Noah Sinclair
Nails are available in a variety of materials, sizes, and types, each serving a different function. The most common types of nails include roofing nails, siding nails, joist hanger nails, and specialty nails. When selecting a nail, factors such as the thickness of the material being nailed, the holding power required, and the potential for cracking the material should be considered. For example, when nailing a 3/4 thick piece of material, a nail that is at least 1 1/2 long should be used, with some sources recommending a length of 2 1/2 to 3. Additionally, predrilling is recommended when there is a chance of cracking the material.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shank length | 3/4" |
| Nail type | Common, box, finishing, roofing, siding, joist hanger, specialty, threaded, duplex, concrete, etc. |
| Shank diameter | Varies, measured in inches |
| Head diameter | Varies, measured in inches |
| Shank type | Smooth, threaded, annular ring, ring, barbed, spiral, fluted, knurled |
| Shank coating | Vinyl, cement, galvanised, zinc, rustproof |
| Shank material | Steel, stainless steel, copper-plated, aluminium, iron |
| Nail head type | Flat, checkered flat, countersunk |
| Nail point type | Diamond, blunt |
| Nail length | 2.5"-3" (rule of thumb: 3x the length of the material you are nailing through) |
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What You'll Learn
- Nail types: flat, checkered flat, countersunk, roofing, siding, joist hanger, etc
- Shank types: standard, annular ring, barbed, spiral, fluted or knurled
- Shank diameter: thickness of the nail's longer portion
- Nail coatings: galvanisation, cement, vinyl
- Nail lengths: 3/4 nails are used for roofing, but longer nails are recommended
Nail types: flat, checkered flat, countersunk, roofing, siding, joist hanger, etc
Nails are used to fasten pieces of material together. There are many different types of nails, each suited to a specific use. The type of nail you need will depend on the nature of your project.
Flat Nails
Flat nails have a flat head that remains visible as it rests on the nailed surface. The head offers a large striking surface and additional holding power.
Checkered Flat Nails
Checkered flat nails are designed to prevent slippage when hammering from awkward angles. They have a grid-like pattern on the head.
Countersunk Nails
Countersunk nails have a conical head designed to be pushed out of sight below the surface. The angle of the cupped head varies, from tight on finishing nails to saucer-like on drywall nails.
Roofing Nails
Roofing nails have a wide head to keep house wrap, sheathing, and roofing felt in place. They are often ring shank nails, with rings along the shank for extra grip. They are also sometimes galvanized to resist corrosion.
Siding Nails
Siding nails are strong and weather-resistant nails designed for fastening siding.
Joist Hanger Nails
Joist hanger nails are designed for installing joist hangers. They are made for both indoor and outdoor use and are typically double-dipped galvanized or stainless steel.
When choosing nails, it's important to consider the length, diameter, and material. For example, if you're working with harder woods, it's recommended to drill a pilot hole first to prevent the wood from splitting. For cedar or redwood, stainless steel nails are ideal as they won't corrode or stain the wood.
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Shank types: standard, annular ring, barbed, spiral, fluted or knurled
When selecting the appropriate nail for a project, it is crucial to consider the nail's shank type. The shank of a nail refers to its longer portion that is driven into the material, excluding the flat head. Nails with threaded or ringed shanks offer better pullout resistance compared to those with smooth shanks. Shank types include standard, annular ring, barbed, spiral, fluted, and knurled varieties, each designed for specific applications.
A standard nail shank, also known as a bright shank, has a smooth surface. These nails are suitable for basic framing and interior finish work, relying on friction between the wood fibres and the shank for holding power. However, due to their lower resistance, they may not perform well in adverse conditions.
Annular ring nails, also known as ring shank nails, have annular (ring-shaped) threads on the shank. These threads create a "'locking' effect with wood fibres, enhancing their resistance to withdrawal. They are ideal for applications where expansion and contraction due to moisture or weather exposure are concerns, commonly used in softer woods, roof decking, shingles, fences, and carpentry work.
Barbed shanks feature a unique pattern designed for use on dense hardwoods. Spiral shanks, on the other hand, are helix-shaped and are designed to twist into the wood, locking themselves in place.
Fluted or knurled shanks are linear grooves that allow for easy driving into concrete without breaking it apart. They are commonly used in masonry and concrete nails to prevent cracking and provide greater holding strength.
The selection of the appropriate shank type is critical in construction, as outlined in the U.S. building code. Using the wrong shank can lead to issues such as a damaged roof or a squeaky subfloor.
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Shank diameter: thickness of the nail's longer portion
The shank of a nail is the long, cylindrical part that extends from the head to the tip. The shank diameter refers to the thickness of this portion of the nail. It is usually measured in fractions of an inch or in millimetres, depending on the country and the system of measurement used. The shank diameter varies depending on the length and type of the nail, as well as its intended application. For example, a 6d nail shank (11-gauge) has a diameter of 0.12 inches, while a 30d nail has a diameter of 0.220 inches.
Thicker shanks generally provide better holding power and are used for larger, heavier-duty nails. They are ideal for use in hardwood. On the other hand, thinner shanks are used for smaller, lighter-duty nails and finishing work. Smooth shanks, for instance, are used for finishing work where the nail head must be concealed. Nails with threaded or ringed shanks offer more holding power and are more resistant to pullout than those with smooth shanks. Annular or threaded nails, for example, have threaded shanks that provide additional grip once inserted into the material.
The shank can also vary in shape. Smooth shanks are straight and cylindrical without any ridges, twists, or threads. Nails with ridges or threads provide more holding power and prevent the nail from slipping or pulling out of the wood. Annular ring or ring shank nails have raised rings around the shaft, making them more difficult to pull out of soft or medium-density wood. Barbed shanks are designed for use on dense hardwoods, while spiral shanks are shaped like a helix and twist into the wood to lock themselves in.
The shank may also be coated to improve its performance. For instance, galvanised nails are coated with zinc to provide protection from rust, while vinyl coating makes nails easier to drive in and increases their holding strength.
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Nail coatings: galvanisation, cement, vinyl
When selecting a nail, it is important to consider the length and coating of the nail, in addition to its type. Nails that are 6 inches or longer are typically referred to as spikes. The type of nail coating is determined by the application and the desired level of protection.
Galvanisation
Galvanisation is a process that coats nails with zinc to protect them from rust and corrosion, thereby prolonging their lifespan. There are two main types of galvanised nails: Hot-Dip Galvanised (HDG) and Electro-Galvanised (EG). HDG nails offer the highest quality of galvanisation, with a minimum zinc coating thickness of 1.7 mils and a lifespan of 30-50+ years. The galvanisation process involves cleaning the steel body, submerging the nail into molten zinc, and spinning it to remove excess coating. EG nails, on the other hand, have a thinner coating of up to 0.36 mils and are ideal for indoor applications with a lifespan of 5-10+ years. Despite the benefits of galvanisation, it is important to note that galvanised nails may quickly rust and streak certain types of wood, such as cedar or redwood, due to a chemical reaction. In such cases, stainless steel nails are recommended.
Cement
Cement coating provides additional holding strength for nails. It is commonly used for face-nailing 3/4" tongue and groove hardwood flooring. Cement-coated nails are typically made of medium-carbon steel, which allows for ease of driving.
Vinyl
Vinyl coating is designed to increase the holding strength of nails and make them easier to drive into surfaces.
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Nail lengths: 3/4 nails are used for roofing, but longer nails are recommended
Nails are available in a variety of lengths, and the type of nail used depends on the specific application. While 3/4-inch nails are sometimes used for roofing, longer nails are generally recommended to ensure adequate penetration and to meet manufacturer requirements.
Roofing nails are typically required to penetrate a certain depth into the roofing material, such as OSB or plywood, and to have a portion of the nail head visible above the surface for added holding power. This is important to secure the roofing material and prevent it from being uplifted by wind or other forces.
Using shorter nails, such as 3/4-inch nails, may not provide sufficient penetration, especially when dealing with thicker roofing materials or multiple layers of shingles. Inadequate nail length can lead to reduced holding power and potential failure of the roofing system.
Longer nails, such as 1-inch or 1-1/4 inch nails, are often recommended for roofing applications. These longer nails provide greater penetration, ensuring that they securely anchor into the roofing material and the underlying structure. This helps to create a more robust and durable roofing system.
Additionally, the use of shorter nails may void manufacturer warranties. Manufacturers of roofing materials typically specify the required nail length to ensure the proper installation and performance of their products. Deviating from these specifications may result in the invalidation of warranties, leaving homeowners or builders without recourse in the event of roofing issues.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of nail depends on the application. Nails are selected based on their diameter, length, and head size. For example, roofing nails have wide heads to keep roofing materials in place, while siding nails are strong and weather-resistant. For 3/4-inch stock, you may consider common nails, which are typically used for framing walls and come in various sizes, including 6d (2-inch length) and 8d (2.5-inch length).
As a general rule of thumb, use a nail that is at least three times the length of the material you are nailing through. For 3/4-inch stock, a nail length of 2.25 inches to 3 inches is recommended.
In addition to the type and length of the nail, consider the nail's shank and coating. The shank provides grip and pullout resistance. Common shank types include standard (smooth), annular ring, and threaded. Coatings, such as galvanization, provide protection from rust and increase holding strength.
Yes, you may consider using a nail gun, which uses strips of nails and is suitable for delicate mouldings, roofing, and even home framing. Alternatively, pre-drilling holes for screws or using glue are also options, depending on the application and material.
