CS Coil Straps — Cut-to-Length Galvanized Steel Strapping for Structural and Utility Applications
CS Coil Straps are continuous coils of galvanized steel strapping designed to be cut to the required length on the job site, eliminating the need to stock multiple fixed-length strap sizes. Available in two configurations — CS150 (16 ga.) and CS250 (20 ga.) — these straps are engineered for contractors performing seismic retrofits, utility tie-downs, and general structural fastening. The staggered hole pattern is specifically designed to reduce wood splitting during installation, and the boxed packaging format simplifies job site storage and handling.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Materials | 20 ga. & 18 ga. galvanized steel |
| Steel Standard | ASTM A653, Fy = 33 ksi, Fu = 45 ksi |
| Base Metal Thickness — 22 gage | 0.030 in. |
| Base Metal Thickness — 20 gage | 0.048 in. |
| Base Metal Thickness — 16 gage | 0.60 in. |
| Load Duration Factor | 1.6 |
| Nail Type | 8d and 10d by 1-1/2 inch joist hanger nails |
| Nail Installation Requirement | Equal number of nails on either side of connection; if unequal, loads based on side with fewest nails |
| Allowable Tension Load Basis | Southern Pine (SYP) specific gravity 0.55; Douglas Fir-Larch (DFL) specific gravity 0.50; Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) or Hem-Fir (HF) specific gravity 0.42 |
| No further load increases permitted | Allowable tension loads include load duration factor of 1.6; no further increases allowed |
Available Sizes
| Item ID | Gauge | Width | Total Length | Allowable Tension Load (SYP/DFL/SPF-HF) | Fasteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS150 | 16 ga. | 1-1/4" | 150' | 1336 lbf | 13-8d x 1-1/2 or 12-8d x 1-1/2 |
| CS250 | 20 ga. | 1-1/4" | 250' | 801 lbf | 7-8d x 1-1/2 |
Unlike fixed-length straps that require ordering multiple SKUs to cover different span requirements, CS Coil Straps ship as a single continuous coil that the installer cuts to exact length on site. The heavier CS150 (16 ga.) delivers a 1336 lbf allowable tension load for demanding structural connections, while the CS250 (20 ga.) provides a cost-effective option for lighter-duty utility and tie-down applications at 801 lbf.
Key Features & Benefits
Cut-to-Length Coil Format
The continuous coil design eliminates the need to pre-order 10", 18", or 24" fixed-length straps. Contractors can cut exactly what is needed on the job, reducing waste and the number of SKUs to manage on site.
Staggered Hole Pattern
The staggered nail hole layout is engineered to reduce wood splitting during fastening. This is particularly important when nailing into dimensional lumber at close spacing, helping maintain the structural integrity of the connected members.
Galvanized Steel Construction
Manufactured from galvanized steel meeting ASTM A653 (Fy = 33 ksi, Fu = 45 ksi), the straps provide corrosion resistance suitable for exposed framing and utility installations. The galvanized finish helps extend service life in conditions where moisture contact is possible.
Boxed Packaging for Job Site Use
The coil is packaged in a box format designed for easier dispensing, handling, and storage on the job site. This reduces tangling and keeps the coil protected between uses.
Rated Allowable Tension Loads
Published allowable tension loads — 1336 lbf for CS150 and 801 lbf for CS250 — are based on ASTM A653 steel and tested wood species (SYP, DFL, SPF, HF), giving engineers and inspectors the data needed for code-compliant connections. The load duration factor of 1.6 is already incorporated; no further increases are permitted.
Common Applications
Seismic Retrofit and Upgrade
CS Coil Straps are used to secure or wrap existing buildings during seismic upgrade work, providing continuous tie connections between framing members at custom lengths as required by the retrofit design.
Water Heater Tie-Down
The straps are suitable for tying water heaters to floors and walls, a common code requirement in seismic zones that benefits from the cut-to-length flexibility of the coil format.
Utility Pipe Hanging
CS Coil Straps can be used to hang pipes from rafters, studs, or joists, providing a versatile and field-adjustable solution for mechanical and plumbing rough-in work.
General Structural Strapping
The rated tension loads and standard nail patterns make these straps appropriate for general structural connections in wood-framed construction using SYP, DFL, SPF, or HF lumber.
Product Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the CS150 and CS250?
A: The CS150 is 16 ga. steel with 150' of total length and an allowable tension load of 1336 lbf, fastened with 13-8d x 1-1/2 or 12-8d x 1-1/2 nails. The CS250 is 20 ga. steel with 250' of total length and an allowable tension load of 801 lbf, fastened with 7-8d x 1-1/2 nails. Choose CS150 for higher-load structural connections and CS250 for lighter-duty utility applications.
Q: What nail type is required for installation?
A: 8d and 10d by 1-1/2 inch joist hanger nails are specified. Allowable tension loads are based on an equal number of nails on either side of the connection; if the nail count is unequal, the allowable load must be based on the side with the fewest nails.
Q: Are the allowable tension loads applicable to all wood species?
A: The published loads apply to Southern Pine (SYP) with specific gravity 0.55, Douglas Fir-Larch (DFL) with specific gravity 0.50, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) or Hem-Fir (HF) with specific gravity 0.42. Use with other species would require separate engineering evaluation.
Q: Can I increase the allowable tension loads for short-term loading?
A: No. The allowable tension loads already include a load duration factor of 1.6, and no further increases in allowable loads are permitted.
Q: Why use a coil strap instead of fixed-length straps?
A: The coil format allows the installer to cut straps to the exact length needed on the job, eliminating the need to order and stock multiple fixed lengths such as 10", 18", or 24" straps.
Q: What steel standard do CS Coil Straps meet?
A: CS Coil Straps are manufactured from ASTM A653 steel with a minimum yield strength (Fy) of 33 ksi and minimum tensile strength (Fu) of 45 ksi.