Name: MasterClip® VLB
Brand: The Steel Network

MasterClip VLB - Hybrid Vertical Deflection & Rigid Light Steel Framing Clip

US Patents #8,181,419, #8,683,770 & Pending

MasterClip^® VLB connects exterior curtain wall studs, bypassing the building structure. Its unique configuration allows the option for a rigid connection to resist horizontal and vertical loads, or for vertical deflection of the structure up to 2” (1” up and 1” down). MasterClip’s integrated break-away bushings provide both an anti-friction and anti-seizure connection between the clip and the stud web surface thereby preventing a transfer of vertical forces into curtain wall framing, which is not engineered to support axial loads. MasterClip VLB eliminates flange-loaded, friction-fit clips, which do not address web-crippling. Three #12 screws for attachment to stud through the integrated bushings are provided by TSN.

Value

Simplify ordering process and reduce inventory line items
Positive, mechanical attachment
Only certified, 50ksi steel is used
Bushings are integrated for accurate placement and ease of installation
Guide holes for attachment to structure (and stud for optional rigid connection)
Rated screws provided for vertical deflection connection to stud web
Load transferred from stud web
Elimination of friction-held assemblies
Meets all building code criteria
Adaptable for multiple configurations
Eliminates shims and scabs
Aligns wall studs quickly and easily by accounting for construction tolerances
Eliminates bridging or strapping within the bridging spacing from the connection

Product Information

Material Composition

ASTM A1003/A1003M Structural Grade 50 (340) Type H, ST50H (ST340H): 50ksi (340MPa) minimum yield strength, 65ksi (450MPa) minimum tensile strength, 68mil minimum thickness (14 gauge, 0.0713” design thickness) with ASTM A653/A653M G90 (Z275) hot dipped galvanized coating.

The attachment of MasterClip^® to the primary structure may be made with a PAF, screw/bolt anchors or weld and is dependent upon the base material (steel or concrete) and the design configuration.

MasterClip^® VLB Used for Vertical Deflection

MasterClip^® VLB Used as Rigid Connection

Place MasterClip^® angle against structural pour stop.
Attach VLB to structure with required fasteners.
For vertical deflection connection: Fasten VLB to stud with provided screws through integrated Step Bushings.
For rigid connection: Fasten VLB to stud with required screws through pre-drilled guide holes.

pdf icon Printable Installation Instructions

Order Information

Designation	Qty/Box	Lbs/Box	Qty/Skid	Lbs/Skid
VLB600	50	38	4,500	3,420

Nomenclature

MasterClip VLB is designated by type (VLB), followed by stud depth in inches multiplied by 100.

Example: 6" stud
Designate: MasterClip^® VLB600

MasterClip used for VERTICAL DEFLECTION

MasterClip^® VLB, Recommended Allowable Load (lbs), For VERTICAL DEFLECTION: F1 & F2
Stud		F1 Load Direction	F2 Load Direction
Thickness Mils (ga)	Yield Strength (ksi)	w/2-3 #12 screws	w/2 #12 screws	w/3 #12 screws
Thickness Mils (ga)	Yield Strength (ksi)	Patterns 1 & 2	Pattern 1	Pattern 2
33 (20)	33	95	377	565
33 (20)	50	138	544	817
43 (18)	33	124	561	841
43 (18)	50	179	810	1,215
54 (16)	33	156	789	1,183
54 (16)	50	225	1,139	1,567
68 (14)	50	227	1,567	1,567
97 (12)	50	227	1,567	1,567
Maximum Allowable Clip Load		227	1,567

MasterClip used for RIGID CONNECTION

MasterClip^® VLB, Recommended Allowable Load (lbs), For RIGID CONNECTION: F1, F2 & F3
Stud		F1 Load Direction	F2 Load Direction			F3 Load Direction
Thickness Mils (ga)	Yield Strength (ksi)	w/3-4 #12 screws	w/2 #12 screws	w/3 #12 screws	w/4 #12 screws	w/2 #12 screws	w/3 #12 screws	w/4 #12 screws
Thickness Mils (ga)	Yield Strength (ksi)	Patterns 4 & 5	Pattern 3	Pattern 4	Pattern 5	Pattern 3	Pattern 4	Pattern 5
33 (20)	33	191	376	565	752	251	377	503
33 (20)	50	275	544	817	1,089	362	544	727
43 (18)	33	248	560	841	1,120	373	561	749
43 (18)	50	359	810	1,215	1,620	539	810	1,082
54 (16)	33	312	788	1,183	1,576	524	789	1,053
54 (16)	50	450	1,138	1,709	1,954	757	1,139	1,521
68 (14)	50	536	1,610	1,954	1,954	1,071	1,610	1,792
97 (12)	50	536	1,698	1,954	1,954	1,129	1,698	1,792
Maximum Allowable Clip Load		536	1,954			1,792

Notes:

Allowable load tables incorporate eccentric loading of fasteners. Values with welded connection may increase.
Fasten within ¾" from the angle heel (centerline of the 1½" leg) to minimize eccentric load transfer.
Fasteners attaching clip to structure should be installed symmetrically around the center line of the clip. The allowable load of the clip may be reduced if fasteners are not installed symmetrically.
Guide holes in the 1½" leg measure 0.141" in diameter.
Total vertical deflection of up to 2" (1" up and 1" down).
Allowable loads have not been increased for wind, seismic, or other factors.
MasterClip VLB resists horizontal and vertical loads when used as a rigid connector.
Loads listed reflect force in a single direction. When multiple loads react on the connection, it is the responsibility of the designer to check the interaction of forces.
Torsional effects are considered on screw group for F3 allowable loads. It is assumed that half of the torsional moment is taken by the connection to the structure and half is taken by the connection to the stud.
Design loads consider loads on the clip and #12 screw fasteners to the stud web.
(3) #12 screws are provided with each connector to be used for eiter vertical deflection connector or rigid connector step bushing. Load requirements don't always justify use of all screws provided.
Three slots are standard in 6" and higher web depths to accommodate construction tolerances. Use of a 3rd screw and bushing is dependent upon load configuration.

Screw Patterns
* Important Consideration: Pattern diagrams indicate fastener placement only. Each standard StiffClip LB product comes with 4 guide holes to stud.

Vertical Deflection Screw Patterns

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Screw_Pattern_04

Pattern 1
2 screws

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Screw_Pattern_05

Pattern 2
3 Screws

Rigid Connection Screw Patterns

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Screw_Pattern_01

Pattern 3
2 screws

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Screw_Pattern_03

Pattern 4
3 Screws

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Screw_Pattern_02

Pattern 5
4 Screws

Load Direction

TSN's Product Catalogs are an essential resource for the design of cold formed steel. Developed by Engineers, the catalogs contain design data for members, connectors, and fasteners.

MasterClip^® VLB can be found in the following Catalogs:

TSN Connection
Technical Catalog

TSN Connection
Order Catalog

For a full list of our product catalogs, specification sections, inspection checklists, and research reports please click here.

Blast & Seismic Design

The Steel Network is the only connector manufacturer in the US that has rated its connector products for special seismic and blast design by providing tables with LRFD design strength, nominal strength and ultimate strength for each connector.