT4ZS
• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Series: CJTZ
• Connector Type: Concealed Joist Tie
• Steel Gauge: 12-Gauge
• Finish / Coating: ZMAX Galvanized
• Pin (Dowel) Size: 1/2 in. diameter x 2-3/4 in. length (Short)
• Fastener Drive Type: Hex-head driver (for included SDS screws)
• Height 1: 7 in.
• Height 2: 5-15/16 in.
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

The Simpson CJT4ZS concealed joist tie with short pins is approved for use with the following lumber types only:

• Glulam (glued-laminated) beams - 3-1/8 in. width
• 4x sawn lumber (well dried)
• Composite lumber - PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber), LSL (Laminated Strand Lumber), and LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), 3-1/2 in. wide

Important installation notes:

• Install only in glulam, composite lumber (PSL, LSL, and LVL), or well-dried lumber.
• Dowels aligned across the grain may cause splitting if the wood shrinks excessively - proper lumber selection and moisture content are critical.
• Center the dowel in the beam to maximize beam width when using short dowels.

What's Included

The Simpson CJT4ZS package includes all hardware required for a complete installation:

• Short pins - 1/2 in. diameter x 2-3/4 in. length dowels
• Strong-Drive SDS screws - all screws required for installation

Note: Screws require a hex-head driver for installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of lumber are compatible with the CJT4ZS concealed joist tie?

The CJT4ZS is designed for use with glulam, composite lumber (PSL, LSL, and LVL), or well-dried sawn lumber. Specifically, the short dowels (1/2 in. x 2-3/4 in.) are sized for 3-1/8 in. glulam beams, 4x sawn lumber, or 3-1/2 in.-wide PSL. Installation in green or wet lumber is not recommended, as dowels aligned across the grain may cause splitting if the wood shrinks excessively.

What hardware is included with the CJT4ZS, and what tools are needed for installation?

The CJT4ZS comes supplied with all dowels and screws required for installation - no additional hardware needs to be purchased separately. The included short pins measure 1/2 in. in diameter by 2-3/4 in. in length. A hex-head driver is required to install the included screws.

What are the three installation methods available for the CJTZ concealed joist tie?

The CJTZ can be installed three ways: with no routing of the header, post, or beam; with a routed header or post; or with a routed beam. This flexibility allows the connector to accommodate different job-site conditions and design requirements while maintaining a concealed appearance.

Why does the CJT4ZS feature a ZMAX galvanized finish, and where is it appropriate to use?

The ZMAX galvanized coating provides extra corrosion resistance compared to standard galvanized products, making the CJT4ZS well suited for exterior applications and installations involving treated wood, where standard coatings may be insufficient to resist moisture and chemical exposure.