QuickTie is an anchor and cable system for use in seismic areas or where builders have to meet a 90 mph wind code. The difference between it and a conventional hold down or threaded rod is that the cable is tensioned to 140% of the design load by the framer and, according to the manufacturer, ends up at 100% after the building settles and the lumber shrinks. The cable’s base hardware is attached to an anchor bolt or is embedded in epoxy; the top nut is then wrench-tightened according to the instructions on an attached tag. Cables come in various lengths and diameters but a 10-foot-long, 3/16-inch cable should cost $7 to $10. QuickTie Products, 800.397.5542,quicktieproducts.com
