Types of Nails & how to choose
As a homeowner or DIY enthusiast, you’ll inevitably have to deal with nails at some point. From hanging a picture to building a deck, nails are essential in many projects. But did you know there are different types of nails? Each has its unique features and benefits, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your project. In this article, we’ll go over the most common types of nails and their uses.
Common Nails
Common nails are the most traditional type of nail and are commonly used in construction. They have a flat head and a smooth shank and come in various lengths. Common nails are versatile and suitable for many projects, from framing to flooring. They are also the most affordable type of nail, making them a popular choice for large-scale projects.
Box Nails
Box nails are similar to common nails but are thinner and have a smaller head. They are typically used for light construction projects like installing trim or molding. Box nails are less likely to split wood, making them a better choice for delicate materials. They also have a sleeker appearance than common nails, making them an excellent choice for visible projects.
Duplex Head Nails
Duplex head nails, also known as double-headed nails, have two heads and are used in temporary construction projects like scaffolding. They can be easily removed by pulling the nail from the opposite head, making them a convenient choice for temporary structures.
Annular Ring | Ring Shank Nails
Annular ring or ring shank nails have ridges on the shank that grip the wood, providing excellent holding power. They are commonly used in framing and decking projects, where the wood needs to be securely fastened. Annular ring nails are also resistant to withdrawal, which makes them an ideal choice for outdoor projects that will be exposed to the elements.
Masonry/Concrete Nails
Masonry or concrete nails are specially designed to be driven into masonry, concrete, or other hard materials. They have a fluted shank that provides excellent grip and a flat head that sits flush with the surface. These nails are used to attach wood to concrete or brick walls, making them ideal for projects like attaching furring strips or framing a basement.
Casing/Finish Nails
Casing or finish nails are used for finish carpentry projects like installing baseboards, crown molding, or window trim. They have a small head and a slender shank, which allows them to be driven below the surface of the wood and then filled with wood filler. Casing nails are available in various lengths and finishes, making it easy to match them to your project’s aesthetics.
Brad Nails
Brad nails are similar to finish nails but are smaller in diameter. They are typically used for attaching thin or delicate materials like trim, molding, or paneling. Brad nails have a small head that allows them to be easily concealed, making them a popular choice for visible projects.
Roofing Nails or Clout Nails
Roofing or clout nails have a large head and a short shank and are commonly used for attaching roofing materials. They are typically made of galvanized steel, which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion. Roofing nails also have a thick shank that provides excellent grip, making them an ideal choice for securing shingles or other roofing materials.
Plasterboard Nails
Plasterboard nails, also known as drywall nails, are used for attaching drywall or plasterboard to wooden frames. They have a flat head that sits flush with the surface of the drywall, reducing the risk of damage when sanding or painting. Plasterboard nails are available in various lengths, making them suitable for both thin and thick drywall.
Twisted Plain Head Nails Twisted plain head nails, also known as twisted shank nails, have a helical twist on the shank. This feature provides additional holding power, making them ideal for use in applications where a strong and secure hold is required. Twisted plain head nails are commonly used in framing, decking, and other construction projects. They are available in a range of sizes, from 1 inch to 6 inches in length.
Tacks
Tacks are small, sharp nails with a flat, round head. They are commonly used in upholstery, crafting, and decorative woodworking projects. Tacks are available in a range of sizes, from 3/8 inch to 1 1/2 inches in length.
Hardboard Nails
Hardboard nails, also known as tempered hardboard nails, are specifically designed for use with hardboard and other thin materials. They have a small head and a smooth shank, making them easy to conceal. Hardboard nails are available in a range of sizes, from 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches in length.
Choosing the right type of nail for your project is essential to ensure a strong and secure hold. Twisted plain head nails provide extra holding power, tacks are ideal for use in upholstery and decorative woodworking projects, and hardboard nails are specifically designed for use with thin materials. When selecting nails, be sure to consider the material you’ll be working with, the size of the nail you need, and the specific features that will best meet your needs.
Comparison of various types of nails
| Type of Nail | Shank Type | Head Type | Typical Use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Nails | Smooth | Flat | General construction, framing, and carpentry work | Inexpensive, widely available, easy to drive, versatile | Low holding power, prone to splitting wood, not suitable for high-stress applications |
| Box Nails | Smooth | Flat | Light construction, paneling, and other delicate woodwork | Thinner shank minimizes wood splitting, ideal for lightweight applications | Less holding power than common nails, not suitable for heavy-duty applications |
| Duplex Head Nails | Smooth | Double-headed | Temporary work such as scaffolding or concrete formwork | Easy to remove, can be reused | Limited use, less holding power than other nails, not suitable for permanent work |
| Annular Ring or Ring Shank Nails | Ringed | Flat or Round | Framing, decking, and other heavy-duty construction | High holding power, resists withdrawal and wood splitting, suitable for high-stress applications | More expensive than common nails, may require pre-drilling |
| Masonry/Concrete Nails | Fluted or Spiral | Flat or Round | Concrete and masonry work | Can be driven into concrete and other hard surfaces, durable | May require pre-drilling, may not hold well in certain materials |
| Casing/Finish Nails | Smooth or Spiral | Flat or Decorative | Trim work, cabinetry, and furniture | Minimal splitting, smaller head is less noticeable, suitable for delicate work | Less holding power than other nails, not suitable for heavy-duty applications |
| Brad Nails | Smooth | Small, often decorative | Fine woodworking, trim work, and other delicate applications | Smaller head is less noticeable, ideal for delicate work | Low holding power, not suitable for heavy-duty applications |
| Roofing Nails or Clout Nails | Smooth or Spiral | Large, flat | Roofing and siding | Large head holds materials securely, ideal for outdoor work | May cause splitting in some materials, may require pre-drilling |
| Plasterboard Nails | Smooth or Twisted | Flat or Large, flat | Drywall installation | Ideal for lightweight drywall, easy to install | May cause cracking in some materials, not suitable for heavier applications |
| Twisted Plain Head Nails | Twisted | Flat or Round | General construction, framing, and carpentry work | Increased holding power, resists withdrawal and wood splitting, suitable for high-stress applications | More expensive than common nails, may require pre-drilling |
| Tacks | Smooth or Blunt | Small, often decorative | Upholstery and decorative work | Small size and decorative options | Low holding power, not suitable for heavy-duty applications |
| Hardboard Nails | Smooth | Small, flat | Hardboard paneling and siding | Thin shank minimizes splitting, suitable for lightweight applications | Limited use, not suitable for heavy-duty applications |
Note: The table above provides a general overview of the various types of nails, but specific features and uses may vary based on the manufacturer and intended use.
Features of Nails
Nails are an essential component of construction and DIY projects. When choosing the right nail, it’s important to consider several features, including the penny size, gauge, shank length, shank diameter, and head diameter. In this article, we’ll discuss these features in detail and help you choose the right nail for your project.
Penny Size
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a nail is the penny size. This refers to the length of the nail and is represented by a number followed by the letter “d.” The “d” stands for “penny,” which is an old English term for the price per hundred nails.
The most common penny sizes range from 2d to 60d, with larger numbers indicating longer nails. For example, a 2d nail is 1 inch long, while a 60d nail is a whopping 6 inches long. The most commonly used penny sizes for household projects are 6d, 8d, and 10d nails.
Gauge
The gauge of a nail refers to its thickness. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the nail. Common gauges for nails include 16, 18, and 20. Thinner nails are generally used for finishing work, while thicker nails are used for heavy-duty construction.
Shank Length
The shank length is the distance from the head of the nail to the tip. The length of the shank is important because it determines how deep the nail can penetrate into the material. Longer shanks are needed for thicker materials, while shorter shanks are suitable for thinner materials.
Shank Diameter
The shank diameter is the thickness of the nail’s shaft. This feature is important because it determines how much weight the nail can hold. Thicker nails have a higher weight capacity, making them suitable for heavy-duty projects.
Head Diameter
The head diameter is the width of the nail’s head. This feature is important because it determines how well the nail will hold the material in place. Nails with larger heads are more suitable for soft materials, while smaller heads are better for harder materials.
Choosing the right nail for your project requires careful consideration of several features, including the penny size, gauge, shank length, shank diameter, and head diameter. By understanding these features, you can select the perfect nail for the job and ensure that your project is completed successfully.
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