18 Gauge Truss Plates

E18 structural connector plates are produced from 18 gauge galvanized sheet steel and have 8 nails per square inch. The sheet steel conforms to ASTM A 653, Grade 40 minimum and is galvanized in accordance with ASTM A 924 with a coating designation G60.

The plates are formed in a piercing die which punches two nails in opposite directions simultaneously from the same hole. The nails are approximately 5/16 inches (7.9mm) long and 1/8 (3.2mm) wide and have opposing scarf points. Each nail has a progressive rotation starting with 0 degrees at the base and approximately 5 degrees at the tip. In addition, each set of nails is spaced 1 inch (25.4mm) on center across the length of the plate and is offset approximately 1.8 inch (3.2mm) from each other.

E18 plates are spaced approximately 1/8 inch (3.2mm) apart across the width of the plate. Sets of nails are arranged in pairs with a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Each 2 pairs are oriented in a counter rotation. This pattern is repeated continuously across the plate.