Abstract: A stud that may be used as a header, as a sill, as a jamb stud, in a support post assembly and as a floor girder. In one embodiment, the stud has a substantially planar web, a first flange and a second flange that each protrude from the web. A first leg protrudes from the first flange such that the first leg is substantially parallel to the substantially planar header web. Likewise, a second leg protrudes from the second flange such that it is substantially parallel to the substantially planar header web. A first return protrudes from the first leg and a second return protrudes from the second leg. Stiffener ribs may be provided in at least one of the web, the first and second flanges and/or the first and second legs.

Abstract: A hold-down connector for attaching metal studs forming a wall assembly to a support structure. One embodiment of the hold-down connector has a base portion that has first and second side gusset plates protruding therefrom. The first and second side gusset plates each have a welding edge constructed to be welded to a portion of a structural member, such as a vertically extending stud. A base plate may be placed onto the base portion and the base portion may be attached to a support structure with at least one fastener that extends through the base portion and base plate. Some embodiments may have cross straps attached thereto. Other embodiments have hook-like fasteners formed in the first and second side gusset plates for hooking engagement with a structure member.

Abstract: A hold-down connector for attaching metal studs forming wall assembly to a support structure. One embodiment of the hold-down connector has a base plate, a back plate and at least one gusset plate. The gusset plate(s) extend between the base plate and the back plate and may be integrally formed with the back plate or the gusset plate(s) may be welded or otherwise attached to the back plate. The base plate has a fastener opening therethrough for receiving a fastener for attaching the base plate to the support structure. One or more slots are provided through the back plate to facilitate welding of the back plate to the web of a corresponding metal stud. One or more of the slots may have opposing side portions that are not parallel to each other.

Abstract: A stud that may be used as a header, as a sill, as a jamb stud, in a support post assembly and as a floor girder. In one embodiment, the stud has a substantially planar web, a first flange and a second flange that each protrude from the web. A first leg protrudes from the first flange such that the first leg is substantially parallel to the substantially planar header web. Likewise, a second leg protrudes from the second flange such that it is substantially parallel to the substantially planar header web. A first return protrudes from the first leg and a second return protrudes from the second leg. Stiffener ribs may be provided in at least one of the web, the first and second flanges and/or the first and second legs.

Abstract: A header and jamb stud arrangement that employs connectors for affixing the header assemblies to the jamb studs. The connector may comprise a connection plate that may be provided with a locator tab for locating the plate relative to the header assembly and the jamb stud. The connection plate may be provided with a collection of differently shaped holes which each correspond to a fastener. By installing fasteners through all of one shape of hole, a first load capacity can be achieved. By installing fasteners through other shapes of fastener holes, other load capacities may be achieved. Different embodiments of header assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Header and jamb stud arrangements, truss assemblies, and support posts are disclosed. The assemblies employ a stud that has a web, a pair of flanges protruding from the web, a leg protruding from each flange and a return formed on the end of each leg.