{"product_id":"simpson-strong-tie-bc-galvanized-post-cap-for-4x6-bc46","title":"Simpson Strong-Tie BC Galvanized Post Cap for 4x6 (BC46)","description":"\u003csection data-aplus\u003e\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-features\" class=\"acc\" open\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"features\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"card-inside\"\u003e\n          \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/material.svg\" alt=\"material\" class=\"aplusicon\"\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePositive Beam-to-Post Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"feature-card\"\u003eThe Simpson Strong-Tie BC46 Post Cap ties a 4x6 beam to a 4x post with steel instead of relying on angled nails alone. That gives you a cleaner, more reliable wood-to-wood connection for top-supported framing.\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"card-inside\"\u003e\n          \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/anti-vibration.svg\" alt=\"anti-vibration\" class=\"aplusicon\"\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdded Lateral Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"feature-card\"\u003eOpposing flanges help resist side movement and uplift at the joint. In real framing work, that means a stronger connection than toe-nailing and less chance of the post splitting from end-grain fastening.\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"card\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"card-inside\"\u003e\n          \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/size.svg\" alt=\"size\" class=\"aplusicon\"\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for 4x6 Framing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"feature-card\"\u003eThis light-duty post cap is sized for nominal 4x6 beam to post connections and formed from 18-gauge galvanized steel. If you are building decks, patio covers, or similar top-supported structures, it is a straightforward hardware solution that installs with common specified nails.\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-overview\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\" data-product-summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSimpson Strong-Tie BC46 Post Cap\u003c\/strong\u003e is a galvanized steel post cap made for connecting a nominal 4x6 beam to a wood post in light-duty framing. This is a \u003cstrong\u003epost cap designed for fastening wood-to-wood beam and post connections\u003c\/strong\u003e. Model number \u003cstrong\u003eBC46\u003c\/strong\u003e. If you want a cleaner, stronger connection than angled nailing and you are working on a deck, patio cover, or similar top-supported structure, this connector does the job without overcomplicating the install.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWhat matters here is not just that it is steel, but how it handles the connection. The BC46 uses opposing flanges to provide lateral resistance while also helping with uplift resistance at the beam-to-post joint. That gives the connection more support than driving nails at an angle into end grain, and it helps reduce the chance of splitting the post. For anyone framing outdoor wood structures, that is the practical reason to use a dedicated post cap instead of improvising the joint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe connector is formed from \u003cstrong\u003e18-gauge steel\u003c\/strong\u003e and finished in \u003cstrong\u003eZinc Galvanized, G90\u003c\/strong\u003e. That makes it a good fit for light-duty applications where you need a purpose-built framing connector without moving up to a heavier bracket than the job requires. Simpson Strong-Tie also notes that the BC series attains its full allowable load with either common nails or pneumatic nail sizes when installed as specified, which matters if you are working from a framing nailer setup on site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eSize is a big part of getting post hardware right, and the BC46 is specifically configured for a \u003cstrong\u003enominal 4x6\u003c\/strong\u003e connection. The listed dimensions for this model are \u003cstrong\u003eW1 3-9\/16 in.\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eW2 5-1\/2 in.\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eL1 4-7\/8 in.\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eL2 2-7\/8 in.\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eH1 3-1\/2 in.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eH2 2-1\/2 in.\u003c\/strong\u003e. In plain terms, that means it is shaped to capture the beam and post faces in the right places so the hardware supports the joint instead of fighting your layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eInstallation is straightforward, but it is one of those products where the details matter. Simpson Strong-Tie specifies installing the BC46 with \u003cstrong\u003e0.162 in. x 3-1\/2 in. nails\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003e0.162 in. x 2-1\/2 in. nails\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the manufacturer explicitly says to use all specified fasteners. The larger round holes visible in the connector are noted as pilot holes for manufacturing purposes, and bolts should not be installed in them. That is worth calling out because it is the kind of thing that can trip up a first-time buyer looking at the part in hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFrom a jobsite practicality standpoint, this is meant for \u003cstrong\u003etop-supported installations\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is a good fit where the beam is properly supported and you need a reliable tie at the post connection, but it is \u003cstrong\u003enot recommended for non top-supported installations\u003c\/strong\u003e such as fences or unbraced carports. That limitation is not a drawback so much as a reminder to use the right connector for the structure you are actually building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe best buyer for the Simpson Strong-Tie BC46 Post Cap is a deck builder, carpenter, remodeler, or serious DIYer working on wood framing where a 4x6 beam meets a wood post. If that matches your project, this is the kind of connector that saves time, keeps the connection consistent from post to post, and avoids the usual slop and guesswork that comes with site-made fastening methods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-benefits\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSee the Connection Clearly\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"img\"\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.anglera.com\/assets\/74d6ed76-fe0d-4d23-a9db-1f8749ca9ef2\/10497946550566_ecacb29f9743.jpg\" alt=\"Simpson Strong-Tie BC46 Post Cap installed between a wood beam and wood post in a deck framing application\" class=\"tnblock-img\"\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"copy\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis is exactly where a post cap earns its keep: at the beam-to-post joint where movement, uplift, and sloppy nailing can become a problem. The BC series gives that connection a dedicated steel tie instead of asking a few angled nails to do all the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eDesigned for wood-to-wood fastening at the top of the post\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eHelps provide both uplift and lateral resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-benefits-2\" class=\"acc flip\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBuilt Around the Right Geometry\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"img\"\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.anglera.com\/assets\/74d6ed76-fe0d-4d23-a9db-1f8749ca9ef2\/10497946550566_50e5890f414e.jpg\" alt=\"BC post cap dimensional illustration showing flange layout and key dimensions for beam-to-post framing hardware\" class=\"tnblock-img\"\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"copy\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThe shape is the whole point. The flange layout wraps the beam and post faces so the connector supports the joint from multiple sides, which is what gives this style of hardware its edge over improvised fastening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eBC46 dimensions: W1 3-9\/16 in., W2 5-1\/2 in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eL1 4-7\/8 in., L2 2-7\/8 in., H1 3-1\/2 in., H2 2-1\/2 in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-benefits-3\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstall It the Way It Was Designed\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"img\"\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.anglera.com\/assets\/74d6ed76-fe0d-4d23-a9db-1f8749ca9ef2\/10497946550566_838f956c3a63.jpg\" alt=\"BC series post cap installation illustration showing a wood beam seated on a wood post for top-supported framing\" class=\"tnblock-img\"\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"copy\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis connector is intended for top-supported framing, not every post situation under the sun. Use it where the structure is bearing correctly and follow the specified fastener schedule so the connector performs the way Simpson designed it to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eUse all specified fasteners during installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n          \u003cli\u003eDo not install bolts in the manufacturing pilot holes\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-key-specifications\" class=\"acc\" open\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003ctable class=\"aplusspecs\"\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eNominal Post Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e4x6\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eApplication\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eFastening Wood-to-Wood\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eSteel\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eGauge\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e18 ga\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eFinish\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003eZinc Galvanized, G90\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eWidth\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e5-1\/2 in. (W2)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003eHeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e3-1\/2 in. \/ 2-1\/2 in. (H1 \/ H2)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth\u003ePackaging Quantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/table\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-compatibility\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"compat-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compat-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/material.svg\" alt=\"material\" class=\"icon-sm\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eMaterial Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"compat-detail\"\u003eDesigned for wood-to-wood beam and post connections.\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compat-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/size.svg\" alt=\"size\" class=\"icon-sm\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eMember Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"compat-detail\"\u003eSized for nominal 4x6 framing members.\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"compat-row\"\u003e\n        \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/specs.svg\" alt=\"specs\" class=\"icon-sm\"\u003e\n        \u003cdiv\u003e\n          \u003cstrong\u003eFastener Requirement\u003c\/strong\u003e\n          \u003cdiv class=\"compat-detail\"\u003eInstall with 0.162 in. x 3-1\/2 in. nails or 0.162 in. x 2-1\/2 in. nails as specified by Simpson Strong-Tie.\u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-applications-uses\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBuilt For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tags\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eDeck Building\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003ePatio Covers\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eCarpentry\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eGeneral Contracting\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eRemodeling\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eTop-Supported Wood Framing\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"tag\"\u003eDIY \/ Hobbyist\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-pro-tips\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePro Tip\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tip-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/specs.svg\" alt=\"specs\" class=\"icon-lg\"\u003e\n      \u003cp class=\"tip-text\"\u003eDo not treat the large round holes like bolt holes. On the BC46, Simpson calls those manufacturing pilot holes, so stick with the specified nails and fill every required fastener location if you want the connector to carry its rated load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-tool-nut-take\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTool Nut's Take\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"eyebrow\"\u003eTool Nut's Take\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ch3\u003eSimpson Strong-Tie BC46 Post Cap Keeps a Simple Joint Honest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIf you are tying a 4x6 beam to a wood post and want a cleaner, more dependable connection than toe-nails, this is exactly the kind of hardware you should be using.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWho it's for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deck builders, carpenters, remodelers, and DIYers working on top-supported outdoor wood framing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhy it stands out:\u003c\/strong\u003e The opposing flange design adds lateral resistance and uplift support in a compact 18-gauge connector made specifically for this beam-to-post job.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWorth knowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a light-duty connector for top-supported installations, and you need to follow the specified nail schedule. It is not the right choice for unsupported fence-style setups or for swapping nails out with bolts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails id=\"product-faqs\" class=\"acc\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"acc-body\"\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size connection is the BC46 made for?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is designed for a nominal 4x6 wood-to-wood beam and post connection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat fasteners should be used?\u003c\/strong\u003e Simpson Strong-Tie specifies 0.162 in. x 3-1\/2 in. nails or 0.162 in. x 2-1\/2 in. nails, and all specified fasteners should be installed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCan the large holes be used for bolts?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. Simpson states those pilot holes are for manufacturing purposes and bolts should not be installed in them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIs this connector suitable for fences or unbraced carports?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. The BC46 is not recommended for non top-supported installations such as fences or unbraced carports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Simpson Strong-Tie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52999303954726,"sku":"BC46","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0933\/1582\/5958\/files\/BC46_00044315101007_Main_Image_c4bc2139-e6f0-440a-bf2b-ff4157ef560f.jpg?v=1779135448","url":"https:\/\/www.toolnut.com\/products\/simpson-strong-tie-bc-galvanized-post-cap-for-4x6-bc46","provider":"Tool Nut","version":"1.0","type":"link"}