Steel Connection Comparison Guides
Technical comparison guides for evaluating structural steel connection methods based on access conditions, constructability, and installation constraints.
These steel connection comparison guides support early-stage design development, detailing decisions, and constructability reviews. The tables below compare common structural steel connection methods based on access conditions, constructability, inspection requirements, installation variability, and typical field constraints encountered in new construction, retrofit, and occupied-building projects.
Final steel connection selection, load verification, and code compliance must always be confirmed by a qualified structural engineer in accordance with applicable building codes and project requirements.
Use the sections below to navigate directly to the steel connection comparison most relevant to your project constraints.
Blind Connection Solutions: BoxBolt® vs Through-Bolting vs Welded Tabs
Use this comparison when:
evaluating blind or near-blind steel connection methods for hollow structural sections (HSS)
or any application with restricted access to both sides of the steel member. This table
compares access requirements, hot work, steel alteration, inspection effort, and installation
consistency prior to detailing.
| Comparison Criteria | BoxBolt® (Blind Bolt) | Through-Bolting | Welded Tabs |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-side access required | Yes – designed for blind connections | No – access required on both sides | No |
| Ideal for HSS members | Yes – engineered specifically for HSS | Limited – internal access required | Requires surface preparation |
| On-site welding required | No | No | Yes |
| Hot work permits needed | No | No | Yes |
| Steel alteration required | Drilled hole only | Full through-hole | Heat-affected zone introduced |
| Installation consistency | High – torque-controlled installation | Installer-dependent | Highly installer-dependent |
| Seismic / code approvals | ICC-approved options available | Depends on detailing | Requires engineered weld procedures |
| Inspection complexity | Low – visual and torque verification | Medium – internal inspection required | High – weld inspection required |
| Speed of installation | Fast | Moderate | Slow |
| Best use case | Blind HS | Open access steel connections | Shop-fabricated permanent connections |
Blind Connection Solutions for HSS and One-Side Access
Use this comparison when:
connecting to hollow structural sections (HSS) or working in any condition where access to both sides of the steel member is not available. Compare installation reality—access, hot work, steel alteration, and inspection requirements—before detailing.
| Comparison Criteria | BoxBolt® (Blind Bolt) | Through-Bolting | Welded Tabs |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-side access required | Yes – designed for blind connections | No – access required on both sides | No |
| Ideal for HSS members | Yes – engineered specifically for HSS | Limited – internal access required | Requires surface preparation |
| On-site welding required | No | No | Yes |
| Hot work permits needed | No | No | Yes |
| Steel alteration required | Drilled hole only | Full through-hole | Heat-affected zone introduced |
| Installation consistency | High – torque-controlled installation | Installer-dependent | Highly installer-dependent |
| Seismic / code approvals | ICC-approved options available | Depends on detailing | Requires engineered weld procedures |
| Inspection complexity | Low – visual and torque verification | Medium – internal inspection required | High – weld inspection required |
| Speed of installation | Fast | Moderate | Slow |
| Best use case | Blind HS | Open access steel connections | Shop-fabricated permanent connections |
BeamClamp® vs BoxBolt® vs FloorFix™
Use this comparison to select the correct steel connection solution family
based on access conditions, steel member type, and installation constraints. This table highlights where clamp-based,
blind-bolted, and floor fastening systems are most effectively applied across different stages of a project.
Typical selection guidance:
BeamClamp® for clamp-to-steel connections without drilling or welding;
BoxBolt® for hollow structural sections (HSS) or one-side access conditions;
FloorFix™ for securing steel floor plate or grating systems during finishing,
access, or maintenance stages.
| Comparison Criteria | BeamClamp® | BoxBolt® (Blind Bolt) | FloorFix™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Clamp steel-to-steel connections without drilling or welding | Blind bolted connection for HSS and one-side access | Secure steel floor plate or grating to supporting steel |
| Requires drilling | No | Yes – single access hole only | No |
| Requires welding | No | No | No |
| One-side access capable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited steel type | Open structural steel sections | Hollow Structural Steel (HSS) | Floor plate and grating systems |
| Typical application stage | Early design and field-installed secondary steel | Retrofit and blind structural connections | Finishing, access, and maintenance stages |
| Speed of installation | Fast | Fast | Very fast |
| Field adjustability | High | Moderate | Low |
| Seismic / code-approved options | Available by product type | ICC-approved options available | Project-dependent |
| Primary advantages | No steel alteration, flexible, reusable | Blind access, consistent performance | Clean finish, fast installation |
| When to specify | When welding or drilling is not permitted | When internal access is restricted | When securing flooring or grating systems |
Engineered Clamps vs Traditional Two-Piece Clamps
Use this comparison when:
evaluating engineered clamp systems versus traditional two-piece clamp assemblies for installation consistency, third-party approvals, inspection burden, and specification confidence—especially for repeatable field-installed secondary steel connections.
| Comparison Criteria | Engineered Clamp Systems | Traditional Two-Piece Clamps |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering design | Tested and engineered as a complete system | Component-based, often assembled in the field |
| Load performance | Published and verified load data | Load performance varies by installer and components |
| Third-party approvals | Commonly available by product type | Rare or not available |
| Installation consistency | High – controlled installation method | Variable – installer dependent |
| Field adjustability | Designed to accommodate steel tolerances | Limited or improvised |
| Required tools | Standard hand tools | May require multiple tools or adjustments |
| Risk of misassembly | Low – systemized components | Higher – multiple loose parts |
| Specification confidence | High – clear documentation and support | Lower – requires additional engineering review |
| Inspection complexity | Low – visual verification | Moderate to high |
| Typical use case | Engineered structural and MEP connections | Legacy or non-critical applications |