The Simpson 6x6 End Column Cap in Stainless Steel with SDS Screws is a heavy-duty structural connector engineered for end-of-beam column-to-beam connections in wood construction. Built from 7-gauge stainless steel, this connector is designed to perform reliably in corrosive and high-moisture environments - including coastal and outdoor applications - where standard steel hardware would be at risk of premature deterioration. Paired with included Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, it delivers secure, high-uplift-resistant connections for 6x6 post and beam framing with a clean, low-profile installation.

Key Features

• 7-Gauge Stainless Steel Construction - Provides the material strength and corrosion resistance needed for demanding structural framing applications in coastal, high-moisture, or chemically exposed environments, reducing long-term maintenance concerns.
• End-of-Beam Column Cap Design - Specifically engineered for end-of-beam connections, making it the correct solution for 6x6 post and beam layouts where a standard interior cap would not provide adequate bearing support at the beam terminus.
• Extended Seat for Increased Bearing Surface - The extended seat reaches beyond the side of the column to distribute loads more effectively from the beam to the post, supporting structural integrity under heavy loads.
• Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws Included - The package ships with all fasteners needed for a complete installation, eliminating a separate hardware purchase and enabling faster on-site assembly compared to traditional bolt methods.
• Seismic and Wind Uplift Resistance - Approved for structural framing connections requiring high uplift resistance under both seismic and wind loading conditions, making this cap a reliable choice for code-compliant construction in high-load regions.
• Made in the United States - Domestic production supports consistent manufacturing quality and simplifies sourcing for projects with domestic-origin requirements.

Why This Product

• A complete, ready-to-install connection solution - All required SDS screws are included in the package, so crews can move directly from delivery to installation without sourcing additional fasteners separately.
• Purpose-built for 6x6 post and beam framing at beam ends - Unlike general-purpose column caps, this connector is specifically designed for end-of-beam conditions with an extended seat, giving builders the correct hardware for the application rather than a compromise solution.
• Stainless steel durability where it matters most - The 7-gauge stainless steel construction makes this cap a dependable long-term choice for outdoor structures, waterfront projects, and other high-moisture environments where hardware corrosion is a real structural concern.
• Engineered for high-stress load conditions - With approved applications spanning seismic uplift, wind uplift, and demanding structural framing scenarios, this Simpson connector supports builders working in regions with strict structural performance requirements.

Specifications

• Model Number (MPN): ECCQ66SS-SDS2.5
• Beam Width: 5-1/4 in., 5-1/2 in.
• Dimension W1: 5-1/2 in.
• Dimension W2: 5-1/2 in.
• Dimension L: 8-1/2 in.
• Dimension H: 7 in.
• Material: 7-Gauge Stainless Steel
• Finish: Stainless Steel
• Fastener Size: 1/4" x 2-1/2" SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• End-of-beam column-to-beam connections in wood construction
• Structural framing connections requiring high uplift resistance for seismic (earthquake) loading
• Structural framing connections requiring high uplift resistance for wind loading
• Applications requiring corrosion-resistant hardware, such as coastal or high-moisture environments
• 6x6 post and beam construction where extended bearing surface support is required

What's Included

• 1x ECCQ66SS-SDS2.5 End Column Cap (Stainless Steel)
• 14x 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws (Beam)
• 14x 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws (Post)

Options

• Contact us for Configurable Options and Special orders
  
• Straps may be rotated 90 deg.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What size column is this end column cap designed for?

This column cap is specifically designed for 6x6 wood posts, as indicated by the "66" in the model name ECCQ66SS-SDS2.5.

What fasteners are required, and are they included?

This cap uses 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are included in the package. No additional fasteners need to be purchased separately for installation.

Why is stainless steel used for this column cap, and what gauge is it?

The cap is constructed from 7-gauge stainless steel, making it well-suited for corrosive or high-moisture environments where long-term structural integrity is essential. Stainless steel provides greater resistance to corrosion compared to standard steel, which is important in exterior or coastal applications.

What is the advantage of using SDS screws over traditional through bolts with this cap?

SDS screws offer faster installation and attach to a greater net section area of the column compared to standard bolt attachment. They also provide a lower profile than standard through bolts, resulting in a cleaner, more streamlined finished appearance.