Many structural failures in woodframe buildings occur not because a member breaks but because a connection comes apart. Yet, in residential work, making strong, engineered connections in the field has never been easier. There are many different metal connectors available today, and manufacturers have been innovative as well as responsive to industry needs. Every designer and builder should have some manufacturers' product catalogs on hand for quick help in finding solutions to connection problems. I keep these catalogs in a ring binder on a reference shelf at arm's reach from my work station, and refer to them often. In this article, I'll look at some of my favorite connectors, as well as a few that I would avoid. Double-Shear Joist Hangers High
