Specification

C-F-14 © 2014 SIMPSON STRONG-TIE COMPANY INC.
Simpson Strong-Tie
®
Fastening Systems
324
Load Tables, Technical Data and Installation Instructions
Technical Information
When installing galvanized connectors and straps, use an SCN that is zinc galvanized. If the connectors
and straps are stainless steel, then stainless steel SCNs shall be used. Recent testing by the USDA Forest
Service, Forest Products Laboratory and SimpsonStrong‑Tie has shown that stainless steel nails with
smooth shanks do not have the same withdrawal resistance as smooth‑shank carbon steel and smooth‑
shank galvanized nails. However, ring‑shank stainless steel nails do not underperform the carbon steel nails.
For further information see Forest Products Laboratory Techline article “Withdrawal Strength of Stainless Steel
Nails (August 2012)” and the SimpsonStrong‑Tie Structural Engineering Blog, http://seblog.strongtie.com
/
2013/10 /why-your-nds-nail-calcs-could-be-wrong-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/.
In addition, recent load testing at SimpsonStrong‑Tie indicates that allowable load values for some
SimpsonStrong‑Tie stainless‑steel connectors have changed. Refer to www.strongtie.com/products/
categories/zmax.html for a list of connectors available in stainless steel that includes links to load tables
for carbon steel and stainless steel smooth‑shank nail installations. If a reduced value is shown for a stainless
steel connector used with smooth‑shank stainless steel nails, full allowable carbon steel connector loads may
be achieved if the stainless steel connector is installed with SimpsonStrong‑Tie SCNR ring-shank stainless
steel nails. See the Stainless Steel Connector Nail Substitution Chart for the required replacement stainless
steel ring‑shank nail.
Stainless‑Steel Connector Nail Substitution Chart
1
Catalog Specified Smooth-Shank
Carbon Steel Nail
Replacement Ring-Shank Stainless Steel Nail,
Type 316 Steel
Type Size (inches) Model
N8 0.131 x 1.5 SSNA8
8d Common 0.131 x 2.5 SSA8D
N10 0.148 x 1.5 SSNA10
10d Common 0.148 x 3.0 SSA10D
16d Common 0.162 x 3.5 SSA16D
1. Tabulated nails are hand‑drive nails; collated nails are available for some sizes. Contact SimpsonStrong‑Tie for collated model numbers.
Over‑driven Nails in Connectors and Straps
A nail that is installed such that the head deforms the steel of the connector or strap is considered
over‑driven. Extra care to prevent over‑driven nails should be taken when installing power‑driven nails.
SimpsonStrong‑Tie has evaluated the effect of over‑driven nails in connectors and straps. No load reductions
for connectors or straps apply as a result of over‑driven nails if all of the following conditions are met:
• Connectors and straps are 14‑, 16‑, or 18‑gauge steel.
• The top of the nail head is not driven past flush with the face of the metal hardware.
• The nail goes through an existing fastener hole without enlarging it.
• The steel around the hole is not torn or damaged other than denting caused by the nail head.
Strong
-
Drive
®
SCNR RING-SHANK CONNECTOR Nail
SimpsonStrong-Tie
®
Connectors
SCNR Ring‑Shank Connector nails are the best choice for achieving maximum load values in stainless‑steel
connectors.
For More Product Information, see pages 102, 152
1 ½ " – 3 ½ "