Metal Straps For Floor Joists . Floor joist bridging uses wood or metal strips or strapping to connect joists and improve load deflection. The ends are then hammered into the joists to secure a connection between the joist and the strap. XBrace IJoist Alliance Structural Product Sales Corp. from structurelock.com Wrap the joists from the top of one end, around the bottom at midpoint, and back to the top of the opposite end. Using jack posts or 6×6 posts and 2×10 or 2×8 beams perpendicular to the joists will solve any wobble and ensure your joists never move again. Many types of bridging incorporate two for every joist bay, creating an “x.”