A fence is only going to provide a good barrier if every single piece of it is securely fastened. This is why finding the right nails for fencing and then installing them correctly is such a big part of your task ahead. With even one piece of your fence flimsy and falling off, anything and everything can get in and out. You want to avoid this, so let's discuss which type of nails you need for the task ahead. A quick glance on our website will tell you there are a lot of kinds of nails.
Nail Type
We recommend you use ring shank nails. As the name suggests, these nails have ridges or annular threaded rings which can increase the holding power substantially. The ridges grip into the wood, providing friction which helps to prevent the nail from loosening or backing out over time. You want this fence to be standing in good condition for many years to come, and ring shank nails are the perfect fastener for the job. They are especially good for attaching pickets to rails in traditional fencing to provide additional holding power. It is worth noting that they are much harder to remove than other nails, so you need to be precise when putting them in. There's no removing this nail and trying again!
Nail Size
The size of the nail depends on the specific fencing application, but here are some general guidelines to go by. For example, 2-3/8” hot dip galvanized strip nails are great when used on a framed fence panel. 2” stainless steel ring shank nails, 3” hot dip galvanized round head wire strip nails, and 3-1/4” hot dip galvanized round head wire strip nails are other good choices.
Nail Material
This is about more than appearance. Rust on a fence has an ugly appearance. It produces an orangey brown oxidation that stains the wood as it bleeds down your fence. Not only does this look bad, but it also damages the integrity of the wood so that it will eventually splinter and break down. As this happens, it will loosen the nails and force them to fall out. One day, the fence will finally fall apart. This is why it is so important to use high quality hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails.
If you're doing more than a small section of a new fence, you've got a big chore ahead of you. Unquestionably, the easiest and most effective way to nail a fence together is with a nail gun. A nail gun will have a great return on investment, it is relatively inexpensive, it will last for years, and it can also be used for many other home improvement projects. Once you buy one for this job, you'll probably find yourself using it quite often!
If you have more questions, we have more answers! You can contact us toll free at 1 (877) 593-2723. We'll help you find the perfect solution to your construction task ahead.