In modern cold-formed steel (CFS) construction, the overall strength of your structure is highly influenced by individual connection strength. Choosing the right clips and hardware is critical for ensuring structural integrity, passing inspections, and hitting tight project timelines. Custom-engineered CFS truss systems are an outstanding solution for spanning large openings in roofs and floors, and in fact, one of our specialties is designing and building trusses. That said, conventional joist framing remains a cornerstone of the construction industry, and the most appropriate and cost-effective option for many projects. For these common applications, selecting the proper joist hanger is a decision that directly impacts project costs and building performance.
This guide dives into the specifics, comparing three of the industry's leading light gauge steel joist hangers from ClarkDietrich, Simpson Strong-Tie, and The Steel Network (TSN). We'll look at how each product line performs in common applications to help you choose the most logical and effective option to support your next project.
Our first comparison will be focusing on the most economical options from three major clip manufacturers. We are selecting their simplest offerings that feature: 1- a top flange that installs over the beam, and 2- a single face that is positively attached (typically with screws) to the main joist face (joist web). Jump further down in the article to see slightly more expensive bridle hanger options that extend below the joist and support the joist from both sides and below.
From left to right: ClarkDietrich Universal Joist Hanger (UJH), Simpson Strong Tie S/JCT Steel-Joist Hanger, and The Steel Network StiffClip JC
Cost Showdown: What is the Price Per Unit?
At the date of publishing this article, the clips selected for this first comparison are available at the following pricing per unit:
ClarkDietrich Universal Joist Hanger (UJH):
- UJH68 (14 gauge) - $229.29 per bucket of 50 - $4.59 per unit
- UJH97 (12 gauge) - $437.86 per bucket of 50 - $8.76 per unit
- UJH68 and UJH97 are both designed to accommodate joist sizes ranging from 8" to 14"
Simpson Strong Tie S/JCT Steel-Joist Hanger:
- S/JCT Steel-Joist Hanger (68mil / 14 gauge) - $4.11 per unit
- S/JCT is designed to accommodate joist sizes ranging from 8” to 14”
The Steel Network StiffClip JC:
- JC800-43 (18 gauge) - $652.86 per box of 100 - $6.53 per unit
- JC800-68 (14 gauge) - $750.00 per box of 100 - $7.50 per unit
- JC800-97 (12 gauge) - $860.00 per box of 100 - $8.60 per unit
- JC800 Stiffclip Joist Clips are designed to accommodate 8” joists. Different variations are designed to accommodate joist sizes: 4”, 6”, 10”, 12”, 14”, and 16”. See additional options here.
Application Showdown: Connecting to Different Materials/Substrates
Your optimal choice of joist hanger sometimes depends on what you are connecting to. Let's break down the two most common scenarios contractors and engineers face.
Challenge 1: Connection to CFS Headers
Attaching CFS joists to a built-up CFS header is a common task. The ideal hanger makes this connection fast, secure, and repeatable.
- ClarkDietrich (UJH): The Universal Joist Hanger (UJH) offers a straightforward approach. It attaches to both the top and face of the CFS header using a specified number of #10 screws, providing a robust, direct connection.
- Simpson Strong-Tie (S/JCT): The S/JCT is also designed for CFS headers and offers load flexibility. The S/JCT design includes both round and triangle holes, which allows installers to use the minimum number of fasteners for standard loads or fill both sets for maximum capacity.
- The Steel Network (StiffClip JC): The StiffClip JC is similarly engineered for install speed. It features pre-punched guide holes (0.172” diameter) for both the beam attachment and the joist screws, which helps reduce installation time and ensures accurate fastener placement.
From left to right: ClarkDietrich UJH Universal Joist Hanger, Simpson Strong Tie S/JCT Steel-Joist Hanger, and The Steel Network StiffClip JC Joist Clip in common installation application. S/JCT (middle) as pictured shows 45° Skew application.
Challenge 2: Connection to Structural Steel I-Beams
Connecting light gauge joists to a heavy-duty steel I-beam often requires specific attachment methods such as using welds or Powder Actuated Fasteners (PAFs).
- ClarkDietrich (UJH): Provides clear specifications for both methods. For welding, these clips require a 2" fillet weld on each side of the top flange. For PAFs, it calls for 0.157" diameter fasteners into a steel beam with a minimum thickness of 3/16" and a minimum yield strength of 36 ksi.
- Simpson Strong-Tie (S/JCT): Also versatile, the S/JCT specifies a 1/8" x 2 1/2" fillet weld on each side. Its PAF installation requirements are detailed, calling for specific fasteners (PDPAT-62KP) into steel headers between 1/4" and 3/4" thick having a minimum Fy=36 ksi, red (level 5) or purple (level 6) powder load may be required for target penetration.
- The Steel Network (StiffClip JH): Note that no instructions are provided for welding or PAF attachment of the StiffClip JC series clips described above in the CFS header attachment section. A step up to Stiffclip JH series is required before the manufacturer provides PAF and welding instruction. For PAFs, they recommend a 0.157" diameter fastener and note a maximum substrate thickness of 3/4". TSN specifies that their heavier gauge clips in the JH series (JH-68 and up) can be welded.
Image: An assortment of common construction details for joist attachment to structural steel.
|
Feature |
ClarkDietrich UJH |
Simpson Strong-Tie S/JCT |
The Steel Network StiffClip JC & JH |
|
Installation Efficiency |
Simple, universal design for common applications. Stamped holes. |
Horizontal top-flange tabs support the joist during screw installation. Min/max load fill holes offer flexibility. |
Stamped guide holes for screws ensure fast and accurate fastener placement. |
|
Versatility |
One size fits joist depths from 8" to 14". |
Field skewable up to 45°, making it ideal for angled connections. Fits joists 8" to 14". |
Engineered for specific joist/beam connections. Various clip sizes are available. |
|
Structural Performance |
Provides strong, reliable connections for a wide range of standard framing needs. |
Designed for shear loads, eliminating the need for joist web stiffeners at the connection. |
Resists vertical loads and web crippling, also eliminating the need for separate web stiffeners. |
|
Attachment Methods |
Screws, Welds, Powder Actuated Fasteners (PAFs). |
Screws, Welds, Powder Actuated Fasteners (PAFs). |
Screws. No manufacturer recommendation for weld or PAF. |
|
Other |
G90 galvanized coating. |
G90 galvanized coating. |
G90 galvanized coating. |
Head to Head Comparison of Bridle Hanger Options
In some scenarios, a clip solution is not fully adequate to support a flooring system or loading scenario. For more demanding applications, consider a full “bridle” style hanger that supports flooring joists from both sides and underneath the bottom flange. Below, we will look at two options from ClarkDietrich and The Steel Network.
Image: Bridle hanger style hangers are also great for hanging trusses in more demanding applications.
Cost Showdown: What is the Price Per Unit?
At the date of publishing this article, the hangers selected for this comparison are available at the following pricing per unit:
ClarkDietrich CDBV
- CDBV 1-5/8" X 8" 14 GA (68 mils) Bridle Hanger - $161.71 per box of 20 - $8.09 per unit
The Steel Network StiffClip JH
- StiffClip JH800x200-68 (14 gauge) - $232.14 per box of 25 - $9.29 per unit
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison of Joist Hangers
|
Feature |
ClarkDietrich CDBV/CDMB |
Simpson Strong-Tie S/JCT |
The Steel Network StiffClip JH |
|
Installation Efficiency |
Simple, universal design fits many applications. Commonly used to attach light gauge C joists to structural beams or CFS/wood headers. |
Horizontal top-flange tabs support the joist during screw installation. Min/max fill holes offer flexibility. |
Stamped guide holes for fasteners ensure fast and accurate fastener placement. |
|
Versatility |
Engineered for specific joist/beam connections. Various clip sizes (both single and double wide) are available in depths: 6” to 12” |
Field skewable up to 45°, making it ideal for angled connections. Fits joists 8" to 14". |
Engineered for specific joist/beam connections. Various clip sizes are available: 6” to 12” |
|
Structural Performance |
Provides strong, reliable connections for a wide range of standard framing needs. |
Designed for shear loads, eliminating the need for joist web stiffeners at the connection. |
Resists vertical loads and web crippling, eliminating the need for web stiffeners at clip connection. |
|
Attachment Methods |
Screws, Welds, Powder Actuated Fasteners (PAFs), Drill-in Concrete Anchors. |
Screws, Welds, Powder Actuated Fasteners (PAFs). |
Screws, Welds (JH-68 and heavier), Powder Actuated Fasteners. |
|
Other |
G90 galvanized coating. |
G90 galvanized coating. |
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
So, which hanger should you choose? The best answer depends on your project's specific demands.
- Choose the ClarkDietrich Universal Joist Hanger (UJH) and CDBV/CDMB Bridle Hangers for straightforward, high-volume projects where a reliable and cost-effective solution is the top priority. These are truly dependable workhorses.
- Consider choosing Simpson Strong-Tie S/JCT when you have complex framing challenges. If your project involves skewed joists or complex angled connections, the S/JCT's field-skewable design can save you significant time and labor.
- Choose The Steel Network StiffClip JC and JH when speed of installation and engineered performance are critical. The convenient guide holes and the integrated web stiffening make it a favorite for high performance framing where every second counts.
Ready to plan your next project with the right connection hardware?
Shop our complete selection of light gauge steel joist hangers and many other useful CFS clips online today, or contact our technical sales team for expert advice tailored to your project's specifications.
