How to insert service holes in horizontal tracks using Smart Connections?

Before following this guide, make sure that your service hole families for studs are prepared for the CNC export. Learn more

1. Open Smart Connections and create new configuration

1. Open Smart Connections (T4R Create/Modify > Smart Connections):

1. At the top left, choose Category > Structural Framing

2. Choose Group > Structural Framing

3. Duplicate the configuration and rename it:

2. Choose the service hole family

1. Click on Active to turn on the configuration

2. Select Category > Structural Connections

3. Select the Family and Type > I_SC Service Hole (Imperial) or M_SC Service Hole (Metric):

3. Filter the host (plate) and set the hole placement face

1. Click on Host Filter

2. Search for Framing Member Mark: Instance Shared parameter (recommended) and set to Equals

3. Enter the value, e.g.

• Top plate = TP

• Bottom Plate = BP

• Blocking/Nogging = SBP

• Header = HP

• Sill = SP

1. Set the Face to Left:

4. Set the Element Position

4.1 Place 1 hole on the plate center

4.2 Place multiple holes on the plate center

Increase the Fixed Number

4.3 Place holes on the plate ends

1. Change the Direction to Start End

2. Change the Rule to Fixed Number & Fixed Spacing

3. Adjust the Layout Start and Layout End to the desired offset

4.4 Place holes with an offset from the plate's centerline

1. Change the Direction to Start End

2. Change the Rule to Fixed Number & Fixed Spacing

3. Adjust the Layout Start and Layout End to the desired offset

4. Adjust the Layout Side for the desired offset from the plate's centerline

5. Save the configuration and place holes

1. Click Save

2. Select the frame

3. Click Insert Elements

4. Make sure to use the same Configuration that you just created

5. Click Insert Details:

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