APEX

Pre-engineered Connection System

CA and US Engineered & Manufactured
ICC-ESR-5466 Certified
Interstory Drift Tested
MTC Solutions Owned
Download and axially tested
Installation Tolerances up to 1/8" (3.2mm) and 0.5°

Beam Hanger Comparison

APEX
MEGANT
RICON S VS

CAN – Limit States Design (LSD)
US – Allowable Stress Design (ASD)

Download Capacity Range

159 - 316 kN

64 - 115 kN

22 - 129 kN

Uplift Capacity Range

Design with Toe Screws

11 - 29 kN

7 - 13 kN
with Clip Lock

Axial Capacity Range

13 - 32 kN

17 - 53 kN

14 - 29 kN

Manufactured in

US & Canada

Austria

Material

Aluminum

Mild Steel

Connection Type

Wood-to-Wood

Wood-to-Wood
Wood-to-Steel

Installation Time

13 to 23 mins

21 to 37 mins

9 to 20 mins

Installation Tolerances	Axial	3.2mm (1/8")	-	1mm (0.039") RICON S VS XL
	Horizontal	3.2mm (1/8")	-	1mm (0.039") RICON S VS XL
	Rotational	0.5°	-	-

Standard & Certifications

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-5466

CSA O86:24
ETA-15/0667 2019

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-4300
ETA-10/0189 2019

Seismic Compatibility

> 4% interstory drift

Tested Fire Resistance Rating

2 Hour

1 Hour

Notes:

This table is intended as a pre-selection tool only. Refer to each respective connector for full design guidelines.
The EOR is responsible for verifying all aspects of the connection design.

Download Capacity Range

20.8 - 39 kips

11.4 - 27.2 kips

2.7 - 15.0 kips

Uplift Capacity Range

Design with Toe Screws

Reach out to Tech Team

1.7 - 2.3 kips
with Clip Lock

Axial Capacity Range

2.8 - 7.1 kips

Reach out to Tech Team

Manufactured in

US & Canada

Austria

Material

Aluminum

Mild Steel

Connection Type

Wood-to-Wood

Wood-to-Wood
Wood-to-Steel

Installation Time

13 to 23 mins

21 to 37 mins

9 to 20 mins

Installation Tolerances	Axial	1/8" (3.2mm)	-	0.039" (1mm) RICON S VS XL
	Horizontal	1/8" (3.2mm)	-	0.039 (1mm) RICON S VS XL
	Rotational	0.5°	-	-

Standard & Certifications

ICC-ESR-5466
CSA O86:24

CSA O86:24
ETA-15/0667 2019

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-4300
ETA-10/0189 2019

Seismic Compatibility

> 4% interstory drift

Tested Fire Resistance Rating

2 Hour

1 Hour

Wood-to-Wood Design Values

MTC Tech Support DL Design Guide

Pre-engineered download and axial capacities of the ICC-ES certified APEX beam hangers in wood-to-wood configurations (derived in accordance with CSA O86:24, ASTM D7147-21*, and ICC-ESR*) along with minimum beam and column sections for 45- to 120-minute fire-resistance ratings (FRR).

CAN – Limit States Design (LSD)
USA – Allowable Standard Design (ASD)

Minimum Secondary Beam Section Dimensions [ mm ]
APEX Model	Configuration	No FRR	45-min FRR	1-hr FRR	2-hr FRR	Relative Density [ G ]	Factored Resistance [ kN ]
APEX Model	Configuration	No FRR	45-min FRR	1-hr FRR	2-hr FRR	Relative Density [ G ]	Download	Axial
APEX S	Single	113 x 502	174 x 532	194 x 548	254 x 594	≥ 0.42*	159	13
						≥ 0.44	169	14
						≥ 0.47**	181	16
						≥ 0.49	181	17
	Double	221 x 502	282 x 532	301 x 548	361 x 594	≥ 0.42*	259	23
						≥ 0.44	305	24
						≥ 0.47**	363	27
						≥ 0.49	361	30
APEX M	Single	113 x 562	174 x 592	194 x 608	254 x 654	≥ 0.42*	190	14
						≥ 0.44	202	14
						≥ 0.47**	222	16
						≥ 0.49	222	18
	Double	221 x 562	282 x 592	301 x 608	361 x 654	≥ 0.42*	300	23
						≥ 0.44	350	24
						≥ 0.47**	445	28
						≥ 0.49	414	30
APEX L	Single	166 x 442	225 x 479	244 x 494	304 x 540	≥ 0.42*	186	24
						≥ 0.44	216	26
						≥ 0.47**	240	29
						≥ 0.49	240	32
	Double	324 x 442	383 x 479	403 x 494	463 x 540	≥ 0.42*	255	41
						≥ 0.44	306	43
						≥ 0.47**	408	50
						≥ 0.49	366	54
APEX XL	Single	166 x 562	225 x 599	244 x 614	304 x 660	≥ 0.42*	263	27
						≥ 0.44	295	28
						≥ 0.47**	316	32
						≥ 0.49	316	35
	Double	324 x 562	383 x 599	403 x 614	463 x 660	≥ 0.42*	368	45
						≥ 0.44	437	48
						≥ 0.47**	590	55
						≥ 0.49	517	59

*Requires minimum specified longitudinal shear strength, f_v, of 1.5 MPa.

**Requires minimum specified longitudinal shear strength, f_v, of 2.5 MPa and minimum specified tension perpendicular to grain, f_tp, of 0.51 MPa.

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
Tabulated factored resistances are applicable for wood-to-wood connections only. Screw installation must follow the patterns presented in the Installation section.
The listed connector resistances may be limited by the splitting resistance perpendicular to grain and the effective shear resistance of the timber members. Refer to Appendix C: Survey of Literature on Reinforcement for Tension Perpendicular to Grain (Page 129) for more information and available reinforcement strategies. It is the responsibility of the EOR to ensure the primary and secondary members have adequate capacity to resist connection forces.
Factored resistances provided do not account for combined loading in multiple directions. Combined gravity and axial loading must be verified per eq. 1 (Page 13).
Tabulated factored resistances assume adequate load transfer at the beam end. Where gaps or voids are present, engineering verification may be required.
Tabulated factored resistances apply to both Package A and Package B. Package A is permitted only where primary member fasteners are installed into side or parallel grain.
Due to axial tolerance, some slip is expected before the connector develops the axial capacities shown in the table.
Tabulated factored resistances for double hanger configurations assume equal load distribution between hangers.

Minimum Secondary Beam Section Dimensions [ in. ]
APEX Model	Configuration	No FRR	1-hr FRR	2-hr FRR	Specific Gravity [ G ]	Allowable Loads [ lb. ]
						Download			Axial
						C_D = 1.0	C_D = 1.15	C_D = 1.25	Axial
APEX S	Single	4-7/16 x 19-27/32	7-13/32 x 21-7/16	9-31/32 x 23-13/32	≥ 0.42	17,650	20,300	21,300	2,750
					≥ 0.46*	19,300	21,300	21,600	3,035
					≥ 0.50	20,850	21,550	21,850	3,320
					≥ 0.55	20,850	21,550	21,850	3,677
	Double	8-11/16 x 19-27/32	11-21/32 x 21-7/16	14-1/4 x 23-13/32	≥ 0.42	35,300	40,600	42,650	4,675
					≥ 0.46*	38,600	42,650	43,200	5,160
					≥ 0.50	41,750	43,100	43,700	5,640
					≥ 0.55	41,750	43,100	43,700	6,250
APEX M	Single	4-7/16 x 22-7/32	7-13/32 x 23-13/16	9-31/32 x 25-25/32	≥ 0.42	21,000	24,150	25,400	2,790
					≥ 0.46*	22,950	25,400	25,700	3,080
					≥ 0.50	24,850	25,650	26,000	3,370
					≥ 0.55	24,850	25,650	26,000	3,730
	Double	8-11/16 x 22-7/32	11-21/32 x 23-13/16	14-1/4 x 25-25/32	≥ 0.42	42,050	48,350	50,850	4,746
					≥ 0.46*	45,950	50,800	51,450	5,235
					≥ 0.50	49,750	51,350	52,050	5,730
					≥ 0.55	49,750	51,350	52,050	6,345
APEX L	Single	6-17/32 x 17-1/2	9-13/32 x 19-11/32	11-31/32 x 21-5/16	≥ 0.42	25,600	29,400	31,950	4,990
					≥ 0.46*	30,350	31,950	31,950	5,505
					≥ 0.50	31,950	31,950	31,950	6,025
					≥ 0.55	31,950	31,950	31,950	6,670
	Double	12-25/32 x 17-1/2	15-21/32 x 19-11/32	18-1/4 x 21-5/16	≥ 0.42	37,500	43,200	46,900	8,480
					≥ 0.46*	50,700	58,300	63,300	9,361
					≥ 0.50	46,150	53,100	57,600	10,240
					≥ 0.55	52,100	59,700	63,900	11,345
APEX XL	Single	6-17/32 x 22-7/32	9-13/32 x 24-1/16	11-31/32 x 26-1/32	≥ 0.42	33,050	38,000	40,000	5,280
					≥ 0.46*	36,100	39,950	40,600	5,830
					≥ 0.50	39,050	40,500	41,200	6,375
					≥ 0.55	39,050	40,500	41,200	7,060
	Double	12-25/32 x 22-7/32	15-21/32 x 25-1/16	18-1/4 x 26-1/32	≥ 0.42	55,900	64,200	69,800	8,975
					≥ 0.46*	72,250	79,950	81,250	9,905
					≥ 0.50	68,750	79,050	82,450	10,840
					≥ 0.55	77,700	81,050	82,450	12,000

*Requires minimum design shear strength, F_v, of 300 psi.

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
Tabulated allowable loads are applicable for wood-to-wood connections only. Screw installation must follow the patterns presented in the Installation section.
The listed connector allowable loads may be limited by the splitting strength perpendicular to grain and the effective shear strength of the timber members. Refer to Appendix C: Survey of Literature on Reinforcement for Tension Perpendicular to Grain (Page 126) for more information and available reinforcement strategies. It is the responsibility of the EOR to ensure the primary and secondary members have adequate capacity to resist connection forces.
Tabulated allowable loads provided do not account for combined loading in multiple directions. Combined gravity and axial loading must be verified per eq. 1 (Page 14).
Tabulated allowable loads assume adequate load transfer at the beam end. Where gaps or voids are present, engineering verification may be required.
Tabulated allowable loads apply to both Package A and Package B. Package A is permitted only where primary member fasteners are installed into side or parallel grain.
Due to axial tolerance, some slip is expected before the connector develops the axial capacities shown in the table.
Tabulated allowable loads for double hanger configurations assume equal load distribution between hangers.

Secondary Member Requirements

Canada
USA

Geometry Requirements [ mm ]
Model	l_p	e_top	No FRR		45-min FRR		1-hr FRR		2-hr FRR		d_h	s_d
Model	l_p	e_top	e_side	e_bot	e_side	e_bot	e_side	e_bot	e_side	e_bot	d_h	s_d
APEX S	176	7	6	33	36	62	46	78	76	124	50	6
APEX M	176	7	6	33	36	62	46	78	76	124	50	6
APEX L	176	0	7	33	36	56	46	72	76	118	50	6
APEX XL	176	0	7	33	36	56	46	72	76	118	50	6

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section.
Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for l_p are to the deepest screw penetration and are fixed. Tabulated values for d_h are maximum values based on a recommended gap between the primary and secondary member of 1.6 mm [ 1/16 in. ]. Larger gaps will reduce d_h accordingly.
For single-connector configurations with an FRR, the tabulated side cover dimensions are the minimum required. Due to the corner rounding effect (CSA O86:24 Clause B.4.5), the bottom cover dimensions are dependent on the width of the beam; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
Placement of a connector within the depth of the beam must be verified by the EOR for splitting perpendicular to grain resistance as well as the effective shear resistance of the members.
Values for e_side are applicable for side cover for both secondary beams and columns.
Values for e_top are minimum requirements based on minimum end and edge distance, and may need to be adjusted to align with the hanger placement in the secondary beam.

Geometry Requirements [ in. ]
Model	l_p	e_top	No FRR		1-hr FRR		2-hr FRR		d_h	s_d
Model	l_p	e_top	e_side	e_bot	e_side	e_bot	e_side	e_bot	d_h	s_d
APEX S	6-29/32	9/32	7/32	1-5/16	1-23/32	2-29/32	3	4-7/8	1-31/32	1/4
APEX M	6-29/32	9/32	7/32	1-5/16	1-23/32	2-29/32	3	4-7/8	1-31/32	1/4
APEX L	6-29/32	1/32	9/32	13/16	1-23/32	2-11/16	3	4-21/32	1-31/32	1/4
APEX XL	6-29/32	1/32	9/32	13/16	1-23/32	2-11/16	3	4-21/32	1-31/32	1/4

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for l_p are to the deepest screw penetration and are fixed. Tabulated values for d_h are maximum values based on a recommended gap between the primary and secondary member of 1/16 in. [ 1.6 mm ]. Larger gaps will reduce d_h accordingly.
For single-connector configurations with an FRR, the tabulated side cover dimensions are the minimum required. Due to the corner rounding effect, the bottom cover dimensions are dependent on the width of the beam; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
Placement of a connector within the depth of the beam must be verified by the EOR for splitting strength perpendicular to grain as well as the effective shear strength of the members.
Values for e_side are applicable for side cover for both secondary beams and columns.
Values for e_top are minimum requirements based on minimum end and edge distance, and may need to be adjusted to align with the hanger placement in the secondary beam.

Primary Column Requirement

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Beam/Girder

Unhoused
Housed

Canada
USA

Geometry Requirements [ mm ]
Model	l_p*		e_top	No FRR		45-min FRR		1-hr FRR		2-hr FRR		d_h	s_d
Model	A	B	e_top	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	d_h	s_d
APEX S	136	176	33	7	10	36	36	52	46	98	85	50	6
APEX M	136	176	33	7	10	36	36	52	46	98	85	50	6
APEX L	136	176	20	0	10	36	36	52	46	98	85	50	6
APEX XL	136	176	20	0	10	36	36	52	46	98	85	50	6

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 3.1 (Page 36) for hardware package options.

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section.
Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for l_p are to the deepest screw penetration and are fixed. Tabulated values for d_hare maximum values based on a recommended gap between the primary and secondary member of 1.6 mm [ 1/16 in. ]. Larger gaps will reduce dh accordingly.
For single-connector configurations with an FRR, the tabulated side cover dimensions are the minimum required. Due to the corner rounding effect (CSA O86:24 Clause B.4.5), the bottom cover dimensions are dependent on the width of the beam; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
Placement of a connector within the depth of the beam must be verified by the EOR for splitting perpendicular to grain resistance as well as the effective shear resistance of the members.
Values for e_side are applicable for side cover for both secondary beams and columns.
Values for e_p,top are minimum requirements based on minimum end and edge distance, and may need to be adjusted to align with the hanger placement in the secondary beam.

Geometry Requirements [ in. ]
Model	l_p*		e_top	No FRR		1-hr FRR		2-hr FRR		d_h	s_d
Model	A	B	e_top	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	d_h	s_d
APEX S	5-11/32	6-29/32	1-5/16	9/32	13/32	1-7/8	1-23/32	3-19/32	3	1-31/32	1/4
APEX M	5-11/32	6-29/32	1-5/16	9/32	13/32	1-7/8	1-23/32	3-19/32	3	1-31/32	1/4
APEX L	5-11/32	6-29/32	13/16	1/32	13/32	1-7/8	1-23/32	3-19/32	3	1-31/32	1/4
APEX XL	5-11/32	6-29/32	13/16	1/32	13/32	1-7/8	1-23/32	3-19/32	3	1-31/32	1/4

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 3.1 (Page 36) for hardware package options.

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for l_p are to the deepest screw penetration and are fixed. Tabulated values for d_h are maximum values based on a recommended gap between the primary and secondary member of 1/16 in. [ 1.6 mm ]. Larger gaps will reduce d_h accordingly.
For single-connector configurations with an FRR, the tabulated side cover dimensions are the minimum required. Due to the corner rounding effect, the bottom cover dimensions are dependent on the width of the beam; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
Placement of a connector within the depth of the beam must be verified by the EOR for splitting strength perpendicular to grain as well as the effective shear strength of the members.
Values for e_side are applicable for side cover for both secondary beams and columns.
Values for e_top are minimum requirements based on minimum end and edge distance, and may need to be adjusted to align with the hanger placement in the secondary beam.

Primary Beam Requirement

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Post

Unhoused
Housed

Canada
USA

Geometry Requirements [ mm ]
Model	l_p*		e_top	No FRR		45-min FRR		1-hr FRR		2-hr FRR		d_h	s_d
Model	A	B	e_top	e_side	e_back	e_side	e_back	e_side	e_back	e_side	e_back	d_h	s_d
APEX S	136	176	33	6	10	36	36	46	46	76	85	50	6
APEX M	136	176	33	6	10	36	36	46	46	76	85	50	6
APEX L	136	176	20	7	10	36	36	46	46	76	85	50	6
APEX XL	136	176	20	7	10	36	36	46	46	76	85	50	6

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 3.1 (Page 36) for hardware package options.

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section.
Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for l_p are to the deepest screw penetration and are fixed. Tabulated values for d_h are maximum values based on a recommended gap between the primary and secondary member of 1.6 mm [ 1/16 in. ]. Larger gaps will reduce d_h accordingly.
For single-connector configurations with an FRR, the tabulated side cover dimensions are the minimum required. Due to the corner rounding effect (CSA O86:24 Clause B.4.5), the bottom cover dimensions are dependent on the width of the beam; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
Placement of a connector within the depth of the beam must be verified by the EOR for splitting perpendicular to grain resistance as well as the effective shear resistance of the members.
Values for e_side are applicable for side cover for both secondary beams and columns.
Values for e_top are minimum requirements based on minimum end and edge distance, and may need to be adjusted to align with the hanger placement in the secondary beam.

Geometry Requirements [ in. ]
Model	l_p*		e_top	No FRR		1-hr FRR		2-hr FRR		d_h	s_d
Model	A	B	e_top	e_side	e_back	e_side	e_back	e_side	e_back	d_h	s_d
APEX S	5-11/32	6-29/32	1-5/16	7/32	13/32	1-23/32	1-23/32	3	3	1-31/32	1/4
APEX M	5-11/32	6-29/32	1-5/16	7/32	13/32	1-23/32	1-23/32	3	3	1-31/32	1/4
APEX L	5-11/32	6-29/32	13/16	9/32	13/32	1-23/32	1-23/32	3	3	1-31/32	1/4
APEX XL	5-11/32	6-29/32	13/16	9/32	13/32	1-23/32	1-23/32	3	3	1-31/32	1/4

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 3.1 (Page 36) for hardware package options.

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to the Designer section. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for l_p are to the deepest screw penetration and are fixed. Tabulated values for d_h are maximum values based on a recommended gap between the primary and secondary member of 1/16 in. [ 1.6 mm ]. Larger gaps will reduce d_h accordingly.
For single-connector configurations with an FRR, the tabulated side cover dimensions are the minimum required. Due to the corner rounding effect, the bottom cover dimensions are dependent on the width of the beam; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
Placement of a connector within the depth of the beam must be verified by the EOR for splitting strength perpendicular to grain as well as the effective shear strength of the members.
Values for e_side are applicable for side cover for both secondary beams and columns.
Values for e_top are minimum requirements based on minimum end and edge distance, and may need to be adjusted to align with the hanger placement in the secondary beam.

2D & 3D Geometry

APEX beam hanger’s connector geometry (height, width, thickness) and downloadable 2D and 3D geometry files (.DXF, .DWG, .IFC, .STEP) for use in drawings and BIM models.

Canada ( Metric)
US (Imperial)

Connector Geometry	Model
	APEX S	APEX M	APEX L	APEX XL
	[ mm ]
H₁	463.5	523.5	422.33	542.33
H₂	489.5	549.5	442.33	562.33
W	101.6	101.6	152.4	152.4
T	50.8	50.8	50.8	50.8

Connector Geometry	Model
	APEX S	APEX M	APEX L	APEX XL
	[ in. ]
H₁	18-1/4	20-1/2	16-3/4	21-3/8
H₂	19-1/4	21-3/4	17-1/2	22-1/8
W	4	4	6	6
T	2	2	2	2

Model	.DXF	.DWG	.IFC	.SAT
APEX S
APEX M
APEX L
APEX XL
ALL ABOVE

Notes:

Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to Designer and General Notes to Installer sections, as well as all minimum geometry requirements. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide
Minor manufacturing tolerances may apply; actual product dimensions may vary slightly.

Design Guide

Design Guides

Beam Hanger Design Guide

The Beam Hanger Design Guide is a practical resource for designing mass timber beam connections. It provides off-the-shelf, pre-engineered solutions such as the APEX and RIDGE, featuring tabulated design values and complete installation instructions to support project completion.

Code Approval

ICC Code Approval ESR-5466 for APEX and RIDGE Connectors – 2026 Edition

Installation Steps

INSTALLATION STEPS

Download Installation Guide MTC Tech Support

Get it right the first time with fast, field-ready instructions for clean, concealed connections. Review each step below or download the ICC-ES certified APEX beam hanger installation guide—simplified for quick reference in a black-and-white format, ideal for clipboards and printouts.

Download Installation Guide
MTC Tech Support

Tools - Use the Correct Bit

MTC Solutions fasteners should only be driven using RW bits, or appropriately sized star bits. This ensures good centering and positioning with optimal torque transmission. For the APEX, use an RW 50 bit for the 10 mm [ 3/8 in. ] screws.

Tools - Use the Correct Drill

Use low-RPM, high-torque drills equipped with a feather (variable speed) trigger to install fasteners. Avoid excessive acceleration and deceleration during the drive-in process. Do not overtorque fasteners. Although impact guns are not expressly prohibited, their use is discouraged – particularly for beam hanger systems – due to an increased risk of overtorquing. Use the appropriate drill chuck size according to the fastener.

Tools - APEX Predrilling Jig

The Predrilling Jig ensures precise alignment of the APEX inclined fasteners. It guides the drill bit to create an accurate pilot hole, and ensures proper fastener seating. The hole in the jig accommodates standard imperial and metric drill bit diameters. For the 3/8 in. [ 10 mm ] inclined fasteners, pilot holes 1/4 in. [ 6.4 mm ] in diameter and 1 in. [ 25 mm ] long are recommended.

Fastener Layout

Each APEX model (S–XL) is installed using a simplified screw pattern that includes two nonstructural positioning screws and a varying quantity (depending on the model) of 3/8″ x 7-7/8″ [10 x 200 mm] MTC-FTC screws installed horizontally and inclined at a 45° angle.

Estimated Installation Time

This process includes the following steps:
1. Layout (~10%)
2. Positioning (~10%–15%)
3. Pilot Holes (~20%–25%)
4. Screw Installation (~50%–60%)
5. Optional Measures (not included in the time installation % breakdown)

Installation time can be reduced with efficient fabrication and site practices such as:
1.Drilling pilot holes for the nonstructural positioning screws at the time of fabrication
2.Utilizing templates to drill pilot holes for structural screws
3.Optimizing beam positioning to reduce worker fatigue

Layout - Reference Points

Begin by laying out the installation locations in the primary and secondary members using a pencil and square.

The connector’s point of reference is the top of the beam. 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 on the top on the secondary member.

Layout - Split Lamination Considerations

Where lamination voids are present, positioning fasteners away from the void is recommended to promote uniform load transfer. The influence of lamination voids on fasteners performance depends on their size relative to fastener geometry and their proximity to fasteners.

Positioning - Nonstructural Positioning Screw Installation

Positioning screws ensure accurate placement of the APEX connector. To improve accuracy and reduce time, it is recommended to predrill the nonstructural positioning screw locations during member fabrication. Install one nonstructural positioning screw into the hole highlighted at the top of the plate. Check to ensure alignment is maintained and then install the second nonstructural positioning screw into the hole highlighted at the bottom of the plate.

Pilot Holes - Recommendations

Pilot holes are optional; however, they facilitate screw thread engagement, help reduce splitting risks, ensure a proper penetration path which reduces screw wandering, and reduce insertion torque. For the structural fasteners used with the APEX series, pilot holes 6.4 mm [ 1/4 in. ] in diameter and 25 mm [ 1 in. ] in length are recommended. The use of MTC Predrilling Jig for the inclined screws of the APEX is recommended to ensure proper hole placement.

Screw Installation - Align Drill Bit Axis

Align the driver bit axis parallel to the fastener axis during installation to allow proper torque transmission and to avoid stripping.

Screw Installation - Decrease RPM

To avoid overtorquing the screw, decrease the rotation speed about 12.7 mm [ 1/2 in. ] away from the final installed position. This is crucial to prevent wood crushing due to overtorquing, which can impact beam hanger tolerances, potentially impeding overall connection assembly. This is especially important when using an impact drill.

Screw Installation - Drill Pressure

Do not apply excessive pressure on the drill while driving the fastener to prevent fastener buckling or deviation during installation. Only apply the required force or use the recommended holder case to eliminate cam-out effects.

Screw Installation - One-Step Process

To avoid increased torque peaks caused by stopping and restarting the drive-in process, install the screw in one run until the head is lightly seated against the side member. If necessary, a torque wrench may be used to complete installation immediately after the screw has been driven.

Screw Installation - Structural Screws

Install the 10 mm x 200 mm [ 3/8 x 7-7/8 in. ] MTC-FTC screws in all perpendicular holes first. Once all perpendicular screws are installed, install the 10 mm x 200 mm [ 3/8 x 7-7/8 in. ] MTC-FTC screws in all inclined holes.

Optional Measures - Pre-Install Wood Plug

Where connectors are housed in the secondary beam, it is recommended to seal the void in the routing below the connector for aesthetics and fire protection. The APEX system is equipped with diagonal holes so that a wood plug may be pre-installed on the non-routed member in the shop or on site before the secondary beam is lifted into place.