The Simpson Strong-Tie RCKW 3-in. Kneewall Connector Clip is a heavy 171 mil (7 ga.) rigid connector engineered to resist overturning moment at the base of exterior kneewalls and parapets, as well as interior partial-height walls and overhead ribbon window conditions. Its dual anchor-hole pattern - combining large and small openings - allows secure anchorage to concrete, structural steel, and CMU substrates, giving builders flexible, code-conscious connection options across a wide range of framing applications. When project loads demand greater capacity, the optional RCKW3S stiffener nests directly onto the clip with perfectly aligned screw and anchor holes for fast, accurate installation.

Key Features

• Large single bolt hole sized for 3-5/8 in. framing - connects directly to standard cold-formed steel stud widths without modification, saving layout and installation time.
• Stiffened anchorage leg flanges - improve overturning moment resistance at the connection point, delivering greater structural reliability at kneewall and parapet bases.
• Large-diameter anchor hole for 1/2-in. diameter concrete screw anchors and wedge anchors - compatible with Simpson Strong-Tie Titen HD heavy-duty screw anchors and Strong-Bolt 2 wedge anchors, providing trusted, high-strength anchorage to concrete substrates.
• Additional smaller-diameter anchor holes for #12 self-drilling screws - enable direct attachment to structural steel without pre-drilling, broadening the range of compatible substrate conditions.
• CMU attachment capability via Titen HD or Titen Turbo screws - extends the connector's usability to masonry block construction, reducing the need for different clip models across mixed-substrate jobs.
• Made from 171 mil (7 ga.) steel with G90 zinc galvanized finish - the heavy-gauge construction handles demanding lateral loads while the G90 coating provides corrosion resistance suited to exterior and exposed framing environments.
• Compatible with the optional RCKW3S stiffener - when load requirements exceed the clip's standalone capacity, the stiffener nests on seamlessly and shares the same fastener pattern, so no additional drilling or repositioning is needed.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for kneewall and parapet lateral restraint - unlike general-purpose framing clips, this connector was specifically developed to address overturning forces at the base of kneewalls, parapets, partial-height walls, and ribbon window conditions, matching the right tool to the structural demand.
• One connector, three substrate types - the dual anchor-hole pattern handles concrete, structural steel, and CMU anchorage without swapping to a different product, reducing material management and keeping the job moving.
• Scalable load capacity without replacing the connector - the RCKW3S stiffener nests directly onto the clip and shares its exact hole pattern, so upgrading capacity on high-load applications requires no new layout or additional hardware beyond the stiffener itself.
• Heavy 7 ga. construction with G90 galvanized protection - the rigid 171 mil steel gauge resists deformation under real-world lateral loading, and the G90 zinc coating guards against corrosion in exterior framing and exposed conditions where connector durability is critical.

Specifications

• Model Number: RCKW3-R10
• Width: 3 in.
• Thickness: 171 mil
• Gauge: 7 ga.
• Coating / Finish: Zinc Galvanized, G90
• Material: Steel
• Package Quantity: 10
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Resisting overturning moment at the base of exterior kneewalls
• Resisting overturning moment at the base of parapets
• Interior partial-height walls requiring lateral restraint at the base
• Overhead ribbon window conditions requiring rigid lateral connection
• Anchorage to concrete using 1/2-in. diameter screw anchors or wedge anchors
• Anchorage to structural steel via #12 self-drilling screws through smaller-diameter holes
• Anchorage to CMU using Titen HD or Titen Turbo concrete and masonry screws

What's Included

• 10x Simpson Strong-Tie RCKW 3-in. Kneewall Connector Clips (Model: RCKW3-R10)
• Note: Fasteners, anchors, and the optional RCKW3S stiffener are not included and are sold separately.

Installation Notes

For greater load capacity, the RCKW3S stiffener (sold separately) nests directly onto the RCKW clip. The screw holes and anchor holes in the stiffener align precisely with those in the RCKW clip, making fastener and anchor installation straightforward. Use all specified screws and anchors as required by the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What substrates can the RCKW3 Kneewall Connector Clip be anchored to?

The RCKW3 is designed for anchorage to concrete, structural steel, and CMU. The large-diameter anchor hole accommodates 1/2-in. diameter concrete screw anchors and wedge anchors - such as the Simpson Strong-Tie Titen HD and Strong-Bolt 2 - for concrete applications. The additional smaller-diameter anchor holes allow attachment to structural steel using #12 self-drilling screws, and CMU attachment can be achieved with the Titen HD or Titen Turbo concrete and masonry screw.

What framing size is the RCKW3 designed for?

The RCKW3 features a large single bolt hole in the center sized for 3-5/8 in. framing, making it suited for standard kneewall, parapet, partial-height wall, and overhead ribbon window framing conditions at that dimension.

Can I increase the load capacity of the RCKW3, and how?

Yes. If greater load capacity is required, the optional RCKW3S stiffener can be added. The RCKWS is a heavy 171 mil (7 ga.) stiffener that nests directly onto the RCKW clip. The screw holes and anchor holes in the stiffener align with those in the RCKW3 clip for straightforward fastener and anchor installation. The RCKW clip and RCKWS stiffener are sold separately.

What material and finish is used on the RCKW3 Kneewall Connector Clip?

The RCKW3 is made from 171 mil (7 ga.) steel and features a G90 zinc galvanized finish for corrosion resistance.