Hello GMY3, this is Stacy with Simpson Strong-Tie. We are sorry to hear the MP mending plates did not work for your application. The MP is for non-structural applications only; not for truss applications. For installation, place the plate over two pieces of aligned wood with arrows aligned at joint and then place a wood block over the mending plate and hammer the wood block to embed the prongs. If you wish to discuss this further please call us at (800) 999-5099. We look forward to hearing from you.