CAMNWAMN [20 Pack] 2x4 Joist Hanger, 18 Gauge LU28 Galvanizing Face Mount Joist Hangers, Wood Hurricane Ties, Rafters Tie

What I used these for

I put the CAMNWAMN 2x4 hangers to work on two small but telling projects: tying 2x4 roof rafters into a shed ledger, and building a wall-mounted storage frame in my shop. Both jobs are classic “joist-to-header” tasks where a face-mount hanger is the right answer. I wanted to see how consistently these would install, how they’d hold up once fastened, and whether the finish is suitable for outdoor exposure.

Build and finish

These are 18-gauge, hot-dip galvanized steel hangers sized for nominal 2x4s (actual 1-1/2 x 3-1/2). Out of the box, the metal has that matte, slightly mottled look you expect from hot-dip galvanizing, and the coating is uniform—no bare spots or drips on my pack. Edges are reasonably clean. They’re not knife-sharp, but I still recommend gloves because any stamped connector can catch a fingertip.

Like many 18-gauge hangers, they feel a bit flexible when you handle them individually. That’s normal at this thickness. Once fastened with the correct screws or nails and with the joist fully seated, the assembly stiffens up as it should. The seat depth matches a 2x4 well: my lumber dropped in without racking or side-to-side slop, and the side flanges hugged the joist cheeks neatly.

CAMNWAMN includes “speed prongs” on the back—little barbs that let you tap the hanger into position and free up a hand while you square and fasten. They bite well into SPF framing stock. I could nudge and tweak alignment after setting the prongs, but they held firmly enough that nothing sagged while I reached for fasteners.

Installation experience

I installed these with structural screws rated for hangers in most locations and used hanger nails on a couple of tight corners to compare feel. The hole pattern accepted both with no drama. The holes are properly sized for common #9–#10 hanger screws, and the flanges didn’t deform under a driver’s torque. I recommend driving by hand or with an impact set to a low setting; it’s easy to overdrive screws and dimple a flange on any 18-gauge connector.

A few practical notes from the installs:
- Layout goes faster if you mark the seat line and lead with the speed prongs. Tap the prongs lightly; you want them to hold, not crush fibers.
- Don’t rely on the prongs for any structural value. They’re just a third hand.
- Fully seat the joist before you finish filling the holes. A quick tap with a mallet ensures bearing at the back of the seat.
- Fill the required holes per your fastener schedule. If you don’t have a printed schedule, match the pattern of similarly sized hangers from reputable manufacturers and consult local code.

On the shed ledger, I staggered screws to avoid splitting the header and used an offcut joist as a placement jig to keep heights uniform. In the shop, mounting to studs behind 3/4-inch sheathing, the speed prongs still penetrated through and held alignment while I got fasteners started.

Fit and consistency

Across the 20-pack, alignment was consistent. The seats were square, the side flanges parallel, and the hole spacing matched from piece to piece. That matters when you’re running a line of hangers and want the joist bottoms to come out flush. I did find two hangers with very slight shipping bends at the top flange. They straightened with a couple of wrench tweaks, and the galvanizing didn’t crack or flake when corrected.

The geometry works for typical 2x4 members cut square. If you’re tying into crowned, slightly twisted stock, you’ll appreciate that the ears have just enough give to pull a stubborn joist into compliance as you drive fasteners—again, normal behavior for this gauge.

Performance in use

Once everything was fastened, the assemblies felt solid. There’s no perceptible wiggle at the seat, and I couldn’t rack the joist by hand in either installation. On the shed, we’ve already had a run of hot days with a couple of summer storms. No discoloration or white rust showed up, and the hangers look unchanged.

In the shop, I loaded the storage frame with typical bins and lumber offcuts. The hangers took the shear without complaint. The real test for small connectors like these is less about instantaneous strength and more about creep and seasonal movement; after a few months, the joist ends are still tight in the seats, and screw heads remain flush.

I don’t have lab load data for this specific product, so I treated them like any unbranded 18-gauge 2x4 hanger: appropriate for light framing, decking accessories, rafters, and storage frames where code or load tables call for this class of connector. For anything critical, match your use to local requirements and a documented fastener schedule.

Corrosion and treated lumber

Hot-dip galvanizing is the right direction for outdoor use and for contact with most preservative-treated lumber. The coating here appears generous enough for typical backyard structures. As always, confirm compatibility with your specific treatment (ACQ, CA, MCQ, etc.). When in doubt, use corrosion-resistant fasteners to match the hanger’s protection and keep dissimilar metals out of the mix.

What could be better

• Gauge perception: Unfastened, the 18-gauge steel can feel a touch “springy.” That disappears once installed, but if you’re used to heavier 16-gauge connectors, the first impression is different.
• Packaging: A couple of units arrived with minor bends at the mounting flange. They were easy to true up, but tighter packaging or separators would help.
• Documentation: My pack didn’t include a detailed fastener schedule. Most pros know the drill, but DIY users would benefit from a simple insert that lists approved fastener sizes, counts, and alternate patterns.

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re worth noting if you’re doing your first hanger project or expecting them to feel rigid before fasteners go in.

Tips for cleaner installs

• Make a quick plywood height jig for repetitive placements. Drop it on the ledger, sit the hanger on top, and tap the prongs. Consistency improves and layout speeds up.
• Pre-drive one fastener per side, then check joist seat and plumb before filling the pattern.
• Use the correct, corrosion-resistant fasteners. Structural screws make tight spaces easier than swinging a hammer.
• If you’re installing outdoors, seal cut ends of treated lumber and avoid mixing coatings on fasteners.

Value and who they’re for

As a 20-pack of 2x4 hangers, these are good value for small projects and shop builds. The performance I saw matches what I expect from brand-name equivalents in this size and gauge. If you’re running a long deck with hundreds of hangers, you might prioritize a product line with published load tables you can plug straight into your plans. For a shed, pergola purlins, ceiling storage, or light framing, these strike a sensible balance of price, protection, and ease of use.

Bottom line

The CAMNWAMN 2x4 hangers installed cleanly, held joists securely, and showed a consistent build and galvanizing finish across the pack. The speed prongs are effective, the fit on nominal 2x4s is snug, and once fastened correctly, the assemblies feel solid and stay put. Minor packaging bends and the naturally flexible feel of 18-gauge steel are the only knocks I can make, and neither affected performance.

Recommendation: I recommend these for anyone tackling light to medium framing tasks with 2x4s—shed rafters, small decks and platforms, shop storage, and similar work—especially if you want a cost-effective 20-pack without sacrificing basic quality. Pair them with the right fasteners, follow good installation practice, and they’ll do the job reliably. If your project requires documented engineering values for permitting or unusually high loads, reach for a connector with published ratings; otherwise, these hangers are a practical, budget-friendly choice.