___ are metal pieces formed into various shapes to join wood to wood, or wood to concrete or other masonry.

___ are metal pieces formed into various shapes to join wood to wood, or wood to concrete or other masonry.

• A. Connectors
• B. Nails
• C. Screws
• D. Bolts

Answer: (A)

Metal connectors are specialized pieces formed into a variety of shapes to create structural connections between different members, such as wood to wood or wood to concrete or masonry. This concept emphasizes how these shaped pieces—like angle brackets, joist hangers, ties, and anchor plates—are designed to transfer loads and resist different forces (shear, tension, withdrawal) in ways that simple fasteners alone can’t. While nails, screws, and bolts are common fasteners used to join materials, they are not described by a single term for a whole family of shaped connection pieces. Connectors cover that broader range of purpose-made shapes and configurations used to form reliable connections in structural assemblies.

Metal connectors are specialized pieces formed into a variety of shapes to create structural connections between different members, such as wood to wood or wood to concrete or masonry. This concept emphasizes how these shaped pieces—like angle brackets, joist hangers, ties, and anchor plates—are designed to transfer loads and resist different forces (shear, tension, withdrawal) in ways that simple fasteners alone can’t. While nails, screws, and bolts are common fasteners used to join materials, they are not described by a single term for a whole family of shaped connection pieces. Connectors cover that broader range of purpose-made shapes and configurations used to form reliable connections in structural assemblies.