Transferring load between two members meeting at ninety degrees.

It works through fasteners in shear.

It is the general-purpose connector in this family.

Secondary connections, blocking, nailers and ledgers suit it well.

So does reinforcing a joint that has proved inadequate.

It is efficient and inexpensive in those roles.

Because its generality makes it tempting whenever a joint looks weak.

An angle will fix almost any perpendicular joint.

Its capacity is modest compared with purpose-made connectors.

An angle used where a joist hanger belongs supports far less.

A structure detailed that way is not the one that was designed.

Reaching for it instead of the correct part is the commonest error in timber work.

Yes - published values differ between load directions.

An angle resists load in specific directions.

Fitting it on the convenient face rather than the correct one loads it where it is weakest.

Manufacturers publish separate figures for each direction.

The drawing or table shows the intended orientation.

It is a frequent site error precisely because the part looks symmetrical.

Strengthen a member that has been weakened, usually by a notch, hole or split.

That is a repair rather than a design.

Whether it is an adequate remedy is an engineering question.

A plate over a badly notched joist may restore some capacity.

It may also achieve almost nothing.

Where the notch is and what the member does both determine the answer.

Only if the published capacity is adequate, and usually it is not.

Hangers put load into bearing on a seat.

Angles put it entirely into fasteners in shear.

The difference in capacity is substantial.

Substituting one for the other changes the structure's behaviour.

Where a hanger was specified, the substitution is an engineering decision rather than a site one.

Yes, and angles are where this is most often skipped.

They have small holes in awkward places.

Access is frequently poor once framing is up.

The published capacity still assumes every specified hole is filled.

Some holes are designated for particular load cases.

Fitting the angle before the surrounding framing closes in makes the schedule achievable.

The one whose published capacity meets the load, in the correct orientation.

Larger angles take more fasteners and carry more.

Leg length has to suit both members being joined.

Steel thickness varies across the range and affects capacity.

Timber edge and end distances constrain where fasteners can go.

Choosing on appearance or availability rather than the table is how under-capacity joints happen.