In the world of DIY projects and home improvement, nails and screws are essential components that often make or break the success of your work. Understanding these fasteners' various types and uses is crucial for any enthusiast or professional. 

In this blog, we will explore the different kinds of nails and screws available, their specific applications, and tips for selecting the right ones for your projects, ensuring your builds are sturdy and reliable. Whether building furniture, hanging artwork, or tackling renovations, you'll find valuable insights to enhance your craftsmanship.

What Kinds of Nails Are There?

Selecting the appropriate type of nail is crucial, as it hinges on the specifics of your project. Whether tackling a significant construction task or a straightforward home repair, choosing the right nail can guarantee durability, enhance aesthetic appeal, and ensure optimal functionality.

What Are Nails Used For? Some of the Types Available

Roofing Nails

Roofing nails are designed specifically for roofing applications and typically feature a broad, flat head that secures materials like asphalt shingles without tearing them and simultaneously maximizes holding power. FastenerUSA offers corrosion-resistant options for various weather conditions.

Finish Nails

Finish nails are ideal for trim carpentry, cabinet construction, and attaching moldings. Their slender design and small heads minimize visual impact, letting your craftsmanship shine without distracting nail heads. They come in various sizes, perfect for delicate finishing touches.

Flooring Cleat Nails

These specially designed nails ensure a secure hold on tongue-and-groove hardwood flooring, making them excellent for installing beautiful, long-lasting hardwood floors.

Siding Nails

The best choice for attaching Hardie exterior siding is 15-degree coil siding nails, preferably hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel, to enhance durability and resist corrosion.

Choosing the correct nail for your project is essential. The wrong type can jeopardize materials or create weak spots in your construction. With the right nails, your projects can come together smoothly and maintain their integrity over time.

What Nails To Use for Trim

Selecting the right nails is crucial for the durability and appearance of your trim work. Using the incorrect type can result in issues such as rust, and/or splitting.

What Nails to Use for Exterior Trim

Prioritize Weather Resistance

Weather resistance is paramount when dealing with exterior trim. Your trim will face various elements, including rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures. Therefore, choosing nails that can endure these conditions without rusting or compromising their structural integrity is essential.

Stainless Steel Nails 

316 Grade Stainless Steel Nails are particularly effective in humid or coastal environments where moisture is constantly threatened.

Size and Length

For exterior Hardie trim, a minimum nail length of 3 inches is recommended. This length ensures the nail penetrates deeply into the underlying material, providing a secure hold. Additionally, opting for a slimmer gauge nail enhances driveability which eliminates splitting and increases strength and stability..

What Nails to Use For Hardie Trim

Understanding Hardie Trim

Hardie trim, made from fiber cement, is known for its durability and low maintenance. Its unique composition requires specific fasteners to ensure long-lasting results. Using the wrong type of nail can cause premature wear and compromise the trim's integrity.

Plastic Strip Nails

For Hardie trim, Hot Dip Galvanized or Stainless Steel 3” x .120 plastic strip ring shank nails are highly recommended. These nails work well with the material and provide a strong hold. 

Benefits of Plastic Strip Nails

Hot-dip galvanized and Stainless Steel plastic strip nails resist corrosion, keeping your trim secure and visually appealing for years. They also offer a smoother finish, reducing the risk of chipping or cracking during installation.

What Nails for Framing

The specific needs of your project determine the length of the nail selected for framing. Common lengths range from 10 to 20 penny, denoted as 'd,' but not all lengths offer the same holding power.

• The 16-penny (16d) nail is the most popular choice in the industry, favored for its superior holding strength and maximum embedment for 2 by 4 wood framing. However, it's important to note that longer nails do not always guarantee better performance, as excessively long nails can loosen over time.
• In environments where buildings must endure external forces, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, a 16-penny (16d) common nail with a diameter of .162 inches is often used. These nails provide the additional resistance necessary for such challenging conditions.
• For 2 by 4 wood framing—utilizing nominal 2-inch by 4-inch lumber—a nail with a shank diameter of 0.131 inches is recommended. This diameter ensures the shear strength required to maintain solid and secure structures. Always check local building codes to confirm compliance.
• On average, residential wood framing applications employ nails ranging from 3 to 3.5 inches in length, with a diameter of 0.131 inches.

Can You Use Screws To Frame a Wall

Screws can technically be used for wall framing, and there are specialized framing screws designed for this purpose. However, conventional building practices generally prefer nails due to their flexibility and quick installation when using a nail gun. Screws are rigid and, when exposed to the natural movements of a building, are more prone to snapping under pressure.

On the other hand, screws provide superior holding power compared to nails, which means they are less likely to loosen over time. Consequently, screws can be an excellent choice for construction projects where movement is not a concern.

What Kind of Nails for Siding

Choosing the right type of nails is essential for siding installation. The appropriate nails secure your siding effectively and help it endure the elements while maintaining its appearance for years to come. 

The Importance of Nail Type

Selecting the appropriate nail type is crucial for preventing issues such as loose siding, moisture intrusion, and even structural damage. Nails that are too short may fail to secure the siding, while overly long nails can compromise underlying structures.

Material Compatibility

Different siding materials require specific nail types. Vinyl siding requires nails that accommodate expansion and contraction, whereas Hardie siding demands nails with enhanced corrosion resistance. Understanding these requirements is essential for a successful siding installation.

Nail Head Design

The nail head's design significantly influences your siding installation's effectiveness. Larger heads offer superior holding power and distribute the load more evenly, minimizing the risk of the siding detaching from the wall.

For Vinyl Siding

When installing vinyl siding, it is advisable to use roofing nails. Their wider heads provide superior holding power and evenly distribute the load, which is essential for vinyl siding that expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Always choose roofing nails to ensure a secure and reliable fit. Also hot dipped galvanized nails are the best choice for exterior use.

For Hardie Siding

When installing Hardie siding using the blind nailing method—where nails remain concealed beneath the siding's lap—roofing nails are an excellent option. They provide the required holding power and are straightforward to install. Be sure to use a minimum of hot-dip galvanized nails to protect against rust and corrosion.

What Type of Nails for Baseboards

When it comes to attaching baseboards, many homeowners often debate whether to use nails or screws. While screws provide strong holding power, they may not be the best option for baseboards. Here’s why:

• Less Visible Impact: Nails create small holes that are easy to fill and paint over, making them virtually invisible. In contrast, screws leave larger holes that can be more challenging to conceal.
• Flexibility with Wood Movement: Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. Nails accommodate this movement more effectively than screws, minimizing the risk of splitting or cracking the wood.
• Speed and Efficiency: Nailing baseboards is a quicker process than screwing. Using nails can save you considerable time and effort if you cover large areas.

Types of Nails for Baseboards

Having established that nails are the preferred choice, let’s explore the various types suitable for baseboards:

• Finish Nails: Commonly used for trim work, finish nails feature small heads that blend seamlessly into baseboards. They provide a clean appearance and can be easily concealed with putty.
• Brad Nails: Thinner than finish nails, Brad nails are ideal for delicate molding and trim.
• Micro Pin Nails: Pin nails are extremely thin and nearly invisible, making them perfect for fine trim work. While they offer minimal holding power, they excel in securing lightweight trim until the adhesive sets.

What Size Nails for Sheathing

Selecting the appropriate nails for sheathing is vital for the integrity and longevity of your construction project. Whether you're using plywood, roofing, or ZIP sheathing, choosing the right nail size is essential for ensuring a secure and durable structure.

What Size Nails For Plywood Sheathing

Plywood sheathing is widely used in residential construction for walls and roofs, providing a strong base and stabilizing the structure. The most common nail size for securing plywood sheathing is the 8d nail, which is about 2.5 inches long and effectively attaches the plywood to studs or trusses. In some cases, building codes or project requirements may call for larger nails, such as the 10d nail, which has a .148” shank diameter and ranges from 2-1/8” to 3 inches long, offering additional holding power in high-stress areas.

What Size Nails For Roof Sheathing

Roof sheathing is a durable base layer under roofing materials, requiring sufficient strength to endure the weather and support the roof covering. An 8d nail is typically recommended for fastening, offering good penetration and grip while maintaining the sheathing's structural integrity. However, depending on the roofing material and local building codes, a 10D plywood nail may be necessary for added shear strength, ensuring the sheathing remains securely attached during heavy loads or extreme weather.

What Size Nails For Zip Sheathing

ZIP sheathing is a modern system that integrates structural sheathing with a built-in water-resistive barrier, simplifying installation and improving performance. An 8d nail is usually sufficient for fastening ZIP sheathing to the structure while preserving the weather barrier's integrity. In areas with high winds or for installations needing more strength, a 10d nail may be recommended due to its additional holding power, ensuring the sheathing stays secure under challenging conditions.

What Size Nail for Roofing 

Roofing demands precision and high-quality materials to guarantee durability and effective protection from the elements. A crucial component in this process? Nails. Selecting the appropriate nail size can decide between a roof that endures and one that falls short.

Choosing the Right Nail Size for Roof Shingles

Understanding Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are the outer layer of a roof, protecting homes from weather elements like rain, wind, and snow. They come in various materials, such as asphalt, wood, and metal, with asphalt shingles being the most popular due to their cost-effectiveness and durability.

Popular Nail Sizes for Roof Shingles

Choosing the right nails for installing roofing shingles is crucial. For asphalt shingles, 1 1/4-inch nails are recommended, as they penetrate the decking sufficiently without damaging the material, making them suitable for standard 3-tab shingles.

The Importance of Nail Size for Roof Shingles

Selecting the appropriate nail size for your roof shingles is vital for several reasons:

1. Correct nail sizing ensures secure fastening of the shingles, minimizing the risk of them being dislodged by strong winds.
2. Proper nail length protects the roofing material from damage, which can result in leaks and other complications.
3. Using the right size enhances the installation process, making it smoother and more efficient.

What Size Nails for Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles, or dimensional shingles, offer greater durability and aesthetic appeal than traditional 3-tab shingles and typically feature a longer warranty of around 30 years. When installing these thicker shingles, it's essential to use longer nails if required. Factors like shingle thickness, roof deck type, and local building codes can influence nail size, so always consult the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal results and warranty compliance.

The Best Fasteners in One Place

Selecting the right fasteners is crucial for ensuring the durability and integrity of your construction projects. FastenerUSA stands out by offering free shipping and the immediate availability of a wide range of fasteners tailored to various applications. Additionally, construction companies can benefit from bulk discounts, making it a cost-effective choice for all their fastening needs. Trust FastenerUSA to deliver quality and convenience for your next project.