RIDGE

Pre-engineered Connection System

CA and US Engineered & Manufactured
Full-scale download tested
Simple, Fast, Drop-In Installation
MTC Solutions Owned
Installation Tolerances up to 1/8" (3.2mm) and 0.5°

Beam Hanger Comparison

RIDGE
RICON S VS
APEX

CAN _ Limit States Design (LSD)
US_Allowable Stress Design (ASD)

Download Capacity Range

30 - 151 kN

22 - 129 kN

159 - 316 kN

Uplift Capacity Range

Design with Toe Screws

7 - 13 kN
with Clip Lock

Design with Toe Screws

Axial Capacity Range

14 - 23 kN

14 - 29 kN

13 - 32 kN

Manufactured in

US & Canada

Austria

US & Canada

Material

Aluminum

Mild Steel

Aluminum

Connection Type

Wood-to-Wood

Wood-to-Wood
Wood-to-Steel

Wood-to-Wood

Installation Time

11 to 24 mins

9 to 20 mins

11 to 23 mins

Installation Tolerances	Axial	2.6 mm (3/32")	1 mm (0.039") RICON S VS XL	3.2 mm (1/8")
	Horizontal	3.2 mm (1/8")	1 mm (0.039") RICON S VS XL	3.2 mm (1/8")
	Rotational	0.5°	-	0.5°

Standard & Certifications

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-5466

CSA O86:24
ETA-15/0667 2019

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-5466

Seismic Compatibility

Coming Soon

> 4% interstory drift

Tested Fire Resistance Rating

Coming Soon

N/A

2 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

4.3 - 22.4 kips

2.7 - 15.0 kips

19.3 - 39 kips

Uplift Capacity Range

Design with Toe Screws

1.7 - 2.3 kips
with Clip Lock

Design with Toe Screws

Axial Capacity Range

1.9 - 3.2 kips

Reach out to Tech Team

2.8 - 7.1 kips

Manufactured in

US & Canada

Austria

US & Canada

Material

Aluminum

Mild Steel

Aluminum

Connection Type

Wood-to-Wood

Wood-to-Wood
Wood-to-Steel

Wood-to-Wood

Installation Time

11 to 24 mins

9 to 20 mins

11 to 23 mins

Installation Tolerances	Axial	3/32" (2.6 mm)	0.039" (1 mm) RICON S VS XL	1/8" (3.2 mm)
	Horizontal	1/8" (3.2 mm)	0.039" (1 mm) RICON S VS XL	1/8" (3.2 mm)
	Rotational	0.5°	-	0.5°

Standard & Certifications

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-5466

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

CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-5466

Seismic Compatibility

Coming Soon

> 4% interstory drift

Tested Fire Resistance Rating

Coming Soon

1 Hour

2 Hour

Wood-to-Wood Design Values

MTC Tech Support DL Design Guide

Pre-engineered download and axial capacities of the ICC-ES certified RIDGE 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 ]
Model	Configuration	No FRR	45-min FRR	1-hr FRR	2-hr FRR	Relative Density [ G ]	Factored Resistance [ kN ] Download	Factored Resistance [ kN ] Axial
RIDGE XS	Single	112 x 215	175 x 241	175 x 256	265 x 304	≥ 0.42*	30	14
						≥ 0.44	32	15
						≥ 0.47**	36	17
						≥ 0.49	40	18
	Double	208 x 215	253 x 241	271 x 256	337 x 304	≥ 0.42*	57	24
						≥ 0.44	64	25
						≥ 0.47**	73	29
						≥ 0.49	79	31
RIDGE S	Single	112 x 254	175 x 280	175 x 296	265 x 343	≥ 0.42*	56	15
						≥ 0.44	60	16
						≥ 0.47**	68	18
						≥ 0.49	73	20
	Double	208 x 254	253 x 280	271 x 296	337 x 343	≥ 0.42*	82	26
						≥ 0.44	101	27
						≥ 0.47**	135	31
						≥ 0.49	121	34
RIDGE M	Single	112 x 293	175 x 320	175 x 336	265 x 382	≥ 0.42*	74	16
						≥ 0.44	79	17
						≥ 0.47**	90	19
						≥ 0.49	98	21
	Double	208 x 293	253 x 320	271 x 336	337 x 382	≥ 0.42*	106	27
						≥ 0.44	129	29
						≥ 0.47**	172	33
						≥ 0.49	154	36
RIDGE L	Single	112 x 332	175 x 360	175 x 376	265 x 421	≥ 0.42*	98	17
						≥ 0.44	103	17
						≥ 0.47**	118	20
						≥ 0.49	128	22
	Double	208 x 332	253 x 360	271 x 376	337 x 421	≥ 0.42*	131	28
						≥ 0.44	156	30
						≥ 0.47**	208	34
						≥ 0.49	186	37
RIDGE XL	Single	112 x 401	175 x 429	175 x 445	265 x 489	≥ 0.42*	115	18
						≥ 0.44	122	19
						≥ 0.47**	139	21
						≥ 0.49	151	23
	Double	208 x 401	253 x 429	271 x 445	337 x 489	≥ 0.42*	171	30
						≥ 0.44	202	32
						≥ 0.47**	271	36
						≥ 0.49	240	39

*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 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 Beam Hanger Design Guide Appendix C 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 Beam Hanger Design Guide 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 tabulated axial factored resistances shown.
Tabulated factored resistances for double hanger configurations assume equal load distribution between hangers.

Minimum Secondary Beam Section Dimensions [ in. ]
Model	Configuration	No FRR	1-hr FRR	2-hr FRR	Specific Gravity [ G ]	Allowable Loads [ lb. ] Download	Allowable Loads [ lb. ] Axial
RIDGE XS	Single	4-7/16 x 8-17/32	6-29/32 x 10-1/8	9-1/2 x 12-1/32	≥ 0.42	4,300	1,930
					≥ 0.46*	4,650	2,110
					≥ 0.50	5,100	2,300
					≥ 0.55	5,100	2,540
	Double	8-7/32 x 8-17/32	10-11/16 x 10-1/8	13-9/32 x 12-1/32	≥ 0.42	8,600	3,280
					≥ 0.46*	9,350	3,600
					≥ 0.50	10,250	3,920
					≥ 0.55	10,250	4,310
RIDGE S	Single	4-7/16 x 10-1/16	6-29/32 x 11-21/32	9-1/2 x 13-9/16	≥ 0.42	7,500	2,080
					≥ 0.46*	8,200	2,290
					≥ 0.50	9,000	2,490
					≥ 0.55	9,000	2,740
	Double	8-7/32 x 10-1/16	10-11/16 x 11-21/32	13-9/32 x 13-9/16	≥ 0.42	12,600	3,550
					≥ 0.46*	16,400	3,890
					≥ 0.50	15,450	4,240
					≥ 0.55	17,450	4,670
RIDGE M	Single	4-7/16 x 11-19/32	6-29/32 x 13-7/32	9-1/2 x 15-3/32	≥ 0.42	10,700	2,190
					≥ 0.46*	11,700	2,400
					≥ 0.50	12,850	2,610
					≥ 0.55	12,850	2,880
	Double	8-7/32 x 11-19/32	10-11/16 x 13-7/32	13-9/32 x 15-3/32	≥ 0.42	16,050	3,720
					≥ 0.46*	21,650	4,080
					≥ 0.50	19,700	4,440
					≥ 0.55	22,250	4,900
RIDGE L	Single	4-7/16 x 13-1/8	6-29/32 x 14-3/4	9-1/2 x 16-5/8	≥ 0.42	13,950	2,260
					≥ 0.46*	15,200	2,480
					≥ 0.50	16,750	2,700
					≥ 0.55	16,750	2,970
	Double	8-7/32 x 13-1/8	10-11/16 x 14-3/4	13-9/32 x 16-5/8	≥ 0.42	19,550	3,840
					≥ 0.46*	26,250	4,210
					≥ 0.50	23,950	4,590
					≥ 0.55	27,000	5,060
RIDGE XL	Single	4-7/16 x 15-13/16	6-29/32 x 17-3/8	9-1/2 x 19-9/32	≥ 0.42	18,550	2,410
					≥ 0.46*	20,250	2,650
					≥ 0.50	22,400	2,880
					≥ 0.55	22,400	3,180
	Double	8-7/32 x 15-13/16	10-11/16 x 17-3/8	13-9/32 x 19-9/32	≥ 0.42	26,850	4,110
					≥ 0.46*	36,150	4,510
					≥ 0.50	32,900	4,910
					≥ 0.55	37,100	5,400

*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 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 resistances may be limited by the splitting resistance perpendicular to grain and the effective shear resistance of the timber members. Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Appendix C 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.
Allowable loads provided do not account for combined loading in multiple directions. Combined gravity and axial loading must be verified per Beam Hanger Design Guide 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 tabulated axial allowable loads shown.
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
RIDGE XS	150	10	12	29	44	54	44	70	89	117	38	8
RIDGE S	150	10	12	29	44	54	44	70	89	117	38	8
RIDGE M	150	10	12	29	44	54	44	70	89	117	38	8
RIDGE L	150	10	12	29	44	54	44	70	89	117	38	8
RIDGE XL	150	10	12	29	44	54	44	70	89	117	38	8

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
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 gap between 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 and bottom cover dimensions are based on standard CSA O122:25 beam widths. Due to the corner rounding effect (CSA O86:24 Clause B.4.5), these dimensions are interdependent; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required pre-protection cover around the connector is maintained.

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
RIDGE XS	5-29/32	13/32	1/2	1-1/8	1-31/32	2-23/32	3-1/32	4-5/8	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE S	5-29/32	13/32	1/2	1-1/8	1-31/32	2-23/32	3-1/32	4-5/8	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE M	5-29/32	13/32	1/2	1-1/8	1-31/32	2-23/32	3-1/32	4-5/8	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE L	5-29/32	13/32	1/2	1-1/8	1-31/32	2-23/32	3-1/32	4-5/8	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE XL	5-29/32	13/32	1/2	1-1/8	1-31/32	2-23/32	3-1/32	4-5/8	1-1/2	5/16

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.
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 gap between 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 and bottom cover dimensions are based on standard ANSI A190.1 beam widths. Due to the corner rounding effect, these dimensions are interdependent; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.

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
RIDGE XS	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE S	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE M	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE L	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE XL	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 2.1( Page 20) for hardware package options.

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
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 gap between 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 and bottom cover dimensions are based on standard CSA O122:25 beam widths. Due to the corner rounding effect (CSA O86:24 Clause B.4.5), these dimensions are interdependent; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required pre-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
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

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
RIDGE XS	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	3/8	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-27/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE S	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	3/8	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-27/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE M	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	3/8	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-27/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE L	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	3/8	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-27/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE XL	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	3/8	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-27/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 2.1( Page 20) for hardware package options.

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.
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 gap between 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 and bottom cover dimensions are based on standard ANSI A190.1 beam widths. Due to the corner rounding effect, these dimensions are interdependent; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
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 member.

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_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	e_bot	e_back	d_h	s_d
RIDGE XS	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE S	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE M	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE L	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8
RIDGE XL	110	150	29	10	10	35	35	51	44	98	77	38	8

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 2.1 (Page 20) for hardware package options.

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
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 gap between 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 and bottom cover dimensions are based on standard CSA O122:25 beam widths. Due to the corner rounding effect (CSA O86:24 Clause B.4.5), these dimensions are interdependent; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required pre-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
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

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
RIDGE XS	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	1/2	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-1/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE S	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	1/2	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-1/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE M	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	1/2	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-1/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE L	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	1/2	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-1/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16
RIDGE XL	4-11/32	5-29/32	1-1/8	1/2	13/32	1-31/32	1-23/32	3-1/32	3-1/32	1-1/2	5/16

*Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide Table 2.1 (Page 20) for hardware package options.

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.
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 gap between 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 and bottom cover dimensions are based on standard ANSI A190.1 beam widths. Due to the corner rounding effect, these dimensions are interdependent; alternate width and depth combinations may be used provided the required fire-protection cover around the connector is maintained.
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 member.

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
	RIDGE XS	RIDGE S	RIDGE M	RIDGE L	RIDGE XL
	[ mm ]
H₁	178	217	256	295	362
H₂	197	236	275	314	381
W	88	88	88	88	88
T	38	38	38	38	38

Connector Geometry	Model
	RIDGE XS	RIDGE S	RIDGE M	RIDGE L	RIDGE XL
	[ in. ]
H₁	7	8 9/16	10 1/16	11 5/8	14 1/4
H₂	7 3/4	9 5/16	10 13/16	12 3/8	15
W	3 7/16	3 7/16	3 7/16	3 7/16	3 7/16
T	1 9/16	1 9/16	1 9/16	1 9/16	1 9/16

Model	.DXF	.DWG	.IFC	.SAT
RIDGE XS
RIDGE S
RIDGE M
RIDGE L
RIDGE 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.

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 RIDGE 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 RIDGE, use an RW 40 bit for the 8 mm [ 5/16 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 - RIDGE Predrilling Jig

The RIDGE Predrilling Jig ensures precise alignment of the 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 8 mm [ 5/16 in. ] inclined fasteners, pilot holes 5 mm [ 3/16 in. ] in diameter and 25 mm [ 1 in. ] long are recommended.

Fastener Layout

Each RIDGE model (XS–XL) is installed using a simplified screw pattern that includes two nonstructural positioning screws and a varying quantity of MTC-FTC structural screws (depending on the model). In the secondary member, 3/8″ × 7-7/8″ [ 10 × 200 mm ] screws are installed horizontally and inclined at a 45° angle. angle. In the primary member, horizontal screws are specified by hardware package: 5/16″ × 4-3/4″ [ 8 × 120 mm ] for Package A or 5/16″ × 6-1/4″ [ 8 × 160 mm ] for Package B.

Estimated Installation Time

This process includes the following steps:
1. Layout (~10%)
2. Positioning (~10%–15%)
3. Pilot Holes (~25%–30%)
4. Screw Installation (~45%–50%)
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 (ref).

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 RIDGE 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, reduce screw wandering, and reduce insertion torque. For the structural fasteners used with the RIDGE series, pilot holes 5 mm [ 3/16 in. ] in diameter and 25 mm [ 1 in. ] in length are recommended. The use of the RIDGE Predrilling Jig for the inclined screws 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 13 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 structural screws from the top down, beginning with the horizontal screws. In the primary member, install the 5/16″ × 4-3/4″ [ 8 × 120 mm ] MTC-FTC horizontal screws for Package A or 5/16″ × 6-1/4″ [ 8 × 160 mm ] MTC-FTC horizontal screws for Package B (Refer to Table 1.1 on Page 20 of Beam Hanger Design Guide ). In the secondary member, install the 5/16″ × 6-1/4″ [ 8 × 160 mm ] MTC-FTC horizontal screws. Once all horizontal screws are installed, install the 5/16″ × 6-1/4″ [ 8 × 160 mm ] MTC-FTC screws in all inclined holes, again working from the top down.

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 RIDGE system is equipped with 7/32 in. [ 5.5mm ] diameter 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. The wood plug can be installed with #10 wood screws that are 1-1/2 to 2 in. [ 38 to 51 mm ] long.