Selecting the correct nail is essential in that using the incorrect nail can cause the nail to bend or allow a wooden structure to become loosely held over time. A person must understand the different type of nails, such as sizing, shanks, coatings, and heads, to ensure that the wooden structure remains stable during the project. Using the wrong size of nail can cause issues with the projects stability; using a nail that is too small may not provide enough holding power for the wooden structure, while using a nail that is too large can cause the wood to split.
The sizing of nails uses the penny system, where nails use the letter “d” to denote the nail’s historical pricing. The penny system allow individuals to understand the length and the diameter of the nail. The diameter of the nail will determine how much of the nail grips the wooden structure.
How to Choose the Right Nail
Small nails are used in tasks that involve delicate trim work since small nails will not split the wooden edges. Nails in the mid-range is used for framing tasks since they have thicker shanks to better grip wooden studs. Large nails, which can be six inches in length, are used for heavy timbers as they must provide the necessary strength to hold heavy wooden structures.
The style of shanks for nails will also impact how much that nail resists being pulled out of the wooden structure. Smooth shanks are used for basic task. For tasks that require more resistance against the wooden structure being pulled out of the nails, ring shanks or spiral shanks are used.
Ring shanks have rings around the shank that allow the nails to dig into the wooden structure. These nails are used for wooden decks and floors as the wooden structures flex under the weight of the individual walking on the floor. Spiral shanks have a twisted shank that threads itself into green lumber, which swell when wet.
Nails can have many different type of coatings to protect them from the elements. Bare steel nails are used for dry areas within a project. However, bare steel nails will rust if they are exposed to moisture.
For outdoor projects, people use galvanized nails that develop a protective coating that resists rusting. For projects exposed to chemicals, such as treated lumber, hot-dip galvanized nails will not corrode. Additionally, people use nails with stainless steel for projects near the ocean or cedar siding as the stainless steel will prevent both rusting and staining of the wooden structure.
Vinyl coatings are used for making the driving of the nails easier and to help the nails to stick to the wooden structure once driven in place. Nail guns require the correct gauge and collation of nails to function proper. Framing nails are thick with collated strips allowing for the framing nail guns to quickly drive nails into studs.
Finish nails are used for smaller gauges as finish nail guns will make small holes in wooden trim. Brad nails and pin nails are used for delicate projects as brad and pin nail guns will not mar the wooden structure. Using the wrong type of nails within a nail gun can cause the nail gun to jam or the nails may create oversized holes in the wooden structure.
Always read the manual for the nail gun as the manual will state the feed angle for that nail gun. The type of wood that is being used can impact how well the nails hold within the wooden structure. Dense woods, such as oak, will grip the nail very strong.
For soft woods, such as cedar, ring shanks are required for the nails to maintain their holding power within the structure. For soft wood species, such as spruce, the nail must penetrate more into the structure to gain the required strength. Nails used within wet lumber require more caution when driving the nails into the wooden structure.
For engineered wooden products, people use nails similar to those used for framing of mid-range wooden structures. The heads of nails can have many different functions within specific projects. Flat nails are used for sheathing as the flat heads will sit against the wooden structure.
Checkered nails are used for projects that require a hammer to be used to drive the nails in as the checkered head will prevent the hammer from slipping. Brad nails have very small heads so that they will be visible when the wooden molding is polished up. Roofing nails have broad nail heads to allow them to grip the shingles and hold them in place on the roof.
A person can use nails according to the type of project that is being completed. For building walls with studs, sinker nails are used. For wooden decks, galvanized ring shank nails are required to protect against the weather.
For roofing materials, short nails with fat heads are used. For wooden subfloors, ring shanks and adhesive are used to create quiet wooden floors. For door trim, finish nails are used so that the nails can be filled with putty.
By understanding each of the features of nails and knowing how they will interact with the type of wood, weather conditions, and the tools that will be used to install the nails into the wooden structure, a person can ensure that there project will be secure. Its important to choose wisely, you’ll recieve better results.
