Every building project begins with a world of possibilities, and choosing the right fasteners is essential to long-term success. This is especially true when using high-quality, task-specific nails. The right choice maintains the structural integrity of any build.
Select the perfect Grip-Rite® nail for any project so you can nail it every time!
What are the Parts of a Nail?
You might assume that a nail is a nail. While on the surface, you’re correct; variations in each part of the fastener make it better for specific use cases than others.
Head
The head of a nail varies in shape and size to support different load-bearing needs. Head styles differ for many reasons, like location, strength, and style. Nails with wider heads have more load-bearing surface but have a larger impact on the aesthetic look of the finished product. Finish nails, on the other hand, have smaller, low-profile heads meant for fine carpentry and are easy to conceal.
Shank
Below the head of the nail is the shank, a long, slender piece that helps to keep the nail and building materials in place. Shanks create friction that keeps the building material in place. Smooth shanks are popular for their easy driving, making them ideal for framing and trimming. However, certain projects, such as roofing and wall sheathing, benefit from nails with grooved or ringed shanks, which provide extra grip power.
Point
The last piece of the nail is the point, which is the tapered section portion that ends the shank. The point allows the nail to be driven into the building materials. Nails feature different types of points, from sharp to blunt to chiseled. Depending on the substrate you’re driving through, you can choose nails that drive quickly, won’t split brittle wood, or easily drive through metal into wood.
Nail Drive Types
There are two basic drive types: hand drive and collated.
- Collated nails are connected by plastic, paper, or wire welds and fired from a nail gun. Pneumatic nailers are ideal for larger projects and for contractors to use. While some DIYers adopt collated nails for convenience and speed, they’re more common in light construction, roofing, and framing fields.
- Hand-drive nails are more common for quick builds and DIYers. They are typically driven by a hammer and come loose in a box, tub, or bucket.
Material
Using high-quality nails suited to your project’s environment will ensure your build can withstand weather conditions and prevent rust from impacting surrounding wood. Most are made from steel and uncoated or corrosion-protected by a zinc coating. For the best results in coastal areas, stainless-steel nails are ideal, as they offer superior resistance to rust and corrosion.
Common Nail Sizes
Selecting the right nail size is essential for any construction project. Nails are measured in inches in the United States; a “penny” designation is also included. Indicated by a “d,” penny is a callback to how many nails one could purchase for a penny.
8d, 10d, 12d, and 16d are most commonly used for general construction applications. The larger sizes work well for general use and framing, while the smaller 8D nails are typically used for baseboards and trim.
Diameter or gauge is another important consideration for your project. Thicker nails generally offer greater holding power.
It’s important to remember that the necessary nail size and gauge will depend on the type of wood and your specific application. Always consult a professional or the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you choose the correct nail size for your project.
Box Nails
Box nails are a popular choice in construction for tasks ranging from framing to finishing. Their thinner shank makes them better suited to light construction projects. This reduces the risk of splitting thinner wood. Most box nails are galvanized to prevent corrosion, making them the perfect option for projects exposed to moisture.
Sinker Nails
Another widely used nail in construction is the sinker nail. Unlike box nails, sinker nails feature a flattened head that can be driven into the wood. The unique design helps prevent the nail from lifting out of the wood over time.
Deck Nails
Deck nails are designed for outdoor projects like decks, porches, patios, and similar structures. Typically made from stainless steel, deck nails resist corrosion and rust, making them ideal for outdoor use. Available in various sizes and styles, deck nails are versatile enough to meet the unique needs of any build.
Contractors often choose deck nails for their durability and strength, which helps keep boards securely in place over time.
Roofing Nails
Roofing nails, designed for outdoor use, are typically made from galvanized or coated steel to resist rust and corrosion. Unlike deck nails, roofing nails feature a larger head for a more secure hold in roofing materials.
Roofing nails are available in various sizes, lengths, and thicknesses to help guarantee a strong, reliable attachment to different roofing substrates.
Masonry Nails
Masonry nails are among the strongest available. They are designed to be used with harder materials like brick and concrete. With varied applications, masonry nails come in different types to suit specific tasks.
Cut Masonry Nail
Cut masonry nails, often called concrete nails, are designed for general use on solid masonry surfaces. Made primarily from steel, they offer high corrosion resistance and longevity in almost any environment.
Cut Flooring Nails
Like traditionally cut nails, cut flooring nails are wedge-shaped for enhanced holding power, reduced wood splitting, and a rustic appearance, making them ideal for flooring projects.
Fluted Masonry Nails
The last kind of masonry nail is afluted nail. Fluted nails are heat-treated steel nails that feature vertical lines down the shank for better installation with soft masonry materials. Fluted masonry nails are commonly used to attach floor plates and furring strips to uncured concrete.
Siding Nails
Siding nails are commonly used by contractors to secure a building’s exterior. Made from stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized steel, they resist corrosion and help protect siding from future damage. Siding nails are also coated with a strong adhesive to form a secure bond between the nail and siding, ensuring stability even in harsh weather conditions.
Brad and Finish Nails
Finishing nails are typically a bit thinner and have smaller heads than common nails because they are used for delicate projects.
Brad nails are a common type of finishing nail used for finishing and trimming work, such as attaching decorative pieces. They are popular for their small size, which allows them to be covered with putty and easily concealed.
Drywall Nails
Drywall nails only function is to secure drywall sheets. They feature a thinner shank and a large, flat head to hold the drywall securely without damaging the surface. Selecting the correct size of drywall nail is essential to ensure proper attachment and prevent damage. Using the wrong size can result in popped or cracked drywall, significantly increasing project costs.
Flooring Nails
Flooring nails are another durable construction-grade nail designed to secure floorboards to the subfloor. With a smaller head than standard construction nails and blunt points, they minimize the risk of splitting the wood.
Duplex Nails
Duplex nails stand out from others due to their double-headed design, making them ideal for temporary construction applications. Commonly used in the concrete forming process, duplex nails allow for easy disassembly when needed, as they are not intended for permanent or long-term use.
Joist Hanger Nails
Joist hanger nails connect a joist hanger to your project for additional support. For structural building projects, joist hanger nails must meet building code requirements.
Pole Barn Nails
Pole barn nails are specialized nails designed for load-bearing wood structures that require significant holding strength. Grip-Rite® offers pole barn nails made from high-carbon steel, providing the necessary support for any project.
Shake Nails
Shake nails are designed with smaller heads, making them ideal for securing wood shakes and shingles. Grip-Rite® shake nails are crafted explicitly for cedar applications, offering a discreet finish that minimizes wood splitting.
Grip-Rite® Makes Nails For Every Application
Grip-Rite® nails are designed to meet the diverse needs of any construction project, ensuring that builders have the right tools for every application. From robust masonry nails that tackle heavy-duty tasks to specialized options like siding and finishing nails, Grip-Rite® offers a comprehensive selection that enhances your building projects’ durability and aesthetic appeal.
With Grip-Rite®, you can confidently approach your projects, knowing you have the right nails to get the job done right every time.
