XEQ Self-Drilling Screw for Exterior Metal Applications

The new XEQ self-drilling screw is designed for use in exterior applications with Simpson
Strong-Tie connectors and cold-formed steel framing. The hex-head, Quik Guard®-coated screw undergoes a dual-hardness heat treatment not utilized in standard self-drilling screws. The tip is hardened to facilitate drilling efficiency, and the load-bearing threaded shank is kept at a lower hardness to provide more ductility and to reduce the likelihood of hydrogen embrittlement.

The #10 x ¾ screw is available in 100 and 1000 count boxes. For more information, view the XEQ product flier.

SDWC Screw Named To This Old House Magazine's
Top 100 Products

The Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SDWC structural wood screw has been named to "The TOH Top 100: Best New Home Products 2012" by This Old House magazine. The TOH Top 100 is a compilation of innovative, unique and useful home products listed in seven categories and chosen by the editors of This Old House.

The SDWC screw is highlighted in the building products category as an innovative structural solution. The code-listed SDWC provides a time-saving, reliable and high-capacity solution for fastening trusses and rafters to wall top plates, and for stud-to-bottom plate or stud-to-top plate connections in light-frame wood construction. The fastener requires no pre-drilling and allows for a wide installation-angle range for easier and faster installation. The screw can be installed from inside the structure, eliminating exterior work on the upper stories of the building and enhancing job safety.

The TOH Top 100 is online at www.ThisOldHouse.com/top100 and in the November/December issue of This Old House magazine.

For additional product information, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

Structural Engineers: Vote for Your Favorite Creative Use of Our Product on Our Structural Engineering Blog

Simpson Strong-Tie launched a Structural Engineering Blog earlier this year to provide information and resources specifically for structural engineers. The blog is intended to spark discussion and provide a forum for dialogue among peers that structural engineers can apply in their current line of work. Simpson Strong-Tie Engineering R&D Manager Paul McEntee is leading the conversation and posts to the blog weekly. Paul also responds to comments posted on the blog.

The latest blog entry is a "Creative Use of Our Product" photo contest. Vote on your favorite entry by posting a comment to the blog here. Five winners will be randomly selected to receive a Simpson Strong-Tie Prize Pack (one entry per person, please).

Structural engineers can subscribe to weekly email updates and post comments to the blog at seblog.strongtie.com.

ICC Disaster Response Network Offers Volunteer Opportunities To Support Relief Efforts

The International Code Council (ICC) Disaster Response Network provides building and fire safety professionals with an opportunity to help the community by providing building inspections, damage assessment and other code-related functions. The goal of this network is to support disaster recovery and relief efforts after emergency procedures are put in place and immediate needs have been addressed.

Individuals can volunteer through the ICC website to support disaster preparation and response efforts and provide affected communities with the knowledge and resources to help them stay safe. Volunteers will be matched up with state and local governments in need of assistance after a natural disaster strikes. For more information on the Disaster Response Network, click here or call 888-ICC-SAFE , ext. 5238.

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