Material : Hot-rolled SAE 1010 carbon steel. Standard or galvanized.
Use : Split Rings are used primarily in the assembly of clear spans ranging from 20' to 250' and are available in 2 1/2" and 4" diameters. They are placed in specially made groove in overlapping members, and thus, the rings develop maximum strength in the joints by distributing the stress over a greater area. The special wedge shape of the ring section provides maximum tolerance for easy insertion, at the same time insuring a tight-fitting joint when the ring is fully inserted in the conforming groove. Generally, the 2 1/2" diameter ring is used for lighter trusses and trussed rafters utilizing 2" lumber; the 4" diameter ring is used for heavier trusses using 3" and heavier material. A separate publication for engineering design use data is available.
Conforming grooves for TECO Split Rings are cut with precision made grooving tools, available from CCS, which can be used in heavy duty 3/4" drills or in drill presses with 1/2" minimum chucks.
All Timber Connectors are also available when specified, with a hot-dip galvanized coating. The galvanizing specification for the malleable iron shear plates and spike grids is ASTM A-153, for Split Rings the specification is ASTM A-123.
Some connectors are available in other metals on special inquiry basis. When making grooves or daps for galvanized connectors, it may be necessary to increase the width and depth of the groove to compensate for the galvanized coating. This is accomplished as follows :
- loosen the socket set screw on the cutter blade(s) that cut outside diameter of groove,
- insert shim material (try approx. 0.010") under cutter(s),
- lower cutting depth of blade(s) approx. 0.010" and tighten set screw,
- lower the other groove cutting blades the same amount,
- check connector for good fit in grooves of mating pieces, adjust further if needed.
