Spacer
Home » How-To Information » Hardware, Tools and Woodworking » Fastener and Nail Hardware » Nails » Selecting the Right Nail for the Job

Home Projects and Info

Find Qualified Kitchen/Bath Contractors
Select Service:
Enter Zip:

Community Forums

Featuring over 100 topics of interest to DoItYourselfers.

DIY Centers

Email Page   Print Page

Selecting the Right Nail for the Job

  • Currently2.99/5 Stars
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
out of 530 votes

« Previous



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

    Member Comments

    Top Queries of the Day

    popcorn ceilingcrown moldingwood floor installation groove first or tongue firstlevel a concrete floorbasement bathroomswhat material is microwave oven's door made of?wallpaper removal techniqueslaminate flooringbackyard patiohow to build a breakfast barshower faucetreplacing a toiletkitchen backsplashchanging a toilethow to install ceiling fan with remotehow to terminate electrical connectionkitchen cabinets in blackwhat's the smallest size laundry tub availableretaining wallhow to make a tool rack

    Articles We Like

    Senior Supplemental Health Insurance

    Senior Supplemental Health InsuranceThe Medicare plan is very confusing, and many people make the wrong choice when choosing... read more

    Auto Polishing and Detailing - Hobbies To Profits

    Auto Polishing and Detailing - Hobbies To ProfitsAuto Polishing and Detailing - Hobbies To Profits Care and Repair including how tos, FAQ's... read more

    Weatherproofing with Door Sweeps and Door Bottoms

    Door sweeps and door bottoms are easy to install and provide protection from drafts and... read more

    An Easy Way to Improve Your Heart Health

    An Easy Way to Improve Your Heart HealthIf you have a family history of heart disease, you owe it to yourself, your... read more

    Sponsored Articles of the Day