Technical Deep Dive: The Anatomy and Application of the Heli-Tie™
August 24, 2026
When specifying a remedial anchor, performance and reliability are paramount. The Heli-Tie™ helical wall tie is engineered to provide high-strength stabilization for masonry façades, whether you are re-tying a veneer or stitching a structural crack.
The Anatomy of Performance
The effectiveness of the helical tie lies in its precision-engineered geometry:
- Expansion-Free Mechanical Interlock: The spiralled fins of the tie undercut the masonry as it is driven in. This creates a secure connection that handles both tension and compression without the internal stress concentrations caused by traditional expansion anchors.
- 304/316 Stainless Steel: Specifically chosen for its superior corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even in harsh coastal or high-corrosion environments.
- Solid Core Diameter: A large-diameter core provides the torsional strength necessary to be driven into various substrates – including concrete, CMU, timber, and even steel studs – without bending or deflection.
Key Applications
1. Remedial Wall Ties (Tie-Backs) Used to re-establish the connection between a masonry veneer and its backup. This is the primary solution for façades that have begun to bow or where the original ties have failed.
2. Helical Stitching (Crack Repair) When movement causes structural cracking in a masonry plane, stitching ties are used to restore monolithic behaviour. By embedding these ties horizontally within routed bed joints, you allow the wall to once again transfer shear and bending forces as a single unit.
Precision Installation
One of the greatest technical advantages of the system is the discreet, non-invasive installation:
- Pilot Hole: Drill a small entry hole (typically 1/4" or 6.5mm).
- Drive: Use a specialized SDS-plus® tool to drive the tie into the substrate.
- Automatic Countersink: The tool is designed to automatically set the tie 12mm below the surface.
- Patch: The small hole is filled with colour-matched mortar, making the repair virtually invisible.
For engineers and contractors, the Heli-Tie™ offers a predictable, high-capacity solution for remedial masonry work. It combines the ease of a mechanical installation with the performance of a high-grade structural fastener.
Structural Connections
Unmatched Quality from the Truss to the Foundation
With nearly 60 years of field and R&D experience, Simpson Strong-Tie® timber connectors are manufactured to the industry's highest standards. From framing angles to straps to heavy-duty joist hangers, we offer the most diverse product line so that you have the right product for the job.
Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors offer unmatched quality with laboratory and field testing, and are backed by our uncompromising commitment to customer service. As the company that built the connector industry, you can count on Simpson Strong-Tie® to work closely with builders, engineers and building officials to deliver innovative, building code-compliant solutions to help build safer, stronger structures economically. Download the Structural Connectors Overview Flyer.
Timber Connectors
From testing to service to availability, everything we do is engineered to ensure your project's success. With every product, you know you are getting the quality, value, service and on-time delivery that we have built our reputation on for the past 60 years.
From straps and ties to joist hangers and much more, Simpson Strong-Tie® structural connectors increase the strength and safety of timber-frame structures. Each connector is unique to Simpson Strong-Tie and is designed for specific applications without the need to adapt metal plating to suit a connection.
Steel Frame Connectors
From fully tested and engineered connectors and clips Simpson Strong-Tie® provides comprehensive structural solutions for cold-formed steel construction. From steel-to-steel connections to full-scale lateral solutions and curtain wall connectors, we remain committed to developing new technology that helps to advance the cold-formed steel industry.
Find out how Simpson Strong-Tie timber connectors can help you build the right way every day. Download the Cold-Fromed Steel Construction Connectors Catalogue.
