• Technical Blog Post
  • Jul 10, 2025

How to Install the MEGANT Beam Hangers?

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MTC Solutions’ MEGANT series is a line of pre-engineered beam hanger connectors designed for mass timber structural applications. This article provides installers and manufacturers with the best installation steps for the MEGANT connector series. This includes general considerations for the installation, the hardware and tools necessary, installation time, and step-by-step instructions to ensure optimal performance and a safe, secure connection.

New to designing with mass timber post-to-beam connections? Read this article first to learn more about beam hanger systems.

Approximately 10-minute read.

 

Hardware & Tools: What do You Need?

Every MEGANT connector set is delivered with:

  • Two identical aluminum connector plates (⑤)
  • Two clamping jaws—one unthreaded (②), one threaded (⑥)
  • One to three M20 threaded rod(s) (①), washer(s) (④), and hexagonal nut(s) (③)
  • A set of ASSY VG CSK 5/16” × 6-1/4” [8×160 mm] self-tapping screws (STSs), of variable quantity depending on the model (⑦)

Each component of the MEGANT beam hanger system product kit

Figure 1. MEGANT product kit details

For an accurate installation, MTC recommends using:

  • A low-RPM, high-torque drill with a feather (variable-speed) trigger for enhanced speed control while installing STSs.
    • 💡 The use of impact drills isn’t the best choice for installing STSs, especially for beam hanger systems. Want to know why? Read our article on the topic.
  • An RW 40 bit to match the drive recess in the 5/16 in. [8 mm] diameter STSs for optimal torque transmission.
  • A 5/16” [8 mm] diameter Predrilling Jig is highly recommended for precise alignment, proper seating, improved efficiency, and more consistent fastener installation.

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

Installation Time and Time-Saving Tips

The estimated time for a single person to install a MEGANT system is about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the model, which can be improved further by mastering efficient practices such as predrilling, using the proper jig, and optimized beam positioning.

A table showing the average installation times for each MEGANT beam hanger model

Table 1. MEGANT installation time, by model

The installation times given in the above table include:

  • Layout for 5-10%
  • Positioning for 5–15%
  • Predrilling (recommended) for 20–30%
  • Screw installation for 40–50%
  • Clamping jaw installation for 15-25%

💡 Installation Efficiency Pro Tips

  • Pre-install the connectors in a shop to reduce on-site labor, increase precision, and maintain quality control.
  • Group housing installations in batches to improve process efficiency.

 

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Before diving into the step-by-step installation process of the MEGANT series—especially if you are not familiar with MTC Solutions fastener technology—we recommended you read through our STS installation best practices article that details how to optimize your installation.

Additionally, the following step-by-step guide is available for free download, in a printable black and white format, practical for on-site teams => Go and download!

Now, let’s get started!
 

1. MEGANT plate and clamping jaw layout and reference points

Before beginning with the layout and orientation of the connector’s plates and clamping jaws on both the primary and secondary members, please verify the secondary member’s on-site installation orientation, as it may impact some aspects of the installation process.

Indeed, the MEGANT connector has the benefits of being concealed, and can be installed in a wide variety of configurations, and from all directions; drop down, from below, and from the side. This installation orientation will dictate the positioning of each clamping jaw in the connection, therefore, we suggest installers refer to section 3 of this article, Clamping Jaw Installation, for a complete overview before proceeding.

Four MEGANT housing configurations

Figure 2. MEGANT housing configurations

The MEGANT’s point of reference is the top of the beam. Each MEGANT plate is marked with an “A” on one end and a “B” on the opposite end. Hence, when the inclined screws of the MEGANT are installed, they will incline so the heads of the screws are facing the end of the plate marked with a “B”, and the tips are pointing towards the end of the plate marked with an “A”.

  • The connector plate on the primary member must be oriented with the “A” end oriented towards the top of the primary member
  • The connector plate on the secondary member must be oriented with the “B” end oriented towards the top of the secondary member

A diagram showing the MEGANT plate placements on the primary and secondary members and their reference points

Figure 3. MEGANT placements on primary and secondary members

It is critical to install the connector plates with the correct orientation on both members, as the capacity of the hanger is dependent on the inclined fasteners being loaded in tension.

💡Key Considerations

  • Split Lamination: It is recommended that the vertical joints in split lamination glulam beams be tight at the time of manufacturing. Gaps between adjacent plies may occur due to wood shrinkage. Gaps up to 1/8 in. are acceptable for typical MEGANT installation. If split lamination gaps greater than 1/8 in. exist in the beam end, an alternative screw pattern will be required
  • Design the housing depth with tolerance at the beam-to-column interface—this facilitates smooth drop-in placement. For more details, refer to the MEGANT detailing section MTC Beam Hanger Design Guide.

 

2. Structural Screws Layout, Sequencing and Best Practices

Start by installing the two structural positioning screws through each plate—red dots in the infographic below—which will hold the connector in place during installation of the remaining fasteners. Then proceed with installing the horizontal screws in the plates, then the 45° inclined screws, and finally the horizontal screws through the clamping jaws. Please refer to Section 3 of this article, Clamping Jaw Installation, for a complete overview before proceeding.

The screw pattern for each MEGANT beam hanger series

Figure 4. The screw pattern for each MEGANT series

Legend:
Structural Positioning Screws
Horizontal Screws
45° Inclined Screws

 

For an optimized installation process, we recommend that each screw is installed considering the following best practices:

a.
Align the axis of the drill with the axis of the screw
b.
Do not apply excessive pressure on the drill while driving the fastener in
c.
Install the properly sized horizontal VG CSK in “one run”, to avoid increased torque peak caused by stopping and restarting the drive-in process.
d.
Decrease the drill rotation speed when within about 1/2 in. of the final seated-in position

Diagrams showing best practices for fastener installation

Figure 5. Screw installation best practices

💡 Pro tip, predrill pilot holes!

Although not mandatory, drilling pilot holes before installing STSs is highly encouraged as it helps to:

  • Improve thread engagement and screw guidance
  • Reduce splitting risks
  • Ensure a proper penetration—reducing screw wandering
  • Reduce insertion torque requirements

A diagram showing pilot hole recommendations for the MEGANT

Figure 6. Pilot holes with MTC’s Predrilling Jig

Including this step in your installation routine, especially during repetitive or multi-unit installations, can greatly improve efficiency and consistency. For the 5/16 in. STSs used with the MEGANT, it is recommended to predrill pilot holes with the following dimensions:

  • 3/16 in. diameter
  • 1 in. depth

 

3. Clamping Jaw Installation

Each MEGANT kit comes with two clamping jaws: a threaded one and an unthreaded one, which need to be installed on opposite ends of the MEGANT plates. The unthreaded clamping jaw MUST remain accessible after the secondary member is positioned on-site to allow for the threaded rods, nuts, and washers to be installed and tightened by the site crew.

A diagram showing the difference between a threaded and unthreaded MEGANT clamping jaw

Figure 7. MEGANT Clamping Jaws

As mentioned earlier in this article, the MEGANT connector has the benefit of being installable from multiple directions. The installation direction will dictate the positioning of each clamping jaw on the assembly. Here are a few items to consider when reaching this step:

The position of the unthreaded clamping jaw varies based on the housing solution selected. In a regular drop-down installation configuration, two options exist:

a.
When the MEGANT is concealed in the primary member using an open-top housing or in the secondary member with a through-housing, the unthreaded clamping jaw must be installed at the top end of the assembly on the secondary member.
b.
When the MEGANT is concealed in the secondary member using an open-bottom housing, the unthreaded clamping jaw must be installed at the bottom end of the assembly on the primary member.

In installation configuration from below, with an open-top housing in the secondary member, the unthreaded clamping jaw must be installed at the top end of the assembly on the primary member.

A diagram showing the placement of the unthreaded clamping jaw for each installation configuration

Figure 8. MEGANT unthreaded clamping jaw placement for each installation type

Legend:
Unthreaded Clamping Jaw
① Primary Member
② Secondary Member

 

For the installation itself, the clamping jaws are to be installed with the countersunk holes facing away from the member to which it will be fastened. Firmly sit the jaw’s grooved side against the tongue of the MEGANT plate, at either the “A” end or “B” end depending on your configuration.

💡 Pro tip
The threaded rods may be used to temporarily secure the jaw in the correct position while installing the fasteners.

 

4. Connecting the MEGANT Plates

The last step in the installation process is to connect and tighten the MEGANT assembly.

Slide the secondary member into place until the MEGANT plates on the secondary member are aligned with the MEGANT plates on the primary member.

Then, insert the end of the threaded rod that doesn’t have a hex head recess in the clamping jaw.

With the jaws are properly seated, the threaded rod will reach the end of the unthreaded jaw holes with 2-3/8 in. [60 mm] of its length protruding, if it’s less, it means the jaws are not fully seated. In such a case, adjust the position of the secondary member as necessary.

Once this has been achieved, drive in the threaded rod until 1-3/16 in. [30 mm] of its length remains protruding. Place the washer(s) then install the hex nut(s).

Repeat the process for all threaded rods. Once all threaded rods are installed, tighten the nuts using the recommended torque of 29.5 lb. ft.

A diagram showing the steps to connecting a MEGANT assembly

Figure 9. Connecting the MEGANT assembly

A Key Consideration for connectors housed in the secondary beam is to fill in the routed void below the connector for aesthetics and fire protection once the assembly is in place. A wood plug may be used, and installation instructions must be provided by the Engineer of Record.

 
 

Wow! You made it to the end; you’re one of a kind… 🎉 Congrats!

And remember, if you have any questions, our engineering team is here to help and support you, so don’t hesitate to contact us 😄!
 

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