Noah Sinclair
Choosing the right nail size is crucial for any DIY or professional project. The term 20-penny nail or 20d refers to a nail that is four inches long. The penny designation for nail sizes originated from the price of a hundred nails in England, where the price was often a penny. Today, the system is used to indicate the length of a nail, with a larger number indicating a longer nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 4 inches |
| Use case | Framing, decking, and heavy-duty construction |
| Strength | High |
| Application | Wood to wood |
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What You'll Learn
Length and use
In the United States, the length of a nail is designated by its penny size, written with a number and the abbreviation "d" for penny. For example, a 20-penny nail (20d) is typically around four inches long. The term "penny" in nails originated from the price of a hundred nails in England, where the price was often a penny. Over time, it has become a system of measurement for nails, with different sizes described using this penny system.
A 20-penny nail is approximately four inches long and is commonly used for various applications, including framing, decking, and heavy-duty construction. Their length provides excellent holding power, allowing for strong connections in wood materials. They are ideal when constructing large wooden structures like decks and sheds, or when framing wooden walls where additional strength is required. For roofing applications where thicker materials are joined, 20-penny nails provide the necessary holding power.
The diameter of a 20-penny nail also varies based on the type of nail. For example, common nails, which are typically used for wood-to-wood outdoor applications, have a 6-gauge diameter. On the other hand, box nails, which are used for general construction, carpentry, and framing, have a #9 diameter.
It is important to note that while the penny system is commonly used in the United States, it is no longer in use in England, where it originated. In Canada, nails are specified by type and length, rather than by penny size. Understanding the use of different penny nail sizes is crucial for the success of any construction or DIY project.
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Origin of the term 'penny'
A 20-penny nail is typically four inches long.
Origin of the Term Penny
The use of the term "penny" in nail sizes is from the old British system based on the cost in "pennies" of 100 nails. The "d" in "20d" is the British symbol for penny, derived from the Latin "denarius", the small coin that was the Roman equivalent of a penny. This dates back to at least the 15th century when all nails were handmade from wrought iron.
The usual guess is that ten-penny nails originally cost ten pence per hundred, with a linear relationship between the size designation and length. For example, a six-penny nail is 1.5 inches long, an eight-penny nail is 2 inches long, and so on.
The system remained in use in England into the 20th century but is now obsolete there. Nails are still designated in penny sizes in the United States, while in Canada, nails are specified purely by type and length, although they are still manufactured to Imperial dimensions.
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Diameter and type
The diameter of a 20-penny nail is a standard 0.203 inches, with a shank length of 4 inches. The gauge of a 20d nail is 6.
The penny system is a common way to refer to nail length. For example, a 6-penny nail is 2 inches long and is often referred to as a ""6d" nail. The penny system originated in England in the late Middle Ages when the price of 100 or 120 nails was measured in pennies or "pence". Larger nails were more expensive. So, the penny number was the price of a set number of nails of a given length.
Today, the penny system doesn't correspond precisely to another unit of measurement. However, it is still commonly used in the United States, especially by older, more experienced construction workers and woodworkers.
The gauge of a nail is a unit of measurement referring to its diameter or thickness. Higher nail gauge sizes correspond to thinner nails, while smaller nail gauge sizes correlate to thicker, stronger nails. For example, a 12-gauge nail is thinner than a 5-gauge nail. Nails also come in different types, such as common nails, exterior galvanized smooth shank common nails, and collated nails, and are made from different materials, such as steel, to suit different applications.
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Price and measurement
In the US, the length of nails is designated by the term "penny", abbreviated as "d". A twenty-penny nail (20d) is typically four inches long. These nails are commonly used for general carpentry and framing and have smooth round heads with a smooth shank and diamond point tip.
The price of a 20-penny nail varies depending on the quantity purchased and the retailer. For example, Home Depot offers a 1 lb box of Grip-Rite 20-penny common nails for $6.68. They also offer a 30 lb box of the same brand for an unknown price, with the option to receive $5 off by signing up for emails with savings and tips. DockBuilders.com offers a 50 lb box of 20-penny common nails for an unspecified price.
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Where to buy
A 20-penny nail is typically four inches long.
You can purchase 20-penny nails from The Home Depot, both in-store and online. The Home Depot sells Grip-Rite 4-inch x 6-gauge 20-penny exterior galvanized smooth shank common nails. These nails are suitable for most wood-to-wood outdoor applications and are made from high-strength steel for robust durability. They are available in 1-pound and 30-pound boxes.
You can also purchase the same Grip-Rite nails in bright steel, suitable for indoor applications. These are also available in 1-pound boxes.
Check the website for the latest pricing information and to find your nearest Home Depot store.
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Frequently asked questions
A 20-penny nail is typically 4 inches long.
The term "penny" in nails originated from the price of a hundred nails in England, where the price was often a penny. Over time, it has become a system of measurement for nails, with different sizes described using this penny system.
20-penny nails are commonly used for framing, decking, and heavy-duty construction. They are ideal when constructing large wooden structures like decks and sheds, or when framing wooden walls where additional strength is required.
20-penny nails are available at hardware stores such as Home Depot and online retailers like Amazon. They are typically sold in packs of 1 lb or 5 lb boxes.
