The Simpson Ornamental Strap Tie is a black powder-coated structural connector engineered by Simpson to transfer tension loads across splices and structural connections while delivering a refined, finished appearance suited to exposed and ornamental installations. Whether the application demands structural reliability under wind or seismic conditions or simply requires a connector that looks as good as it performs, this strap tie handles both without compromise.

Key Features

• Flat black powder-coated finish - produces a far more durable and better-looking result than standard paint, making it a natural fit for visible, ornamental, and exposed structural locations where appearance matters.
• Designed for ornamental and exposed applications - lets builders and designers use a structural connector without hiding it, keeping finished work looking intentional and polished.
• Transfers tension loads across structural splices and connections - provides dependable load-carrying performance at joints where continuity and strength are critical.
• Allowable loads increased 60% for wind or earthquake loading - means the connector is well-suited to installations in high-wind zones and seismic regions, with no further increase allowed beyond this adjustment.
• Notched strap design - promotes precise centering at splice joints, reducing installation error and helping ensure load is distributed as intended.
• Requires (4) 3/4" machine bolts in single shear - a straightforward fastener requirement that supports clean, consistent installation when bolt edge distances meet NDS minimums.
• Parallel-to-grain loading with minimum 3-1/2 in. member thickness - allowable load values are based on real-world timber dimensions, giving specifiers confidence that published capacities reflect actual field conditions.

Why This Product

• Structural performance without the industrial look - the black powder-coated finish means this strap tie works where standard galvanized or bare-metal connectors would look out of place, combining genuine load transfer capability with a finish appropriate for ornamental and architectural contexts.
• Built-in capacity for demanding load conditions - with allowable loads increased 60% for wind or seismic applications, this connector is a sound choice for projects in areas where code-driven uplift and lateral load requirements must be met.
• American-made quality from a trusted connector brand - produced in the United States and engineered by Simpson, a name widely recognized in structural connector design, giving buyers confidence in consistent manufacturing standards.
• Versatile across connection types - suitable for tension load transfer at structural splices, ornamental exposed framing, and wind- or earthquake-governed installations, reducing the need to source different connectors for different conditions on the same project.

Specifications

• Model No.: OHS135
• Gauge: 7
• Width: 6 in.
• Length: 13-1/2 in.
• Coating/Material: Powder Coating, Black
• Fasteners Required: (4) 3/4" Machine Bolts
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Tension load transfer across structural splices and connections
• Ornamental and exposed structural installations requiring a finished look
• Applications subject to wind or seismic (earthquake) loading conditions
• Parallel-to-grain loading with a minimum member thickness of 3-1/2 in. using machine bolts in single shear

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fasteners are required to install the OHS135 strap tie?

Installation of the OHS135 requires (4) 3/4" machine bolts. Bolt edge distances must meet NDS minimum requirements, and straps must be centered about the splice joint.

Can the OHS135 be used in wind or earthquake load applications?

Yes. Allowable loads have been increased 60% for wind or earthquake loading with no further increase allowed. Loads should be reduced where other loads govern.

What is the advantage of the powder-coated finish on the OHS135 compared to standard paint?

The flat black powder-coated finish on the OHS135 produces a much more durable and better-looking finish than standard paint, making it well-suited for ornamental and exposed applications.

What are the loading requirements and member thickness minimums for the OHS135?

Allowable loads are based on parallel-to-grain loading and a minimum member thickness of 3-1/2 in. with machine bolts in single shear. The designer must determine allowable loads when combining bolts parallel and perpendicular to grain.