Description:

Key Features

Built for Bypass Framing This Simpson Strong-Tie drift-clip connector secures bypass stud framing to the edge of a slab. It is made for cold-formed steel construction where controlled movement matters. Controlled Movement The connector accommodates 1 inch of lateral drift in each direction and 1 inch of upward and downward vertical deflection. That helps the wall system move as designed instead of binding up at the connection. Shouldered Screws Included This kit includes the specified #14 shouldered screws for the stud-side connection. Those screws are designed to help prevent overdriving so the clip can work the way it was engineered to.

Overview

The Simpson Strong-Tie IDCB45.5-KT25 IDCB Drift-Clip Bypass Framing Connector is a cold-formed steel framing connector for bypass applications. This is a drift-clip bypass framing connector designed for securing bypass stud framing to the edge of a slab. Model number IDCB45.5-KT25 comes as a 25-pack kit with the matching shouldered screws, making it a practical choice for contractors and framing crews who need the right hardware in the box instead of piecing the connection together on site.

What matters here is movement control. This connector accommodates 1 inch of lateral drift in each direction along with 1 inch of upward and downward vertical deflection. In real work, that means the connection is built to allow the wall system to move as intended instead of locking the framing too rigidly at the slab edge. For bypass framing in cold-formed steel construction, that is the whole point.

The connector itself is made from 97 mil, 12 gauge, 50 ksi steel with a zinc galvanized G90 finish. That gives you a substantial connector body for structural framing conditions, not a light stamped clip meant for low-demand work. Simpson Strong-Tie also calls out horizontal embossments and corner gussets that optimize performance in the F2 load direction, so the shape of the part is doing real work here and not just taking up space.

Installation details matter on a connector like this, and Simpson Strong-Tie built that into the design. The included #14 x 7/8 inch shouldered screws are made to prevent overdriving and help the clip function properly. The vertical slots use those shouldered screws at the stud, and Simpson's No-Equal stamps mark the center of the slots to guide screw and anchor placement. That kind of detail saves time during layout and reduces the chance of a bad install that compromises movement.

On the slab-facing side, the connector is tested for anchorage to a steel-edge angle using #12 x 1-1/4 inch Strong-Drive XL Large-Head Metal screws model XLQ114B1224. Manufacturer installation notes state that one screw is centered in each horizontal slot and backed out one-half turn. For steel backed by concrete, predrilling of both the steel and concrete may be required, using a maximum 3/16 inch drill bit when predrilling is needed. This is the kind of product where following the specified fasteners and install method is not optional.

Size-wise, it has a 4 inch clip height, 5-1/2 inch stud-facing clip length, and 3-1/2 inch slab-facing clip width, along with a 4 inch minimum slab height. There is also a published 1-1/2 inch maximum standoff. Those numbers tell you pretty quickly whether this bypass framing connector fits your wall layout and slab-edge condition before material even hits the jobsite.

The Simpson Strong-Tie IDCB45.5-KT25 IDCB Drift-Clip Bypass Framing Connector is best suited for contractors working in cold-formed steel framing, curtain-wall framing, and commercial bypass wall applications where movement at the slab edge has to be accounted for. If you are doing basic nonmoving clip work, this is more connector than you need. If you need a specified drift clip with included shouldered screws and published movement capacity, this is the right kind of hardware to be looking at.

Designed for Movement at the Slab Edge

This connector is built for the part of the wall system that cannot be treated like a fixed bracket. It is made to secure bypass stud framing while still allowing the movement the assembly was designed around.

• Accommodates 1 inch of lateral drift in each direction
• Allows 1 inch of upward and downward vertical deflection
• Requires a 4 inch minimum slab height

Connector Geometry That Does Real Work

The shape of this bypass framing connector is engineered for the job, not just stamped to hold metal together. Slots, embossments, and gussets all support proper fastener placement and performance in the intended load direction.

• Horizontal embossments and corner gussets optimize F2 load performance
• Vertical and horizontal slots support the specified connection layout
• Made from 97 mil, 12 gauge, 50 ksi steel with G90 galvanizing

Included Screws Help the Clip Work Properly

A drift clip only works right when the fastener setup is right. That is why this kit includes Simpson Strong-Tie shouldered screws and uses stamped placement marks to help crews hit the intended location in the slots.

• Kit includes XLSH78B1414 #14 shouldered screws for stud attachment
• No-Equal stamps mark slot centers for correct placement
• Published maximum standoff is 1-1/2 inches

What's in the Box

• (25) IDCB45.5 connectors
• (83) XLSH78B1414 #14 shouldered screws

Steel-edge angle fasteners for the horizontal slots are not included.

Key Specifications

Compatibility

Framing Type Designed for bypass stud framing in cold-formed steel construction. Stud-Side Fasteners Uses the included #14 x 7/8 in. shouldered screws, model XLSH78B1414, for attachment to the stud. Steel-Edge Angle Attachment For 3/16 in. minimum to 1/2 in. maximum steel-edge angle thickness, Simpson specifies Strong-Drive XL Large-Head Metal screws model XLQ114B1224.

Built For

Cold-Formed Steel Construction Bypass Framing Curtain-Wall Framing Commercial Construction General Contracting Steel Stud Framing

Pro Tip

On the stud side, line the shouldered screws up with the No-Equal stamps instead of just eyeballing the slot. On the steel-edge angle side, Simpson specifies one screw centered in each horizontal slot and backed out one-half turn, which matters for how the clip is intended to move.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Simpson Strong-Tie IDCB45.5-KT25 IDCB Drift-Clip Bypass Framing Connector for specified bypass work

This is the kind of connector you buy when the wall needs to move the way the engineer intended and you do not want to gamble with a generic clip.

• Who it's for: Contractors and steel stud framing crews handling bypass framing and slab-edge conditions in commercial cold-formed steel work.
• Why it stands out: It combines published drift and deflection capability, heavy 12 gauge construction, and the correct shouldered screws in one kit.
• Worth knowing: This is not a one-size-fits-all bracket. You need to follow the specified fasteners and installation method, especially on the steel-edge angle side, to get the performance this connector is built around.

Common Questions

• What is this connector used for? It is used to secure bypass stud framing to the edge of a slab in cold-formed steel construction.
• How much movement does it allow? It accommodates 1 inch of lateral drift in each direction and 1 inch of upward and downward vertical deflection.
• What slab height is required? The listed minimum slab height is 4 inches.
• What material and finish is it made from? It is made from 97 mil, 12 gauge, 50 ksi steel with a zinc galvanized G90 finish.