How to Determine the Sizes for Nail Gun Nails

Written by Teresa Johnson
on Feb 24, 2010

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Reviewed by
H.R. Helm
on Jan 17, 2023

Nail guns make a construction or renovation job go much quicker, but how do you know which nail gun nails to use? There are different types of nail guns and specific nails for specific jobs. The guide that accompanies your nail gun can be helpful in deciding which nail is best for the job. It’s a matter of deciphering the different types and figuring out which ones suit your needs. Some of the common types are as follows:

4d to 10d

4d to 10d nails are small nails used for finishing. They are not meant to be seen and are used on things like trim and covered with wood putty which is sanded out and painted over.

12d and 16d

12d and 16d nails are stronger than 4d to 10d nails and are used for framing.

Hot-dipped Nails

Hot-dipped nails are coated in molted zinc and are made for use outdoors because they stand up well to moisture, corrosive chemicals, and rain. They have lasting power as well.

Electroplated Nails

Electroplated nails are coated in zinc as well, but they aren’t as strong as hot-dipped.

Blued Nails

Blued nails are meant for indoor use only, as they are weaker than hot-dipped and electroplated.

Cemented Nails

Cemented nails (or 16d nails) work best in framing guns because they are coated in cement, which prevents rusting.

Aluminum Nails

Aluminum nails are weak and used for modest things like aluminum sheeting.

Copper Nails

Copper nails are stronger than aluminum nails and can be used primarily on boats and other marine projects.

Steel Nails

Steel nails are most commonly used with nail guns. Steel doesn’t rust as easily as other types of materials.

Roofing Nails

Roofing nails are used for roofing. They are made especially for that task.