The Simpson Strong-Tie CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG is a heavy-duty hot-dip galvanized column cap engineered to deliver high-capacity column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Designed for nominal 6x beams and 6x posts, the CCQ features an extended seat that provides additional bearing surface area beyond each side of the column, helping distribute beam loads efficiently and reinforce the connection point. Rather than relying on standard through bolts, this column cap uses Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws for faster installation and attachment to a greater net section area of the column. The result is a stronger, lower-profile connection that generally eliminates the need for additional brackets or braces. Constructed from 7-gauge steel with certified welds and a hot-dip galvanized finish, the CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG is built for demanding exterior and treated-wood applications where corrosion resistance and structural integrity are essential.

Key Features

• Low-Profile Connection: Strong-Drive SDS screws provide a lower profile than standard through bolts
• Certified Welds: Certified welds for confidence in strength and loading
• Enhanced Uplift Resistance: Uplift loads have been increased for earthquake or wind loading
• Extended Bearing Seat: The seat extends beyond each side of the column to help distribute beam loads and support the connection
• Diamond Holes: Diamond holes for temporary fastening during installation
• Heavy-Gauge Steel: Made from 7-gauge steel for robust structural performance
• Corrosion Resistance: Hot-dip galvanization (HDG) offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications
• SDS Screw Advantage: SDS screws attach to a greater net section area of the column than bolt attachment normally provides

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Model Number (MPN): CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG
• Nominal Beam Width: 6x
• Nominal Post Size: 6x
• Steel Gauge: 7-gauge
• Coating / Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG)
• Compatible Fasteners: 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws (included)
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Column-to-beam connections in wood construction using 6x posts and 6x beams
• Exterior structural applications requiring corrosion-resistant hardware
• Connections involving treated lumber where hot-dip galvanization is recommended
• Structures in seismic or high-wind zones requiring increased uplift load capacity
• Projects where a lower-profile fastener connection is preferred over standard through bolts

What's Included

The CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG column cap includes (30) 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212) for complete, ready-to-install convenience right out of the box.

Note: Lag screws will not achieve the same load as the included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws.

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders
• The CCOQ and ECCOQ column cap only (no straps) may be ordered for field-welding to pipe or other columns. Dimensions are the same as the CCQ and ECCQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size beam and post is the CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG designed for?

This column cap is designed for a nominal 6x beam and a nominal 6x post, making it suitable for heavy timber framing applications where both the beam and post share the same nominal width.

Does the CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG come with the necessary fasteners included?

Yes, the CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG includes 1/4 in. x 2-1/2 in. Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (Model: SDS25212). Installation requires 30 of these screws, all of which are included with the column cap.

Why use SDS screws instead of standard through bolts on this column cap?

The Strong-Drive SDS 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 a stronger, cleaner connection that generally eliminates the need for additional brackets or braces.

Is the CCQ66-SDS2.5HDG suitable for exterior or treated-wood applications?

Yes. This column cap features a hot-dip galvanized (HDG) finish, which offers extra corrosion resistance specifically suited for exterior and treated-wood applications. It is constructed from 7-gauge steel with certified welds for confidence in strength and loading.