Joe Polder, Senior Territory Sales Manager at Simpson Strong-Tie, introduces the HTTH6.5 heavy tension tie, our latest innovation. Recognizing the need for a holdown with load strengths intermediate between our HTT5 and HDU8 products, we developed a cost-effective solution to bridge that gap. Join Joe as he delves into the features and benefits of the HTTH6.5 and how it addresses the needs of the construction field.
At Simpson Strong-Tie, we continually look for ways to improve our offerings for the building industry. During one of our periodic product line reviews, we realized there was a void to be filled in our holdown line for residential construction.
Over the last decade, we’ve made strides to improve the efficiency of our HTT4 and HTT5 heavy tension ties. We made them more compact, relocated nail holes, and accommodated use with our Strong-Drive® SD Connector screws for higher loads. None of this was quite enough, however, since the HTTs’ allowable loads topped out at about 5,000 lb.
The next higher-capacity holdown was the HDU8, which can support approximately 8,000 lb. loads — overkill for many conditions. It became clear the gap between the two products needed to be bridged, so we had some work cut out for us. We started with a goal of creating a cost-effective, nail-installed (or SD Connector screw–installed) heavy tension tie with a load right between the HTT5 and HDU8. And we did it!
We’re proud to announce the new HTTH6.5 heavy tension tie — the first heavy tension tie with uplift values up to 6,500 lb. using nails. This gives a specifier the option to use a heavy tension tie in place of our more expensive HDU holdown.
The off-the-shelf cost of HTTH6.5 is lower than that of the HDU8. But where this tie really shines is in installed cost. The HTTH6.5 uses standard 0.148″ x 2 1/2″ or 0.162″ x 2 1/2″ nails (pneumatic or hand driven). And if your demands are higher, the HTTH6.5 can also be installed with Simpson Strong-Tie SD #10 x 2 1/2″ Connector screws for a whopping 7,650 lb. load
Features
- 6,500 lb. uplift capacity (with nails — even higher with SD Connector screws!)
- Four-fold seat reduces deflection
- Tapered base increases strength and reduces deflection
- Optimal nailing pattern decreases wood splitting and maximizes fastener capacity
- 0.185″ hole diameter accommodates either nails or SD Connector screws
- Installs with industry-standard pneumatically driven nails
- Can be used in both vertical shearwall applications and in horizontal roof design
The installer will benefit from a lower installed-cost product while the specifier will have peace of mind knowing they’re calling out the most efficient product for their application.
The HTTH6.5 is included as a holdown solution in our Simpson Strong-Tie Post-To-Foundation Designer and Site-Built Shearwall Designer web apps.
From specification to installation, we want to make sure everyone uses our products with confidence. Please reach out to us at 800-999-5099 for assistance or visit strongtie.com/htth.