Abstract: An adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a bi-positionable angle guide assembly mounted to a head having an entry reference surface defining an opening for a fastener. The adaptor provides a proper location and entry angle for the fastener for implementing various structural connections. A pivotal angle guide has a pair of reference engagement edges functionally configured to engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member. A locator having a location reference is mounted to the guide assembly. In one mode, the reference edges, together with the location reference, define a proper entry location and normal angle for connecting a horizontal member, which may be either an upper plate or a lower plate, to a rim board or other structural member. The selected adaptor position is achieved by securing the adaptor in one of two stable angular positions relative to the drive axis of the fastener driver assembly.

Abstract: An installation tool/fastening system employs an installation tool which is adapted for fastening a top plate to a roof support member or other structural connections and is particularly adapted for use in driving a wide variety of fasteners. One installation tool embodiment is adapted for driving a fastener having a head with a maximum diameter greater than the major diameter of the fastener threads. The installation tool is also adaptable to drive fasteners having a wide variety of drive-type head configurations including an external drive head and various recessed or socket configurations provided in the fastener head.

Abstract: A tension tie assembly for attachment of a first building member to a second building member under tension. The assembly includes a tie with a ball on one end that attaches to a first anchoring member on the first building member and a threaded stud on the opposite end that attaches to a second anchoring member on the second building member. A cable extends between the ball and the stud. The ball may be retained in a rotatable engagement by the first anchoring member. The force of tension on the tie can be adjusted after attachment to the first and second building members. The adjustability of tension can be provided by a threaded connection between sub-elements of the tie such a nut threaded to the stud.

Abstract: The tension bracket is configured to receive an elongated fastener to provide a connection under tension between a secondary structure and a principal support structure. The bracket has a mounting base with two substantially coplanar base sections having complementary opposed adjacent edges. The sections define a plurality of fastener openings and a profile opening. A guide member integrally extends from the sections and has parallel walls disposed above and extending perpendicular to the base sections. A pair of laterally spaced reinforcement ribs project perpendicularly from the base sections. In one embodiment, the tension bracket is formed from a single sheet of metal.

Abstract: The tension bracket is configured to receive an elongated fastener to provide a connection under tension between a secondary structure and a principal support structure. The bracket has a mounting base with two substantially coplanar base sections having complementary opposed adjacent edges. The sections define a plurality of fastener openings and a profile opening. A guide member integrally extends from the sections and has parallel walls disposed above and extending perpendicular to the base sections. A pair of laterally spaced reinforcement ribs project perpendicularly from the base sections. In one embodiment, the tension bracket is formed from a single sheet of metal.

Abstract: An installation tool for fastening a top plate to a roof support member and other structural connections is adapted to drive threaded fasteners at a pre-established angle. The tool preferably includes a rotary driver assembly and a telescopic tube assembly. A guide head assembly is mounted adjacent the outer end of the telescopic tube assembly. Locating or reference structures function to properly precisely set the drive angle of the fastener. Various indicators mounted to the guide head indicate the flush position of a locating surface or reference structure. The flush indicators may employ a projection, a flag, an LED or an audio module.

Abstract: A tension tie assembly for attachment of a first building member to a second building member under tension. The assembly includes a tie with a ball on one end that attaches to a first anchoring member on the first building member and a threaded stud on the opposite end that attaches to a second anchoring member on the second building member. A cable extends between the ball and the stud. The ball may be retained in a rotatable engagement by the first anchoring member. The force of tension on the tie can be adjusted after attachment to the first and second building members. The adjustability of tension can be provided by a threaded connection between sub-elements of the tie such a nut threaded to the stud.

Abstract: A fire protective fastening system connects a non-load bearing wall to a truss. A fire protective interface is disposed between a top plate structure and a load bearing member. Fasteners connect between the load bearing member and a non-load bearing member to form a floating connection between the non-load bearing member and the load bearing member. The fire protective medium may take a number of forms including a batt of mineral wool, an intumescent tape and an elongated barrier formed of light gauge metal or spring steel.

Abstract: A dual positionable adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a tandem guide assembly mounted to a guide head which has an entry reference surface defining an opening for a fastener to provide a proper location and entry angle for the fastener. A pair of wings each defines a pair of reference engagement edges which engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member. The wings, together with the entry reference surface, define a proper entry location and angle for connecting a vertical stud to either an upper plate or a lower plate. The selected adaptor position is achieved by securing the adaptor in one of two angular positions relative to the tube axis of the fastener driver assembly. The wings are also affixed with squirrel claws to lock the adaptor in place for installing the fastener. The adaptor also includes flush indicators to indicate that the proper flush position of the reference surface against the vertical member is achieved.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes one or more gear members mounted on a base plate. A fastener extends through a hole in the base plate and axially fixed relative to the gear member. The gear member is engaged with teeth in the base plate and rotatable relative to the fastener. The axis of rotation of the gear member is not aligned with its central axis. The base plate can be securely fastened to a first building member with the fastener axially fixed relative to a second building member but not axially fixed relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes an expander mounted on a base plate. An opening in the expander aligns with a hole in the base plate to define an axis and receive a shank of a fastener. The expander is biased axially away from the base plate substantially at the axis. The base plate can be securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener can be axially fixed relative to a second building member and the expander but not axially fixed relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: A dual positionable adaptor for a fastener driver assembly employs a guide assembly mounted to a guide head which has an entry surface for a fastener. The arms each define a pair of reference engagement edges which engage either an upper horizontal member or a lower horizontal member and together with the entry surface defines a proper entry location and angle for connecting a vertical stud to either an upper plate or a lower plate. In one embodiment, the dual positionable adaptor may employ a pair of pivoting arms which defines one of two pivot positions for a guide assembly. Arms of the guide assembly each have a first reference engagement edge and a second reference engagement edge. In a first guide position, the adaptor provides an optimal position and entry angle for connecting a top plate to a lateral blocking. In a second position, the adaptor provides an optimal position and entry angle for driving a fastener through a lower plate into a lateral blocking.

Abstract: A tension tie assembly for attachment of a first building member to a second building member under tension. The assembly includes one or more ties that attaches at a first end to a first member and attaches at a second end to a second member. The force of tension on the tie can be adjusted after attachment to the first and second building members. The adjustability of tension can be provided by a threaded connection between sub-elements of the tie such as one or more of a turnbuckle or threaded stud in a nut.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes an expander mounted on a base plate. An opening in the expander aligns with a hole in the base plate to define an axis and receive a shank of a fastener. The expander is biased axially away from the base plate substantially at the axis. The base plate can be securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener can be axially fixed relative to a second building member and the expander but not axially fixed relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: An installation tool for fastening a top plate to a roof support member and other structural connections is adapted to drive threaded fasteners at a pre-established angle. The tool preferably includes a rotary driver assembly and a telescopic tube assembly. A guide head assembly is mounted adjacent the outer end of the telescopic tube assembly. Locating structures function to properly precisely set the drive angle of the fastener. Spaced stabbers prevent the fastener from moving during the installation. A releasable lock mechanism locks the guide head assembly to the end of the telescopic tube assembly. The guide head assembly has a floating guide to align the fastener head with a drive bit, and a wear sleeve for centering and aligning the fastener screws. A spacer collar is dimensioned to set a pre-established penetration depth for the fastener.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes a hinged expander mounted on an elongate base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of spaced apart teeth on each longitudinal end that define a notch between each pair of adjacent spaced teeth. The hinged expander included two leafs that are joined at an apex in a hinged relationship. Each leaf has an outer edge configured for receipt within a notch in the base plate. Apex is biased in a direction away from the base plate. The teeth prevent outward movement of the leaf edges while permitting inward movement. The base plate is securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener is longitudinally fixed relative to a second building member and the apex of the hinged expander but not fixed longitudinally relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: An installation tool for fastening a top plate to a roof support member and other structural connections is adapted to drive threaded fasteners at a pre-established angle. The tool preferably includes a rotary driver assembly and a telescopic tube assembly. A guide head assembly is mounted adjacent the outer end of the telescopic tube assembly. Locating or reference structures function to properly precisely set the drive angle of the fastener. Various indicators mounted to the guide head indicate the flush position of a locating surface or reference structure. The flush indicators may employ a projection, a flag, an LED or an audio module.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes a hinged expander mounted on an elongate base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of spaced apart teeth on each longitudinal end that define a notch between each pair of adjacent spaced teeth. The hinged expander included two leafs that are joined at an apex in a hinged relationship. Each leaf has an outer edge configured for receipt within a notch in the base plate. Apex is biased in a direction away from the base plate. The teeth prevent outward movement of the leaf edges while permitting inward movement. The base plate is securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener is longitudinally fixed relative to a second building member and the apex of the hinged expander but not fixed longitudinally relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: The tension bracket is configured to receive an elongated fastener to provide a connection under tension between a secondary structure and a principal support structure. The bracket has a mounting base with two substantially coplanar base sections having complementary opposed adjacent edges. The sections define a plurality of fastener openings and a profile opening. A guide member integrally extends from the sections and has parallel walls disposed above and extending perpendicular to the base sections. A pair of laterally spaced reinforcement ribs project perpendicularly from the base sections. In one embodiment, the tension bracket is formed from a single sheet of metal.

Abstract: An installation tool/fastening system employs an installation tool which is adapted for fastening a top plate to a roof support member or other structural connections and is particularly adapted for use in driving a wide variety of fasteners. One installation tool embodiment is adapted for driving a fastener having a head with a maximum diameter greater than the major diameter of the fastener threads. The installation tool is also adaptable to drive fasteners having a wide variety of drive-type head configurations including an external drive head and various recessed or socket configurations provided in the fastener head.