Professional Connection Hardware for Timber, Construction & Trade Applications

Selecting the correct fitting starts with understanding the connection it needs to create. Hobson | Fittings covers purpose-designed connection hardware for timber construction, fabrication, maintenance & general trade applications, with fitting families distinguished by their geometry, dimensions, fixing arrangement, material, finish & installation requirements.

For right-angle connection hardware, explore Hobson | Brackets. Where the application requires a different connection style, the broader Hobson fittings range provides a practical starting point for identifying hardware according to the joint, supporting member & fastening arrangement.

What Are Hobson Fittings?

Hobson fittings are connection components designed for specific joining, supporting & fastening applications. Rather than representing a single product type, the range includes multiple fitting families for different construction & timber assemblies.

Across Hobson's documented hardware range, relevant fittings include:

► Sturdy angle brackets
► Slotted angle brackets
► Angled timber connectors
► Flat timber connectors
► D anchor bracket plates
► Wind bracing brackets
► Joist hangers
► Multi-grip timber connectors
► Left-hand & right-hand triple-grip timber connectors

Each fitting family addresses a different connection requirement. A flat timber connector spans a straight joint, a joist hanger provides purpose-shaped support around a timber member, an angle bracket creates an angled connection & a triple-grip connector introduces orientation-specific timber hardware.

For this reason, identifying a component simply as a steel fitting is rarely sufficient. Its purpose, dimensions, hole arrangement, material & fixing requirements provide far more useful information.

Associated fastening components can be sourced through Bolts & Fasteners where the complete connection requires additional hardware.

Why Choose Hobson Fittings?

Clearly defined hardware makes specification, purchasing & installation more straightforward.

Depending on the fitting family, Hobson provides identifiable product characteristics including:

► Overall dimensions
► Connection geometry
► Hole size & arrangement
► Bolt or fixing requirements
► Material
► Protective finish
► Left-hand or right-hand orientation where applicable
► Intended connection type

Material & finish also vary between fitting families. Documented Hobson hardware includes hot dip galvanised mild-steel connectors, galvanised Z275 timber fittings & 316 stainless steel connection hardware within relevant product groups.

This distinction is particularly important when replacing existing fittings. Weathering can make visual identification unreliable, while dimensions, hole configuration, product type & installation position provide stronger evidence for determining the appropriate replacement.

Common Applications

Timber Framing & Construction

Timber assemblies can require substantially different fittings depending on how the members meet & how the load path or connection has been detailed.

Hobson's documented hardware includes angled timber connectors, flat timber connectors, joist hangers, multi-grip connectors & triple-grip connectors. Each has a distinct shape & fastening arrangement suited to its particular connection type.

For straight plate-style timber joints, Hobson | Flat Plate Fittings provides the dedicated flat timber connector range.

Joist Support

Supporting the end of a timber member requires different hardware from joining two members across a flat plane.

Hobson's documented range includes 316 stainless steel joist hangers, including a 35 x 90 mm configuration. Joist dimensions, hanger dimensions, material & specified fixings should all be checked before ordering.

Where a connection has been designed around a joist hanger, a general-purpose angle bracket should not automatically be considered an equivalent alternative.

Handed Timber Connections

Orientation becomes part of the specification when a fitting is manufactured in left-hand & right-hand versions.

Hobson documents left-hand & right-hand triple-grip timber connectors, including galvanised Z275 & 316 stainless steel variants.

When replacing existing hardware, record its installed orientation before removal. This provides a clear reference when determining which handed fitting is required.

Fabrication & General Assembly

Fabrication work often begins with connection geometry rather than a specific fitting name.

Establish whether the fitting needs to sit flat, create an angle, provide slotted positioning or support another member. Once the geometry is understood, dimensions & fastening requirements can be assessed within the appropriate product family.

For less conventional fastening requirements around fabricated assemblies, Specialty Fasteners & Fixings provides access to additional hardware options.

Bracing Connections

Bracing hardware should be considered within the context of the complete bracing arrangement.

Hobson documents wind bracing brackets in M12/M16, M20, M24 & M30 configurations. Where these fittings form part of a nominated bracing system, select the appropriate configuration according to the required components & project details.

Related fastening hardware for specified connections can be found through Structural Fasteners & Bolts.

Maintenance & Replacement Work

Replacement fittings are not always accompanied by a readable product code.

Where identification needs to be made from existing hardware, record:

► Installed orientation
► Overall length & width
► Material thickness
► Hole diameter
► Hole spacing
► Slot dimensions where applicable
► Fastener size
► Material or finish
► Connected components
► Left-hand or right-hand orientation where relevant

A clear photograph taken before dismantling can preserve installation details that may otherwise be difficult to establish afterwards.

For further guidance on assessing the complete fastening assembly, see Why Good Fasteners Matter More Than the Tool You Drive Them With.

Product Selection Guide

Define the Connection Requirement First

Begin by describing what the fitting needs to achieve.

For example:

► Join two timber members across a straight connection
► Support the end of a joist
► Connect members at an angle
► Replace a left-hand timber connector
► Form part of a nominated wind bracing arrangement

This immediately narrows the number of fitting families that need to be considered.

Match the Fitting Geometry

Once the connection purpose is understood, compare the required geometry.

A flat timber connector provides a plate-style connection across the same plane.

An angled timber connector suits a different timber joint geometry.

A joist hanger provides purpose-shaped support around the relevant member.

A sturdy or slotted angle bracket provides angle-style connection hardware.

A triple-grip connector uses a different timber connection format & may require left-hand or right-hand selection.

Where the assembly uses bolted hardware, Hobson | Bolts & Nuts provides the relevant Hobson fastening range.

Check the Hole Pattern Carefully

Outside dimensions alone do not establish compatibility.

Record:

► Number of holes
► Hole diameter
► Centre spacing
► Round holes or slots
► Hole position relative to edges
► Symmetrical or handed layout
► Required fastener type

A fitting with similar overall dimensions can still be unsuitable if its fixing arrangement differs from the required connection.

Specify the Complete Fastening Assembly

The fitting should not be considered independently from the hardware securing it.

Depending on the application, confirm:

► Bolt or screw diameter
► Fastener length
► Nut requirement
► Washer requirement
► Available installation access
► Connected material thickness
► Required tightening clearance

Where washers form part of the bolted assembly, Hobson | Washers provides the associated Hobson range.

For further information on identifying common fastening components, see Fastener Guide Bolts Screws Anchors.

Confirm Left-Hand or Right-Hand Orientation

Handed fittings require orientation to be confirmed as part of the product selection.

Hobson documents separate left-hand & right-hand triple-grip timber connectors. When replacing existing hardware, photograph or mark the installed fitting before removal.

This simple step can prevent otherwise identical-looking components from being ordered in the incorrect orientation.

Select Material & Finish for the Application

Relevant Hobson fitting families include hot dip galvanised, galvanised Z275 & 316 stainless steel products.

Consider:

► Indoor or exposed installation
► Moisture conditions
► Existing hardware
► Mating fasteners
► Timber treatment
► Project requirements
► Replacement versus complete renewal

Where the connection documentation nominates a particular material or finish, follow the specified requirement.

Hobson Fitting Comparison Guide

Different fitting families should be compared according to the connection they are intended to make.

Use the fitting family to narrow the range, then confirm the individual product dimensions, fixing arrangement & installation requirements.

Expert Tips

Record the Installed Fitting Before Removal

An installed fitting provides valuable information about orientation, fastening positions & the relationship between connected members.

Where practical, photograph the complete connection before dismantling it. For unfamiliar fittings, retain one installed example until the replacement hardware has been identified.

Include Scale in Identification Photos

A fitting photographed without a dimensional reference can be difficult to identify accurately.

Place a tape measure or ruler beside the component & capture the overall dimensions, hole locations & relevant connection details.

For more precise site measurements & layout checks, Measuring & Leveling Tools can support both identification & installation work.

Treat Hole Patterns as Identification Features

Hole configuration can distinguish fittings that otherwise appear similar.

Compare the number, diameter, spacing & position of fixing holes along with any slots or handed patterns. This is particularly useful when manufacturer markings are no longer visible.

Keep Handed Fittings Clearly Separated

Left-hand & right-hand fittings should remain identifiable through storage, transport & installation.

Label stock by product family, dimensions & orientation where practical. Retaining manufacturer product identification with the stored hardware can also simplify repeat purchasing.

Inspect the Connected Material

Movement around a fitting does not necessarily mean the steel component is the only issue.

Check timber for splitting, enlarged fixing holes, moisture damage, deformation or crushing. Inspect bolts, nuts, washers & other fasteners for movement, corrosion or damage at the same time.

Verify One Complete Assembly Before Large Orders

For unfamiliar or project-specific fittings, confirming one complete assembly before ordering larger quantities can reduce purchasing errors.

Check the fitting, fasteners, washers, orientation, installation access & connection geometry together.

Organise Fittings by Application

Workshop storage is more efficient when similar-looking components remain clearly separated.

Consider organising fittings into identifiable groups such as:

► Flat timber connectors
► Angle fittings
► Joist hangers
► Bracing fittings
► Handed timber connectors

Dimensions, product codes & orientation can then be added to the storage location.

For broader workshop & jobsite preparation ideas, Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready covers tools, equipment & consumable preparation.

Avoid Unapproved Modification

Hole position, geometry & material dimensions can form part of the intended connection.

Avoid enlarging holes, cutting fittings or altering slots simply to make an unsuitable component fit. Where the hardware forms part of a designed or load-sensitive connection, confirm the correct fitting or approved alternative before proceeding.