Nails come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type is designed for a specific application. Generally, they can be categorized into the following four types: Finish Nails, Common Nails, Brad Nails, and Roofing Nails.
Finish Nails: Finish nails are thin and small (typically 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inches in length) with a smooth, flat head and a countersink feature. They are generally made of stainless steel and used for more delicate applications.
For example, for trim finish and attaching hardwood flooring, these nails don’t appear holding everything; rather, the job looks more polished.
Common Nails: Common nails are usually up to 4 inches in length and have a diamond-shaped head. Made of hardened steel, these nails are designed for tougher woodholdings and larger woodworking projects.
They can be used to build a long-term resistant fence or furniture that is expected to stay intact as long as possible.
Brad Nails: Brad nails are smaller and sharper than finish or common nails. These work best with light materials, such as panels of plywood or frames. Usually, they measure up to 2 inches in length and they can be driven with the help of a pneumatic nail gun or a hammer.
Roofing Nails: Roofing nails are long nails (ranging from 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches) and feature a large, flat head with a blunt point, as well as an extra-wide shank. They are designed to resist water and hold roofing materials in place for extreme weather conditions.
What nails are used for?
Nails are a fastener used to join two or more pieces of material (e. g. wood, metal, etc. ) together. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate various materials and assemblies. Common nails are made of steel or galvanized steel and are available in smooth, textured or ring-shank, allowing for a tight grip on the material being fastened.
Commonly used for carpentry, nails can also be used for fencing, roofing, framing, siding and masonry, among other applications. Some specialty nails include finishing nails (used for trim, baseboards, and cabinetry), roofing nails, flooring cleats and masonry nails.
Nails are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to fasten two items together, making them a popular choice for many building projects.
What is the most common nail?
The most common type of nail is a common wire nail. Common wire nails are often referred to as “galvanized” nails, due to the fact that they have a galvanized coating of zinc. They come in many sizes, lengths, and shapes and are typically used in general construction and for interior and exterior finishing.
They are easy to drive into wood and are strong enough for most everyday jobs. Common wire nails are relatively inexpensive, making them popular for budget-conscious home improvement projects.
Why do builders use galvanized nails?
Builders use galvanized nails because they are better able to resist corrosion and rust. Galvanized nails are typically coated with a thin layer of zinc to protect them from the elements, as well as from certain chemicals that may be more damaging than air and water.
Because of this protective coating, galvanized nails are able to last longer in areas that are prone to corrosion, such as near bodies of water or in climates with frequent rainfall. Galvanized nails also cost less than regular nails and offer more strength, making them the preferred choice for builders.
The additional strength also makes them ideal for working with heavier materials such as thick hardwood beams, which require a nail that can hold a substantial weight. Lastly, galvanized nails are usually less likely to crack or corrode, meaning they maintain their strength and shape over time, which is an important consideration when constructing a durable structure.
What are common nails most often used for?
Common nails are most commonly used in the assembly of wood and wooden structures. They are available in a variety of sizes, from small brads to large spikes, depending on the strength and finish needed for the project.
Common nails feature short, blunt, diamond-shaped heads that almost blend into the surrounding material.
Common nails are a popular and economical choice for many carpentry and construction projects for a variety of reasons. Their low cost and availability make them popular for smaller, less intricate projects where nails are needed for their strength but don’t need to be hidden.
Common nails are also easy to use and can be quickly nailed into place with a hammer.
Common nails are often used in framing, sheeting, and wood working projects, as well as to join wood and metal components. They are also commonly used in tasks such as hanging pictures, making furniture, installing trimwork, and assembling cabinets, decks, and shelving.
Common nails can also be used to attach home siding to a house frame, attach lattice woodwork, fasten shingles, and to repair furniture joints and corners.
What nail is used in rough work?
The type of nail typically used for rough work is a common nail. Common nails feature a solid shank and an unhardened point for easy penetration. The head is usually either shallowly domed or flat with a slightly bevelled edge.
Common nails usually measure anywhere from two to eight inches in length, with thicknesses ranging from 0.062 – 0.125 inches, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Common nails are a good choice for rough work because they don’t tend to break as easily when hit with a hammer, they’re strong and can easily penetrate even tough materials such as hardwoods and masonry.
The nails can also be bent easily, providing extra holding power. Common nails are available in a variety of materials including steel, brass, bronze, and stainless steel.
Why are they called box nails?
Box nails are called box nails because they were traditionally used to build wooden boxes and crates. They are usually made from a harder steel than general-purpose nails and they have a thinner gauge that makes them easier to fasten in tight corners.
The box nails have a larger flat head than other nails, which makes them easier to drive into the wood. They are also less likely to pull out or break when hit with a hammer than general-purpose nails.
Furthermore, their thin gauge makes them well-suited for applications where nails will be joining two thin pieces of wood together. All of these features made them popular for building boxes, crates, and other wooden items, thus explaining why they are called “box nails”.
Can I use box nails for framing?
Yes, you can use box nails for framing. Box nails are a popular choice for framing, as they have flatter heads than other types of nails, are more likely to stay in place, and require less hammering force to set.
They are also typically more affordable than other types of nails, making them a great choice for framing. When using box nails for framing, make sure they are the correct size and length for the job, and use the correct nail gun or hammer to securely set the nails.
If using a nail gun, make sure the nails are not too long and that they are firmly seated in the wood with no wobbling. As with any framing project, use adequate fasteners and make sure that your project is built to code.
What type of nail is for hanging pictures?
When selecting which type of nail to use for hanging pictures, frames, or other wall décor, it is important to consider weight, material, and purpose. The most common type of nail for hanging pictures is the common ‘Picture Hook’ or ‘Picture Hanging Nail’.
These coins (or brad) nails are small, slim and have a flat head; allowing the nail to be easily concealed yet still be secure enough to hold up a framed picture against the wall. These common nails are usually made out of hardened steel and will hold up to 30lbs, making them ideal for supporting most lightweight framed pictures, canvases, artwork or mirrors.
For heavier items such as larger frames or mirrors, gutter nails, anchor nails and masonry nails are often used. Gutter nails are usually 3-4” long; with a larger, rounder head than a picture hook. Similarly, masonry nails are longer than gutter nails and made out of either hardened steel or stainless steel.
They are designed to be used in conjunction with concrete or masonry wall materials, offering a much stronger hold than a picture hook.
Finally, for pictures that need to be hung temporarily or with minimal damage to the wall, small strips of removable ‘Double Sided Tape’ or ‘Poster Strips’ can be used. The strips are easy to use and will not damage the walls, though should not be used for heavier items as they may leave sticky residues.
In Conclusion, when it comes to hanging pictures, the most popular and widely used nails are picture hooks or picture hanging nails. For heavier items, it is better to use longer nails such as gutter nails, anchor nails, or masonry nails.
Finally, for lighter items, removable double sided tape or poster strips can be used.
