Concrete Nails vs Concrete Screws

Concrete nails and concrete screws are the most popular types of fasteners that are used in securing objects to concrete walls and blocks. They are both very different types of fasteners with some distinct advantages and disadvantages. When thinking about whether or not to use concrete nails or concrete screws, there are some things to remember. 

Each Has a Specific Job

The holding power of the fastener is what is going to determine the actual one that is being used. Everything from fastening a shelf to a brick wall, attaching a ledger board to a foundation, or securing hand rails on a concrete patio will need to have something that attaches it to the concrete. Choosing the right one will determine the safety of the installation.

Differences in Design

The concrete nail is case hardened steel that has a spiral built into the shaft. This spiral gives it some holding power when driven into the concrete. The concrete screw is also hardened, but has tighter spirals in order to dig into the concrete. The points on both are quite strong so that they do not break off when driving into the concrete. 

Differences in Use

A concrete nail is best used when you are joining wood to a concrete surface. This is mostly found when finishing off a basement, or building a garage on a poured slab. The nails can be driven through the lumber plate and into the concrete. Screws are better used with other materials such as plastic, metal, and aluminum. 

Concrete Nails Can Be Attached with Hammer

In the event that you need to attach some lumber to concrete the nail can be driven into the concrete with a heavy construction hammer. This does have some disadvantages to it, though. The nail, if not hit straight on, can bend to one side. This will loosen the entire shaft and cause it to slide out of the hole quite easily. A special hammer gun can also be used to securely attach concrete nails by "shooting" them into the slab or wall. 

Concrete Screws Require Specialty Items

When working with screws you should have two items in order to install them correctly. A hammer drill is essential to the process as it is needed to pre-drill a hole for the screw. Unlike drilling into wood, the screw can not be simply driven into the concrete and expect it to hold. The chipping of the area around the concrete will fall out causing the screw to be loose. Pre-drilling a hole first will allow for the second item. A concrete anchor is especially important when using a screw in concrete. It acts as a sleeve that the screw can tighten and press against the concrete to a very secure hold.

Concrete Nails Are Not For Hanging Items

The way that concrete nails work is by driving them through something before the point gets to the concrete. This minimizes chipping into the concrete. They are not very useful for hanging things like shelves, brackets, and frames. The concrete screw is much better suited for this type of job as you can use anchors in the process.