Simpson Strong-Tie Connector Screws, Brackets & Procurement: An Admin Buyer's FAQ

If you're the person handling purchasing for a small-to-mid company, you get asked about a weird mix of things—structural connectors one day, power tools the next. Here's a handful of questions I've answered more times than I can count, along with what I've learned from ordering Simpson Strong-Tie products and other hardware.

Why are Simpson Strong-Tie connector screws and brackets in a category of their own?

Simpson Strong-Tie isn't just a brand name. Their brackets, anchors, and connector screws are engineered systems with published load values. I used to think any galvanized bracket would do the job, but then I looked at the load tables in their catalog. Each connector is rated for specific loads, and unless you pair it with the exact fastener they specify, that rating is gone. According to Simpson Strong-Tie's technical data, the screw type and installation matter as much as the bracket itself. For purchasing, this means you can't just substitute cheaper parts and expect the same performance. The price difference is tiny compared to the risk of a failed inspection.

How do I choose the right Simpson Strong-Tie brackets for a job?

It comes down to the load, the wood or concrete you're connecting, and the environment. Simpson Strong-Tie brackets come in dozens of shapes—post bases, joist hangers, tie plates, and more. Their website has a decent selector, but I still keep a few common sizes in stock because project delays kill our crew's efficiency. For example, a standard post base with a hidden connector is a no-brainer for decks; a specialty heavier gauge bracket might be needed for high-load areas. If you're unsure, check the load chart or ask a supplier. Spending an extra twenty cents per bracket to have the right one on hand saves a trip to the supply house.

Can I use generic screws instead of Simpson Strong-Tie connector screws?

No—at least not for structural connections. The load values you see in Simpson Strong-Tie's tables are based on their specific screws. Those screws have particular head shapes, thread geometry, and heat treatment. A generic screw might physically fit in the bracket hole, but the rated capacity is no longer valid. I've seen contractors try to save $10 on a box of screws and then fail inspection. That's the most expensive box of screws ever. Why gamble? For every structural connection, use the manufacturer-recommended connectors and fasteners. You can even order them bundled with the brackets so they're on site and ready.

What impact socket set should I get for installing these connectors?

For tightening anchor nuts and driving large structural screws, I recommend a 1/2 inch drive 6-point impact socket set. The 6-point design wraps around the fastener head more completely than a 12-point, which means less rounding, less stripping, and more torque transferred to the job. I initially bought a cheap 12-point set because it was on sale, and then the first stubborn hex bolt made me regret it. That moment when the socket slipped and rounded the bolt head cost us an hour. If you're regularly using impact wrenches on connection hardware, this socket style is a game-changer. It's one of those purchases that pays for itself the first time you actually need it.

Is a Home Depot pressure washer worth it for maintenance and equipment cleaning?

It depends on your usage. For basic fleet washing, cleaning tools, and blasting mud off equipment, a 2,300 PSI Home Depot pressure washer has served us fine. We bought one for the maintenance team and it handles weekly tasks without drama. On the other hand, if you need hot water or daily heavy commercial cleaning, that's a different class of machine. I still have mixed feelings—part of me wants the heavy-duty unit, but the cost difference is tough to justify at our frequency. Bottom line: match the machine to your actual cleaning load, and don't overspend for features you'll rarely use. But don't underspend if you know you'll use it hard.

Do you screw in drywall anchors directly, or do you need to pre-drill?

It depends on the anchor type. Old-school plastic expansion anchors usually require a pre-drilled pilot hole. Self-drilling metal anchors—the ones with threads that look like fat screws—can be driven straight into drywall with a screw gun, no pilot needed. But you need to match the anchor to the wall thickness and the load you're hanging. For 1/2-inch drywall with light shelving, a self-drilling anchor works. For heavier items, use a toggle bolt or a rated anchor. The shortcut that gets people into trouble is forgetting that drywall only holds so much. When in doubt, check the anchor's spec sheet or give it a stronger anchor than you think you need.

How do you vet suppliers for structural fasteners and tools?

I check three things: stock availability, invoicing capability, and return policy. In 2023, I ordered a pallet of Simpson brackets from a new vendor because the price was great. The delivery arrived on time, but the invoice was handwritten and finance rejected it. I ended up eating $300 out of the department budget. That was a harsh lesson. Now I always place a small test order first and verify they can issue proper tax invoices. I also ask about lead times for specialty items. A supplier who can bundle brackets, screws, and a socket set into one shipment saves me hours of administrative work. That's the real efficiency win.

Are cheaper tools and fasteners ever the right call?

Sometimes. For non-structural applications, generic screws or budget fasteners may be fine. For tools used once a month, a cheaper drill might break even. But for structural connections, and for tools that get used daily, the premium usually pays off. I've seen a quality impact driver last three years while a cheap one died in six weeks. The real cost isn't the sticker price—it's the labor and downtime when a tool fails. My general rule: buy good tools for frequent tasks, buy or rent cheap ones for one-off jobs. If a product affects code compliance or protects a crew's safety, don't cut corners. Efficiency is the metric that matters.