Technical FAQ

Fixings
Q: Can I use standard wood screws instead of the nails you specify in your catalogue?
A: The specified nails that have been tested with the connector perform better in shear as they have a larger shank diameter and are less brittle than standard wood screws.
Q: Why do some of your timber to timber connectors have double shear nailing?
A: This patented innovation distributes the load through two points on each joist nail for greater strength. It also allows the use of fewer nails and faster installation.
SAE & HU Face Fix Hangers
Q: Do you have a hanger that can be bolted directly to timber or masonry and what size bolts should I use?
A: SAE hangers have both bolt and nail holes and can be bolted to either timber or masonry with suitable 12mm diameter bolts.
Q: Do SAE and HU face fix hangers have to be the full height of the joist?
A: No, recommended min hanger height is 60% of the joist.
Q: What is the difference between the SAE and HU Face Fix hangers?
A: SAE's have bolt plus nail holes and are available in common solid sawn timber sizes. HU's have nail holes only and are mainly used for composite wood I Joists.
Masonry Hangers
Q: How much masonry is needed above your standard masonry hanger range?
A: A minimum of 675mm of fully cured masonry (3 courses of solid block) is requied above the hanger top flange before applying load.
Q: Do JHMR and HJHMR return hangers provide lateral restraint?
A: Traditional masonry hangers with returns but without restraint straps do not satisfy the requirements for lateral restraint type hangers. The Safety Fast system does however provide full lateral restraint.
Q: Are there any masonry hangers that are safe to use with no masonry above?
A: The new SFH Safety Fast Masonry Hangers are the only hangers that can be used with no masonry above.
Q: What are the advantages of using the standard JHMR and HJHMR return type masonry hangers over the non-return JHM and HJHM models?
A: The return holds the hanger onto the wall during construction and ensures the back of the stirrup is not away from the face of the wall. No increase in safe working load is given and a minimum 675mm masonry is still required above the hanger with mortar fully cured before applying load.
Catalogue Information
Q: What are 'Safe Working Loads' used in the catalogue?
A: The Safe Working Load allowed for a hanger is the maximum load that the hanger can support. This load is determined by testing and through mathematical calculations. The values obtained from the tests and calculations are then weighted for safety to account for variations in the manufacture of connectors and in the type of wood used.
Q: What is 1kN equivalent to?
A: Approximately 100 kg. To be precise, you can work out the conversion from Force to Weight by using the formula F = MG where F is the force in Newtons, M is the weight in kilos and G is gravitational acceleration in m/s2 (G = 9.80665 m/s2). 1 kN is equivalent, therefore, to 101,97 kg.
Customised Products
Q: Do you make customised products?
A: We can make specialised, one-off connectors based on your own specifications.
Applications
Q: Are Simpson products limited to the applications described in the catalogue?
A: No, as long as the recommended safe working loads are adhered to, they can be used for all sorts of construction applications. For more information on specific applications, please ask your question online.
JHA Hangings
Q: Can I use standard wood screws instead of the nails you specify in your catalogue?
A: The specified nails that have been tested with the connector perform better in shear as they have a larger shank diameter and are less brittle than standard wood screws.
Q: Why do some of your timber to timber connectors have double shear nailing?
A: This patented innovation distributes the load through two points on each joist nail for greater strength. It also allows the use of fewer nails and faster installation.

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Technical FAQ