The Stavebolt^® device was originally conceived as a hidden mechanical connector for the Company's modular post and beam and structural panel system, called Stavehouse^®. The device has been successfully utilized in post and beam work since 1995 and subsequently in heavy timber framing, including truss construction in both saw-milled and round log applications.

The installation process was developed around the use of drills and augers. This was done to reduce the elements of labour and shop time, along with the dependance on handcrafting, which is required to fabricate the pinned mortise and tenon connection.

During research and development stages, various models of Stavebolt^® were subjected to destructive testing at the Civil Engineering Lab of the University of Toronto. Performance testing in pine and glue-laminated samples then followed, permitting the development of safe working values. Limit States Values (kN) have since been converted to Working Stress Values (lbs).

The testing established that typical Stavebolt^® installations are approximately 5 to 10 times stronger in tension applications than pinned mortise and tenon solutions. The ductility of the device was also confirmed, indicating its suitability for use in structures designed to resist very high winds and seismic events.

The original 2-pin Stavebolt^® device was subjected to an Evaluation by the National Research Council of Canada. The Evaluation, #CCMC #12987-R, was issued in June of 2000. This Evaluation was undertaken to insure that the manufacturing specifications, testing parameters and working values of the Stavebolt^® device would meet or exceed the requirements of the National Building Code, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, provincial and municipal building officials, designers, architects and engineers, etc.

Among other quality control measures, every Stavebolt^® is subjected to an in-house tension test to prove that the structural capacity of the connector assembly exceeds the published working values by a substantial safety margin.

An Installation Manual is included with each sale of the device, as is a pattern to guide in the layout of the auger and drill holes associated with the insertion. While some customers drill these holes freehand, those making frequent use of the device may prefer to purchase one of our adjustable steel jigs. High speed boring machinery, such as made by Hundeggar and Bear River Tool Company and others, is particularly well suited to rapid Stavebolt^® installations.

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