HT12 Hurricane Tie — High-Capacity 18 Ga. Galvanized Steel Wind and Seismic Connector
The HT12 is among the largest hurricane ties in the HT Series, fabricated from 18-gauge galvanized steel for high load capacity in demanding wind and seismic applications. Designed to connect studs to double plates, it provides reliable uplift and lateral resistance for joists, studs, trusses, plates, and all other wood members without requiring expensive rafter notching. It is intended for use by contractors and trades professionals who need code-compliant connections on residential and light commercial framing projects. The HT12 carries FL Approval #8283 and ICC ESR-1347, making it suitable for use in Florida and other jurisdictions requiring documented connector performance.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | HT Series |
| Material | 18 ga. galvanized steel |
| Steel Gauge | 18 |
| Finish Options | G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized |
| Connection Achieved | Stud to double plate |
| Nails to Rafters | 7-10d |
| Nails to Stud | 7-10d |
| Nail Type | 8d or 10d common wire nails or 1-1/2 inch joist hanger nails |
| Allowable Uplift Load (DF/L) | 850 lbf |
| Allowable Uplift Load (SYP) | 873 lbf |
| Approvals / Codes | FL Approval #8283, ICC ESR-1347 |
| Load Duration Factor (C) | 1.6 (160%), corresponding to wind and earthquake load duration |
| Minimum Specific Gravity for DF/L Loads | 0.50 (e.g., Douglas-fir-Larch or structural composite lumber) |
| Minimum Specific Gravity for SYP Loads | 0.55 (e.g., Southern Pine or structural composite lumber) |
As one of the largest connectors in the RT/HT Series, the HT12 is engineered specifically for high-load applications where smaller hurricane ties would be insufficient. Its dual finish options — G-185 Triple Zinc and Hot-Dip Galvanized — give contractors flexibility to meet project-specific corrosion-resistance requirements, and its dual code approvals (FL and ICC) simplify the inspection and permitting process.
Key Features & Benefits
High-Gauge Steel Construction
Fabricated from 18-gauge galvanized steel, the HT12 delivers the structural rigidity needed for high uplift and lateral load conditions. This heavier gauge construction supports allowable uplift loads up to 873 lbf (SYP), making it appropriate for high-wind and seismic zones where connector performance is critical.
Dual Finish Options for Corrosion Resistance
Available in G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized finishes, the HT12 can be specified to match the corrosion-resistance demands of coastal, high-humidity, or treated-lumber environments. Contractors should call for availability of each finish option.
Eliminates Rafter Notching
The HT Series design eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming rafter notching, reducing labor costs and speeding up framing cycles. This allows crews to maintain consistent framing schedules without sacrificing structural integrity at the connection point.
Code-Compliant Approvals
The HT12 carries FL Approval #8283 and ICC ESR-1347, providing documented compliance for use in Florida and jurisdictions that reference ICC evaluation reports. These approvals reduce the risk of inspection delays and support specification on engineered projects.
Versatile Fastener Compatibility
Accepts 8d or 10d common wire nails as well as 1-1/2 inch joist hanger nails, giving installers flexibility to use fasteners already on the job site. The specified 7-nail pattern to both the rafter and stud sides ensures consistent load transfer across the connection.
Common Applications
Stud-to-Double-Plate Connection
The HT12 is specifically designed to tie studs to double top plates, providing resistance to uplift and lateral forces at this critical framing junction.
Truss and Rafter Tie
Used to tie trusses and rafters to wall framing, the HT12 provides wind and seismic resistance required in high-load structural assemblies.
Joist Tie
The HT12 can be used to connect joists to plates and other wood members where high-capacity uplift resistance is required.
General Purpose Structural Tie
Suitable for general-purpose tie use, strong-back applications, or any attachment where one wood member crosses another and a high-capacity metal connector is needed.
High-Wind Construction
Designed for high-wind applications, the HT12 fulfills specifications for resistance to lateral and uplift conditions in wind-prone regions, including Florida where FL Approval #8283 applies.
Seismic Applications
Provides seismic ties for trusses and rafters, supporting compliance with lateral load requirements in seismically active areas.
Product Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What connection does the HT12 achieve?
A: The HT12 is designed to connect a stud to a double plate.
Q: What is the allowable uplift load for the HT12?
A: The allowable uplift load is 850 lbf for Douglas-fir-Larch (specific gravity ≥ 0.50) and 873 lbf for Southern Yellow Pine (specific gravity ≥ 0.55). These loads have been adjusted by a load duration factor C of 1.6 (160%), corresponding to wind and earthquake load duration.
Q: What nails are required to install the HT12?
A: Installation requires 7-10d nails to the rafter side and 7-10d nails to the stud side. Acceptable nail types are 8d or 10d common wire nails or 1-1/2 inch joist hanger nails.
Q: What code approvals does the HT12 carry?
A: The HT12 is listed under FL Approval #8283 and ICC ESR-1347.
Q: What finish options are available for the HT12?
A: The HT12 is available in G-185 Triple Zinc or Hot-Dip Galvanized. Availability of each finish should be confirmed by calling the supplier.
Q: What lumber species or materials are the allowable loads valid for?
A: Allowable loads apply to wood or structural composite lumber with an effective specific gravity of 0.50 or greater (such as Douglas-fir-Larch) for the DF/L load values, and 0.55 or greater (such as Southern Pine) for the SYP load values.