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Products > MasterClip® VLB

MasterClip® VLB

MasterClip VLB - Hybrid Vertical Deflection & Rigid Light Steel Framing Clip
 
MasterClip VLB
US Patents #8,181,419, #8,683,770 & #10,132,341

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
Downloads Download Technical data Tech Sheet | Download drawing file DWG | Download specification data Specs | Download BIM data BIM |

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.

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Application_VerticalDeflection.png
MasterClip® VLB Used for Vertical Deflection
TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Application_RigidConnection.png
MasterClip® VLB Used as Rigid Connection
  1. Place MasterClip® angle against structural pour stop.
  2. Attach VLB to structure with required fasteners.
  3. For vertical deflection connection: Fasten VLB to stud with provided screws through integrated Step Bushings.
  4. 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
VLB800 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

TSN_MasterClip_VLB_Dimensions.png
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) VLB600 VLB800 VLB600 & VLB800
w/2-3 #12 screws w/2 #12 screws w/3 #12 screws
Patterns 1 & 2 Pattern 1 Pattern 2
33 (20) 33 95 95 377 565
33 (20) 50 138 107 544 817
43 (18) 33 124 107 561 841
43 (18) 50 179 107 810 1,215
54 (16) 33 156 107 789 1,183
54 (16) 50 225 107 1,139 1,567
68 (14) 50 227 107 1,567 1,567
97 (12) 50 227 107 1,567 1,567
Maximum Allowable Clip Load 227 107 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) VLB600 VLB800 VLB600 & VLB800 VLB600 VLB800 VLB600 VLB800 VLB600 VLB800
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
Patterns 4 & 5 Pattern 3 Pattern 4 Pattern 5 Pattern 3 Pattern 4 Pattern 5
33 (20) 33 191 182 377 565 754 251 220 377 332 503 441
33 (20) 50 275 182 544 817 1,089 362 318 544 479 727 637
43 (18) 33 248 182 561 841 1,122 373 328 561 494 749 656
43 (18) 50 359 182 810 1,215 1,620 539 474 810 713 1,082 948
54 (16) 33 312 182 789 1,183 1,577 524 461 789 694 1,053 923
54 (16) 50 450 182 1,139 1,709 1,811 757 666 1,139 1,002 1,521 1,269
68 (14) 50 536 182 1,610 1,811 1,811 1,071 942 1,610 1,269 1,792 1,269
97 (12) 50 536 182 1,698 1,811 1,811 1,129 993 1,698 1,269 1,792 1,269
Maximum Allowable Clip Load 536 182 1,811 1,792 1,269 1,792 1,269 1,792 1,269
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_MasterClip_VLB_Application_Load_Direction.png

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_Connections_Tech_Catalog_Cover

TSN Connection
Technical Catalog

TSN_Reduced_Connections_Catalog_Cover

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 Data

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.