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Nails

1-9. Nails

Nails are the most commonly used items that are under the classification of rough hardware.

a. Types. Nails come in different sizes and are divided into two general types: wire and cut. Also, special nails are available for some jobs.

(1) Wire Nails. Wire nails are divided into five main types: finishing, casing, box, common, and duplex-head.

(a) Finishing Nails. Finishing nails (Figure 1-24) and box nails are made of the same diameter wire. The head of a finishing nail is only slightly larger in diameter than the body of the nail so that it can be embedded (set) into the surface of the wood. There is a slight depression on the top of the head to prevent the nail set from slipping off the head. The small hole that is made in the wood is filled with putty or some other type of filler to hide the nail when the surface is finished.

Figure 1-24. Finishing nail

(b) Casing Nails. Casing nails (Figure 1-25) are similar in appearance to the finishing nail. The head, however, is slightly larger and has no depression in the top. These nails are used to nail doors and window casings in place.

Figure 1-25. Casing nail

(c) Box Nails. Box nails (Figure 1-26) are used in box construction or whenever there is a possibility of splitting the wood with a common nail. The head of a box nail is somewhat thinner and larger in diameter than the head of a common nail. Box nails are sometimes coated with a special cement to give them better holding quality.

Figure 1-26. Box nail

(d) Common Nails. Common nails (Figure 1-27) have a thick flat head. They are used for most phases of building construction.

Figure 1-27. Common nail

(e) Duplex-Head or Double-Headed Nails. Duplex-head or double-headed nails (Figure 1-28) are used in temporary construction such as form work and scaffolding. The advantage of using this type of nail is easy removal. It has a collar that keeps the head away from the wood, and the claw of the hammer can easily engage the head for removal.

Figure 1-28. Duplex=head or double-headed nail
Figure 1-28. Duplex-head or double-headed nail

(2) Cut Nails. Cut nails are wedge-shaped with a head on the large end (Figure 1-29). They are often used to nail flooring because they have good holding power and are made of very hard steel.

Figure 1-29. Cut nail

(3) Special Nails. Rustproof nails are sometimes used when the head is exposed to the weather. The head often rusts and causes a black streak along the grain of the wood, even though it is painted. Therefore, it is desirable to use a nail that will not rust. Plain wire nails that have a zinc coating are often used where there is a possibility of rusting. These are called galvanized nails (such as a roofing nail).

(4) Drywall Nails. Drywall nails (Figure 1-30) are used for hanging drywall and have a special coating to prevent rust.

Figure 1-30. Drywall nail

(5) Masonry (Concrete) Nails. Masonry nails (Figure 1-31) are available in lengths from 1/2 inch to 4 inches, with a single head. These nails are usually hardened steel. Concrete nails are thicker and are used to fasten metal or wood to masonry or concrete.

Figure 1-31. Masonry nail

b. Sizes. Nail sizes are given by penny number from twopenny to sixtypenny (Figure 1-32). A small letter d is the recognized abbreviation for penny. The penny number refers to the length of the nail. Nails are normally packaged in 50-pound boxes. Table 1-7 gives the general sizes and types of nails preferred for specific applications.

Figure 1-32. Nail sizes

Table 1-7. Sizes, types, and uses of nails

Curriculum design: David L. Heiserman
Publisher: SweetHaven Publishing Services