MiTek

MiTek makes structural connectors that handle the loads Montana construction demands — from 3,440 pounds vertical capacity on their skewed hangers to 4,000+ pounds on adjustable models. Their engineering focus shows in patented features that solve real jobsite problems, like Seat Cleat technology that locks engineered wood joist bottom flanges without requiring joist nails.

The company started in 1955 with the Gang-Nail connector — the first metal punch-tooth connector plate for wood trusses. Today they’re part of Berkshire Hathaway and operate across 95 countries, but what matters to contractors is their connector line — particularly their face mount hangers, adjustable height systems, and heavy-duty top flange models.

Face Mount and Skewed Hangers That Eliminate Common Headaches

The THF series face mount hangers showcase what happens when engineers actually listen to framers. The Seat Cleat locks the bottom flange of the engineered wood joist to the hanger, eliminating joist nails in standard configurations, while side flanges extend to the top chord to provide lateral support — no web stiffeners required unless the joist manufacturer explicitly demands them.

Non-structural alignment tabs help position the hanger during installation and can be bent or removed afterward. The Min/Max nailing system uses diamond-shaped dimples — fill them with additional fasteners for higher uplift capacity when needed.

For angled connections, the SKH skewed hangers come fixed at 45 degrees but accommodate 40 to 50-degree installations without modification. The load ratings are substantial:

Model	Vertical Capacity	Uplift Capacity	Material
SKH2020L/R	3,440 lbs	2,855 lbs	16-gauge or 14-gauge steel
SKH2320L/R	3,440 lbs	2,855 lbs	16-gauge or 14-gauge steel
SKH2520L/R	3,440 lbs	2,855 lbs	16-gauge or 14-gauge steel

All models come in G90 hot-dip galvanizing standard, with G185 Triple-Zinc or Thermally Zinc-Coated options for enhanced corrosion resistance. That matters when you’re dealing with Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles and the moisture that comes with them.

Adjustable Height Hangers for Field Flexibility

The MSH series adjustable hangers solve the reality of jobsite conditions where nothing’s quite where the plans show it. These hangers allow on-site height and slope adjustment, and the open back design means you can install them after the truss or joist is already in position.

Load capacities range from 1,350 pounds to over 4,000 pounds depending on the model and fastener pattern. The mounting versatility is key — flanges work for top mount, face mount, or combination installations. Some models feature double shear nail design for faster installation with fewer nails.

Common applications include:

• Truss-to-truss connections in roof and floor systems
• Attaching floor trusses to supporting girders or joists
• Support for 2-ply 1-3/4” LVL members (specifically MSH422 models)
• Engineered wood joist installations (when used with required web stiffeners)

Standard finish is G90 galvanizing, with stainless steel or Gold Coat available for extreme conditions.

Heavy-Duty Options for Double Joist Applications

For timber frame and heavy-duty applications common in Montana mountain homes, MiTek offers the BPH and THO series top flange hangers. These aren’t your basic joist hangers — they’re engineered for serious loads.

The THF double joist face mount hangers carry forward the single-joist technology: Seat Cleats lock the bottom flange to eliminate separate joist nails, while alignment tabs bite the header for temporary placement during installation. Diamond nail holes allow Min/Max nailing — choose between installation speed or maximum uplift capacity based on job requirements.

Similar to their single-joist counterparts, these provide full lateral support to the top chord, eliminating web stiffeners in most applications. They’re designed for attaching engineered wood joists to headers in both residential and commercial construction, supporting double-ply configurations.

MiTek also manufactures connector plates — including standard 20 gauge, high-strength, MII16 gauge, and stainless steel options. Their NP series nail plates work for non-structural connections and qualify as prescriptive top plate splices per 2015 IRC, pre-punched for 8d common nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MiTek’s Seat Cleat technology different from standard joist hangers? Seat Cleat locks the bottom flange of the engineered wood joist to the hanger, eliminating the need for joist nails in standard configurations. This speeds installation and reduces the chance of splitting the joist flange — a common problem with traditional hangers that require face nailing into the engineered wood joist.

Can the SKH skewed hangers handle angles other than 45 degrees? Yes, while they’re fixed at 45 degrees, they accommodate installations from 40 to 50 degrees without modification. For angles outside this range, you’ll need different hardware or field modifications.

Do MiTek’s face mount hangers require web stiffeners? No web stiffeners are required because the side flanges extend to the top chord to provide lateral support — unless explicitly required by the joist manufacturer. Always check the engineered wood joist manufacturer’s specifications, as some void warranties without their specified stiffeners regardless of hanger design.

What corrosion protection options does MiTek offer? Standard finish is G90 hot-dip galvanizing, with G185 Triple-Zinc (TZ) or Thermally Zinc-Coated options available. The MSH adjustable series also offers stainless steel or Gold Coat for extreme conditions. For Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles, the upgraded coatings are worth considering, especially for exposed locations.

How much weight can the MSH adjustable hangers support? Typical DF/SP allowable loads range from 1,350 lbs to over 4,000 lbs depending on the model and fastener pattern. The beauty of these hangers is the mounting flexibility — flanges can be used for top mount, face mount, or combination installations, with each configuration affecting the load rating.