Questions and Answers for Simpson Strong-Tie BC Galvanized Post Base for 4x Nominal Lumber

A:  Hi nobledippy, we value your time and would like to look into your question with the BC post base. Our Customer Service team is available to talk with you directly and take you through a step-by-step solution. Please call us at 800-999-5099. We look forward to hearing from you.​ -Stacy

A:  Hi glenn, this is Colin from Simpson Strong-Tie. For treated wood, I would suggest using the ZMAX coated version (BC40Z) for increased corrosion protection. That is designed for a nominal (3.5" x 3.5") post. If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact the Simpson Strong-Tie Customer Service team at 800-999-5099. We look forward to hearing from you.

A:  Yes but without additional reinforcement/attachments it will be wobbly at best.

A:  Hello Oosert, my name is Colin with Simpson Strong-Tie. The BC40 will not provide International Residential Code (IRC) compliant guardrail post connection. The 4x4 guardrail post must be anchored into the deck framing. For more information on Simpson products that do provide a code compliant guard post connection go to our home page, strongtie.com. In the Seach field at the top left enter T-F-GRDPSTRL23 for our technical bulletin using Simpson structural screws. Another document is T-C-GRDRLPST22 that also provides a solution using the DTT2Z tension tie. If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact the Simpson Strong-Tie Customer Service team at 800-999-5099. We look forward to hearing from you.

A:  ​Hi Ricky, this is Ricardo from Simpson Strong-Tie. The BC40 has a published allowable lateral load of 735 pounds (ASD). If you have additional questions about the BC40, please contact our Customer Service team at 800-999-5099.

A:  Hi Albert, prices of items are subject to many factors including a national average set by our corporate office along with collaboration from our manufacturers and vendors, where the merchandise is being sold, the type of materials and labor used to create the product, and other various, related aspects of online merchandising. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the future. Thank you for shopping Home Depot.

A:  The question is,how is this going to be used. This is meant for vertical support anchored into concrete. You would use a lag bolt to anchor into wood. This was not made to be anchored into wood. A lag would not give any structural integrity. This is not meant to be used to attach a 4x4 to another wood base structure with a lag. A lag is a poor support. This is meant to be bolted over a threaded rod embedded deep into concrete where it sits just above the nut and rod end or is counter-sunk into the 4x4 with a sealant. Only then is it lag bolted from the side holes or a thru- bolt is used.

A:  I can't think of any reason why one COULDN'T use the large holes for lag bolts. Since these post anchors are only thin sheet steel, the lag bolts are probably overkill and may risk splitting the base of the post unless a pilot hole is drilled, There will be ample strength if you use six #10 x 1.5" screws in the small holes provided for this purpose. This will, probably, provide better distribution of loads in both the post anchors and wood.

A:  This is what you would use to anchor the post to concrete. Keep shopping for a better choice. There should be better choices out there. You could screw it into place via a Kreg system and use the wood plugs to cover the screws and then build a simple but decorative base frame around the 4 x 4.

A:  Yes. these will secure the posts to the deck but you will need some lateral bracing. These anchors are far too flexible to keep a post vertical by themselves and any substantial lateral pressure at the top of the post will cause them to bend.

A:  Well, You say low to the ground. So are the post being bolted to a wood deck or to a concrete pad or other poured structure. If concrete, yes, you could use one at each base, but you will have visible bolts showing and the center bottom hole is for a bolt that should have been part of the re-bar installed/tied in before the pour. Otherwise you will have to drill a hole and install an anchor system of your choice to bolt it in place. Now you can end the post above that anchor bolt or counter sink a hole in the end of the post to straddle the bolt using some type of waterproof sealant. The half- base itself should be painted with a quality epoxy paint or it will rust over time. If you end the post just above the anchor bolt, you still need some type of sealant applied to the entire base section that is in contact with what ever surface you are bolting to. You can always frame it in to hide the base, but it still needs to be painted and coated with something like blind roof nailing compound or Por-15 paint. I assume you will be using wolmanized lumber. Good luck.

A:  Don't have one of the post anchors here in front of me to look at. The large holes are (about) 1/2".

A:  I would guess 5/8 or 3/4.

A:  In the main or large holes I used 2 1/2" lag bolts with washers to secure 4x4 deck posts. The smaller holes I used 2" deck screws.Made my project faster and more secure, especially being that I used all the holes which I believe added plenty secure strength Worked great for me anyway. Hope this helps answer your question.

A:  The larger holes are pilot holes for manufacturing purposes; bolts are not to be installed here. (They are 0.562" diameter.) Thank you!