How to Install the APEX Beam Hangers

The MTC APEX beam hanger is a North American-manufactured and engineered connection system designed for beam-to-beam and beam-to-column applications in mass timber construction. It was designed to deliver a concealable high-performance beam hanger with improved installation efficiency.

It has been extensively tested to validate its structural performance, but beyond that, it was designed with installation in mind—making it both a strong and cost-effective solution for modern mass timber construction. Key advantages include enhanced installation tolerances, an optimized fastener configuration, and additional detailing features such as provisions that allow a fire-rating wood block to be installed before drop-in.

This article gives you the complete rundown on how to install the APEX family of connectors, covering general considerations, the hardware and tools necessary, installation times, and step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth installation on site.

Approximately 9-minute read.
 

Hardware & Tools: What Do You Need?

Each APEX connector kit includes:

• Two identical APEX aluminum plates
• Varying quantity (based on the model) of 3/8 x 7-7/8 in. [10 x 200 mm] MTC-FTC (ASSY VG CSK) Self-Tapping Screws (STSs)
  • 💡 Shorter STSs may be used in tight primary member configurations, connect with us to verify the application!
• Four nonstructural positioning screws

For an accurate installation, we recommend using:

• A low-RPM, high-torque drill with a feathering trigger for better control
  • 💡 The use of impact drills isn’t the best choice for installing STSs, especially for beam hanger systems. Want to know more? Read our article on the topic.
• An RW50 driver bit for the 3/8 in. [10 mm] STSs for optimal torque transmission
• A 1/4 in. [6.4 mm] drill bit for pilot holes
  • 💡 The APEX predrilling jig helps guide the drill bit and create accurate pilot holes to ensure proper fastener seating.

And, the usual must-haves: PPE, measuring tape, framing square, and a marker.
 

Installation Times and Time-Saving Tips

Installation time will vary depending on site conditions and experience, but the APEX is designed to support an efficient workflow. A single person can typically install a complete APEX connection in 13 to 23 minutes, depending on the model, including:

• Layout
• Positioning
• Pilot holes
• Structural screw installation

💡 Pro tips to help streamline installation and improve consistency across multiple connections:

• Pre-install connectors in a shop where possible
• Group similar housing installations in batches
• Utilize templates for repetitive layouts and pilot holes drilling
• Optimize beam positioning to reduce installer fatigue
• Design the housing depth to allow for fit-up tolerance

💡 Speaking of fit-up tolerance, APEX is engineered with enhanced tolerances that help accommodate minor misalignments during installation, allowing connections to more easily drop into place and self-align. This reduces the need for field adjustments and rework, helping crews save valuable time. Enhanced tolerances for easier fit-up and reduced rework:

• 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] axial tolerance
• 1/8 in. [3.2 mm] horizontal tolerance
• 5° rotational tolerance

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Before starting, if you’re not familiar with MTC Solutions fastener technology, we recommended reviewing our STS installation best practices article that details how to optimize your installation.

1. APEX Layout and Reference Points

Begin by laying out the connector on both the primary and secondary members.

The top of the member is used as the reference point, consistent with other concealed beam hanger systems. The lower nonstructural positioning screw should be measured from that point of reference.

The pocket should be at the bottom on the primary member and the top on the secondary member.

💡 Pro tip: Mark alignment points on beam faces for quick verification and layout.

Figure 1. APEX layout reference points

⚠️ Important: When working with split lamination glulam, voids may be present between plies. Position fasteners away from these voids to ensure uniform load transfer. If it’s not possible to reposition the fasteners, consult your EOR.

2. Screw Installation Layout

3. Pilot Holes (Recommended)

4. Install MTC-FTC Structural Screws

The APEX system uses a combination of horizontal and inclined screws.

Install all horizontal screws first, followed by the inclined screws. This sequence helps maintain alignment and ensures a smooth installation process.

Figure 3. APEX structural screw pattern

5. Wood Plug Installation (Optional)

And that’s it! Efficient and simple.

The North American-made APEX beam hanger was designed to deliver high-performance connections with enhanced installation features, making it the strongest and most cost competitive local solution for your mass timber projects.
 

Under design development stage? Tap into our Resource Hub or Contact Us today! Let’s build something great together!

And if you are wondering which structural performances the APEX was tested and proven for, check out the following blog posts for an in-depth explanation:

• High-capacity gravity loading (highest capacity beam hanger system made in North America)
• 2-hr FRR in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101 and ASTM E119
• Drift performance exceeding 6% while fully loaded
• Axial resistance exceeding 5% of gravity load