Nails or Screws??


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Old 12-08-07, 07:10 PM
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Nails or Screws??

When doing repairs around the house, or even starting a project, what makes you choose to nail something rather than screw it in? Or to screw wood into the wall rather than nail it?
Any help would be appreciated, Thanks!
 
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Old 12-09-07, 04:15 AM
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Screws hold better but require a bigger hole. Nails are quicker and cheaper. Both have their place. It all depends on what you are doing.
 
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Old 12-09-07, 05:15 AM
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What mark said. I use screws more than nails, because pounding with a hammer often does damage in other places that is not an issue with screws. But nails definitley have a place in home repairs. I often use a nail gun when nails are more appropriate, and the hammer stays on the truck. For the same reason, less pounding damage.
 
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Old 12-09-07, 06:30 AM
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Keep in mind the shear strength of screws versus nails. Screws are tempered more than nails and will shear off quicker, so each has their place. You can see that when you overtighten a screw and the head tears off.
 
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Old 12-09-07, 06:56 AM
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Screws typically have more holding power in tension than a similar sized nail. Nails are less likely to shear than a typical screw. Drywall screws are a prime example of that.

You should also be aware that if you are doing any structural framing building codes will dictate what type and size of fastener to be used.
 
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Old 12-09-07, 07:02 AM
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I use nails a lot more now since I have pneumatic nail guns for most projects - small hole, no hammer dents.
 
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Old 12-09-07, 09:54 AM
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Nails or Screws?

What has already been said and nails are better for finish work. Small nails make a smaller hole to fill or live with. I like to use screws on projects which may need to be disassembled later.
 
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Old 12-10-07, 06:12 AM
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CWBUFF said it; screws have more holding power along the axis of the fastener. Nails have more strength at right angles to the axis.

Again, choice will depend on the job at hand.
 
 

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