A wedge is often used near the heel of a truss to help plate the heel joint and transfer forces from the chords to the bearings. It is one of many options available to a truss technician to help find the best plating option at the heel joint. Wedges are typically cut from 2x dimensional lumber in varying widths and are widely used in cantilever truss applications. Alternatives to wedges include top and bottom chord sliders as well as top and bottom chord reinforcing webs.