Round Holes Purpose: to fasten a connector. Fill Requirements: always fill, unless noted otherwise.
Obround Holes Purpose: to make fastening a connector in a tight location easier. Fill Requirements: always fill.
Hexagonal Holes Purpose: to fasten a connector to concrete or masonry. Fill Requirements: always fill when fastening a connector to concrete or masonry.
Triangular Holes Purpose: to increase a connector's strength or to achieve Max strength. Fill Requirements: when the Designer specifies Max nailing.
Diamond Holes Purpose: to temporarily fasten a connector to make installing it easier. Fill Requirements: none.
Pilot Holes
Tooling holes for manufacturing purposes. No fasteners required.
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Speed Prongs
Used to temporarily position and secure the connector for easier and faster installation.
Positive Angle Nailing (PAN)
Provided when wood splitting may occur, and to speed installation.
Dome Nailing
This feature guides the nail into the joist and header at a 45° angle.
U.S. Patent 5,603,580
Double Shear Nailing
The nail is installed into the joist and header, distributing the load through two points on each joist nail for greater strength.
ITS Strong-Grip™
(IUS Similar)
The Strong-Grip™ seat allows the I-joist to "snap" in securely without the need for joist nails.