Nail Plates

Nail Plates: What You Need to Know

Nail plates, also referred to as stud plates, safety plates, or structural steel plates, are galvanized metal components used to protect framing elements or reinforce structural connections in wood construction. Commonly installed over areas where plumbing, wiring, or HVAC lines run through studs, these plates guard against nail or screw penetration during drywall or finish installation. All plates in this category are manufactured from corrosion-resistant galvanized steel and vary in size, thickness, and function. Available in multiple gauges and Simpson Strong-Tie branded, these plates meet code for safety and performance in residential and commercial applications.

Type:

• Nail Stop Plate: Compact plates designed to protect electrical wiring or plumbing installed through wood studs. Required by code in many building inspections to prevent accidental punctures during trim or drywall work.
• Retrofit Foundation Plate: Larger, heavy-duty plates used in seismic retrofitting or structural reinforcement of foundation-to-frame connections. These plates are engineered to strengthen load transfer and prevent lateral movement in older structures.
• Universal Retro Plate: A contoured plate designed for advanced retrofit applications, offering enhanced load distribution and fit across various framing surfaces. Often used in earthquake retrofitting or foundation anchoring projects where non-standard alignment is present.

Application:

• Framing Protection: Nail plates are most often applied over drilled or notched studs to cover vulnerable areas. Ensures wires or pipes are shielded from fasteners during future work or repairs.
• Foundation Reinforcement: Retrofit plates connect framing members to concrete foundations or improve lateral load transfer. Commonly used in structural upgrades, earthquake retrofits, and code compliance retrofitting.

Size:

• 1-1/2 in x 3 in: A compact option used primarily for protecting narrow bore holes and short wire runs in studs. Installs quickly with a hammer and fits snugly over confined spaces.
• 1-1/2 in x 6 in: Slightly longer than the basic plate, offering extra coverage for extended pipe or wire passages. Maintains easy installation while increasing protected surface area.
• 7 in x 9 in: A wider-format plate used in retrofit applications to reinforce framing against lateral movement or uplift. Often installed during structural repairs or to meet updated building codes.
• 10-5/8 in x 6-1/4 in: One of the largest options available, designed for heavy-duty foundation connections. The contoured surface allows it to grip uneven wood or concrete faces, ideal for universal retrofitting.

Gauge:

• 14-Gauge: The standard thickness for most nail stop plates, 14-gauge steel provides solid puncture protection without being too rigid. It’s lightweight, easy to install with a hammer, and strong enough to meet basic code requirements for framing protection.
• 7-Gauge: A significantly thicker and more rigid option found in retrofit foundation plates. This heavy-duty gauge offers maximum strength and durability, ideal for seismic reinforcement and structural anchoring where high loads and long-term reliability are critical.

At Supply Ontime, we offer reliable materials designed to meet your project’s needs. With same-day delivery across the Greater Los Angeles area, we make it easy to keep your projects on schedule. Order Nail Plates now and get them delivered today!