Walking into the nail aisle at your local hardware store can sometimes feel overwhelming. All these little bits of sharp metal that all look almost exactly alike, but aren’t, and presumably all have different functions. Where to begin?
One characteristic of nails is that they are designed to fasten pieces of material together. Nails are a simple and basic type of fastener that have been used in construction in one form or another for upward of 3,000 years, making them one of the most time-tested items used in building. Typically, nails are used to fasten pieces of wood or timber, but can also have other uses. The wide variety in nail shape, size, and design make them functional for specific uses. With this in mind, let’s explore the variety of types of nails to understand which types are suited for what uses.
Nail Size and Design
Nail size is determined by both length and gauge. Nail length is indicated by the letter “d,” which is a system of measurement that dates back to old England and originally represented the word “pennies.” Nails come in many lengths ranging from 2d all the way to 50d with corresponding lengths.
- 2d – 1 inch
- 3d – 1 1/4 inches
- 4d – 1 1/2 inches
- 5d – 1 3/4 inches
- 6d – 2 inches
- 8d – 2 1/2 inches
- 10d – 3 inches
- 12d – 3 1/4 inches
- 16d – 3 1/2 inches
- 20d – 4 inches
- 30d – 4 1/2 inches
- 40d – 5 inches
- 50d – 5 1/2 inches
The nail gauge is the measurement of the nail’s diameter. The higher the gauge, the thinner the nail. Different purposes will require a different nail size and gauge. A good rule of thumb is that you should use a nail that is three times as long as the thickness of the material you are fastening.
Nail Types
Common Nails
Common nails, as their name suggests, are the most common nail used for construction and building. They are often the first choice for framing and carpentry projects as their heavy shank is reliable for its sturdy support. These heavy-duty nails are used for strength and function for more rough work projects rather than for their aesthetic appearance. The round head of the common nail is usually visible on surfaces, making this style of nail better for work where function is more important than appearance.
Box Nails
Box nails look similar to common nails but have a thinner shank, making them less sturdy and more appropriate for, shall we say, building boxes instead of framing houses. The perk of the thinner shank means they are less likely to cause splitting in thinner pieces of wood. They are commonly used for lighter construction because they are thinner and have less strength than common nails. These nails are also often galvanized to prevent corrosion.
Brad Nails
Brad nails are more subtle than standard nails, making them a prime choice for projects that require a clean finished look. These nails are thinner with smaller heads than standard nails and are ideal for preventing splitting and creating a clean appearance for a variety of woodworking projects. Brad nails are also used in nail guns for quick fixes and easy attaching.
Finishing Nails
Finishing nails are smooth and thin nails that are typically used to do finishing work. Their thin design also prevents splitting in the thinner wood typically used for finishing work. Because of their neater appearance, they are more aesthetically pleasing while still being able to hold any finishing together. Lighter and subtler, finishing nails are used for trimming such as down jambs, crown moulding, and baseboards.
Drywall Nails
Drywall nails are designed with little rings around the shaft to make them more sturdy and less likely to slip. They are used for gypsum boards and attaching drywall. Many people also choose to use drywall screws, which are similar to drywall nails.
Flooring Nails
Flooring nails come in a wide variety of designs depending on the material of flooring that is intended to be attached. Some kinds of flooring nails have rings similar to screws for attaching plywood or other subfloors. The rings reduce slippage and ensure that any material is very securely attached.
Framing Nails
Typically the same as common nails, framing nails are a sturdy and long nail used for framing buildings or any other woodworking project that requires a solid framework. Some framing nails are slightly thinner and more subtle than common nails, making them easier to drive in and to keep flush or even sunk for aesthetic reasons.
Roofing Nails
Roofing nails are designed and named for their main function. Because of their larger heads and shorter shanks, roofing nails are typically used for attaching shingles, asphalt, and other roofing material. They can also be used to attach house wrap, roof felt, and sheathing. The thin roof material is held in place by the large head, making sure it doesn’t blow away or get torn. Sometimes these nails are even slightly twisted to increase holding power. Because these nails are constantly exposed to the elements, they are also usually galvanized to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Duplex Nails
Also known as double-headed nails, this kind of nail is designed for use for temporary structures such as scaffolding. This nail has two heads, one above the other, so that when driven into a material, the upper head still remains accessible for easy removal once the construction project is complete.
Masonry Nails
These super-solid and hard nails are typically made of super-tough materials, like steel, that allow them to be driven into masonry surfaces such as concrete and brick. This heavy-duty nail is often used to attach wood to stone or brick.
Nail Precision
Nails are an entire world in and of themselves, but with a little guidance and help, you can easily navigate your way to find which nails are the most precise fit for your project.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.
