Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and retaining a plurality of parallel spaced apart wall studs comprises a longitudinally extending base having first and second side edges and first and second opposed sidewalls extending generally perpendicular to the base from the first and second side edges, wherein the base and sidewalls together define a trough for receiving and retaining an end portion of the plurality of wall studs. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of clips sized to fit within and extend transversely across the trough, each of the plurality of clips having first and second tabs extending from the base wherein the first and second tabs each define a slot with a corresponding of the first and second sidewalls sized to receive a portion of the wall studs therein.