cancel
 

 

Job type :

Zip Code :

community forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.
comments

Selecting the Right Nail for the Job




Box Nail

 

  • Lighter and smaller than common nails with a larger head.
  • Used for framing and applications where shifting is minimal, such as nailing subfloor to floor joists and attaching roof base to rafters.

    • Duplex Nail

     

  • Has a double head to allow for easy removal in temporary construction applications.
  • Used for concrete forming and scaffolding.

    • Casing Nail

     

  • Similar in appearance to a finishing nail, but is thicker and has a flat head.
  • Used to secure case molding

    • Common Nail

     

  • Used in general carpentry and wood framing.
  • Available in most sizes and finishes
  • Use with harder woods.
  • Applications include house foundation, floor joists, rafters and internal studding.

    • Capped Nail

     

  • Has a plastic or metal flat cap at the head.
  • Used for installing foam insulation to exterior surfaces.
  • Some types are made for hammering into masonry.

    • Cut Flooring Nail

     

  • Has a blunt tip to prevent splitting of flooring.
  • Used to attach wood to concrete.

    • Drywall Nail

     

  • Ring-shanked nail used for attaching sheets of drywall gypsum board to interior wood wall studs.
  • Flat, slightly countersunk head permits driving just below the surface, forming a depression that can be covered with drywall joint compound or spackling.

    • Finish Nail

     

  • Used around windows, finishing areas, trim and paneling where nails cannot show.
  • Small head size allows the nail to be driven beneath the wood surface so the hole can be filled and finished.
  • Similar to a casing nail, but the casing nail is heavier.

    • Flooring Nail

     

  • Screw-shanked.
  • Used for laying tongue-and-groove hardwood flooring.

    • Masonry Nail

     

  • Made of hardened and tempered steel.
  • Shank comes round, flat, fluted or square.
  • Often used to fasten framing parts such as sills, furring strips, window and door trim to masonry and concrete.

    • Roofing Nail

     

  • Has large heads and diamond points
  • Galvanized to resist corrosion.
  • Barbed shank for greater holding power.
  • Nails for a new roof are typically 7/8” long with 7/16” head.
  • Carefully choose size to match the thickness of the roofing.
  • Sealing roofing nails have a plastic or rubber washer under the nail head for watertight seal.

    • Siding Nail

     

  • Galvanized or with some other non-staining finish
  • For applying residential wood lap siding to plywood or fiberboard sheathing. Underlayment Nail

    • Underlayment Nail

     

  • Bright-finished, ring-shanked.
  • For laying plywood or composition subflooring over existing wood floors or floor joists.

    • Upholstery Nail

     

  • Has ornamental or colored heads.
  • Used to fasten upholstery where nails will show.

    • Wire Brad & Tacks


  • Used for household jobs requiring small fasteners where heads will be concealed.
    • Courtesy of NRHA.org



    « Previous
    Next »


    leave a comment



    member comments

    or Register to leave a comment.

    If you have a question you would like answered, please visit our Community Forums.

    Related Articles

    How to Make Strong Wood Joints
    How to Make Strong Wood Joints... read more

    Build the Gracious Lake Tahoe Gazebo
    Extend your home's living space into the garden with an elegant and easy to build... read more

    Nail It Down: Choosing the Right Nails
    A guide to choosing the right type of nail for the right project... read more

    articles we like

    Cleaning Mildew in Your Home
    Cleaning mildew is essential for more than just aesthetic reasons. Mildew is a term that... read more

    Comprehensive Health Care
    Comprehensive health care in the United States is among the best in the world. There... read more

    Skin-friendly makeup makes natural look perfectSkin-friendly makeup makes natural look perfect
    A beautiful glow is all you want your face to show while you're wearing makeup,... read more

    Sponsored Ads

    sponsored articles of the day

    diy centers

    Research and explore a wealth of wisdom on these topics
    Loan Center Decorating Center Insurance Center
    Kitchen Center Recipe Center Interactive DIY Workshop