A tie, structural tie, connector, or structural connector is a structural component designed to resist tension.[1] It is the opposite of a strut, which is designed to resist compression. Ties are generally made of galvanized steel[2] Most ties have holes allowing them to be fastened to wood by nails. There are certain nails for certain ties. Screws, which usually have a lower shear strength than nails, are generally avoided.[3] Among the most common of these is the hurricane tie or seismic tie used in the framing of wooden structures.
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A hanger has a seat that a board, specifically a joist or girder, rests on. Hangers are most commonly used in floors, decks, and porches. If hangers are used the 'bowing' down of floor joists and girders is less likely to occur. They also give added strength to the connection.
A hurricane tie is used to help make a structure (specifically wooden structures) more resistant to high winds, resisting uplift, racking, overturning, and sliding.[4] Each of the crucial connections in a structure, that would otherwise fail under the pressures of high winds, have a corresponding type of tie, generally made of galvanized or stainless steel, and intended to resist hurricane-force and other strong winds.