Simpson Strong-Tie 18-Gauge Stainless-Steel Hurricane Tie (H2.5ASS)
Simpson Strong-Tie 18-Gauge Stainless-Steel Hurricane Tie (H2.5ASS)
Key Features
Overview
The Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5ASS hurricane tie is a stainless steel wood connector made for securing rafter or truss-to-top-plate connections in framed structures. This is a hurricane tie designed for fastening wood to wood at the roof-to-wall connection. Model Number: H2.5ASS. If you are building in a coastal area, working around pressure-treated lumber, or just want better corrosion resistance than a standard coated tie, this is the version that makes sense.
The job of this connector is straightforward: help resist uplift and lateral forces at a critical framing joint. On a real build, that matters because the roof connection is one of the places wind loads try to pry apart first. The single-sided H2.5A pattern is designed for moderate loads, and the symmetrical shape keeps installation simpler because you are not sorting through separate right- and left-hand parts.
Simpson added a few practical details that actually help in the field. Embossments in the bend line strengthen the connection, and the top plate flange has an arrow line indicator that helps guide correct placement. Those are small touches, but they reduce hesitation and install mistakes when you are repeating the same connection over and over.
The H2.5ASS version is the stainless steel option in this product family. That is the main reason to choose it over the galvanized or ZMAX versions. If corrosion resistance is part of the spec, or the project conditions are rough enough that standard finishes are not the right call, the stainless model is the safer long-term pick.
Dimensionally, this connector uses an 18 gauge body with a 1-3/8 inch width and 6 inch height. That gives you a compact tie that is easy to work into standard wood framing without adding much bulk. It is intended for wood-to-wood fastening and is commonly used where rafters or trusses meet the wall top plate as part of a continuous load path.
The Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5ASS hurricane tie is a good fit for framers, builders, remodelers, and code-conscious DIYers who need a stainless steel rafter tie for roof framing. If you just need a basic interior connector, a coated version may be enough. If the environment is tougher, or corrosion resistance is part of the plan from the start, this is the better buy.
See the Connection in Place
This is the kind of connector that does its work quietly once the framing is closed up. Installed at the rafter or truss to top plate connection, it helps tie the roof structure back into the wall system.
- Designed for rafter or truss-to-top-plate connections
- Wood-to-wood fastening for framed roof assemblies
Built to Install the Right Way
Correct placement matters with framing connectors, and this tie includes features that make orientation easier. The arrow line indicator on the top flange helps speed up repeat installs and cuts down on guesswork.
- Top flange arrow line indicator aids correct installation
- Symmetrical design eliminates separate right and left parts
Strength Where It Bends
The shape is simple, but the details are there for a reason. Simpson uses embossments in the bend line to strengthen the connection without making the part bulky or complicated to place.
- 18 gauge connector body
- Embossed bend line adds stiffness at a high-stress area
Key Specifications
|
Material |
Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
|
Gauge |
18 ga. |
 Width (in) |
1-3/8 in. |
 Height (in) |
6 in. |
|
Application |
Fastening Wood-to-Wood |
 ACQ Approved |
Yes |
 Weight (lbs) |
0.12 lbs |
|
Connector Type |
Single-Sided Hurricane Tie |
Compatibility
Built For
Pro Tip
If you are choosing the H2.5ASS for corrosion resistance, do not mix it with the wrong fasteners. Stick with the specified stainless fasteners so the connector and fastener package are working together, especially in treated lumber or damp locations.
Tool Nut's Take
Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5ASS Hurricane Tie for Tougher Conditions
If you need this style of connector and corrosion matters, the stainless version is the one to buy instead of trying to cheap out and hoping a coated tie will hold up.
- Who it's for: Framers, builders, and serious DIYers tying rafters or trusses back to top plates in wood construction.
- Why it stands out: Same straightforward H2.5A layout, but in stainless steel with install-friendly details like the arrow indicator and strengthened bend line embossments.
- Worth knowing: This is a connector, not a shortcut. Use the specified fasteners and follow Simpson installation guidance, because the tie only performs as intended when the whole connection is built correctly.
Common Questions
- What is the Simpson Strong-Tie H2.5ASS used for? It is used to connect a rafter or truss to the top plate in wood framing and help resist uplift and lateral forces.
- Is this a left- or right-hand hurricane tie? Neither. The design is symmetrical, so you do not need separate left and right versions.
- Why choose the H2.5ASS instead of a standard coated version? The H2.5ASS is stainless steel, so it is the better choice when improved corrosion resistance is needed.
- Does this tie replace solid blocking? No. Simpson specifically notes that hurricane ties do not replace solid blocking.