What are the Types of Nails?

Published on
February 6, 2023 at 8:45:38 AM PST February 6, 2023 at 8:45:38 AM PSTth, February 6, 2023 at 8:45:38 AM PST

For those who are looking to complete an upcoming project, you have many things on your mind. Before you move too far ahead, we encourage you to be sure you're starting out with the right tools and essentials. You need to make sure you have everything you need to build, repair, or craft the best possible project- right down to the type of construction nail you are using. Yes, there are many different types of nails!


A Few of the Most Popular Types of Nails


If you have a project ahead of you, it is essential that you find the right type of nails for construction before moving forward. The nail you choose will make or break your project, maybe quite literally! 


It would take quite a while to go in depth into each and every different construction nail type. Instead, we are going to focus on the three most commonly-used. Chances are good that your upcoming projects requires one of these:


Finishing nails- A type of finish nail is small and has a smaller head than other types of nails for construction. These types of nails are most commonly used for interior finish work. The most common reason for using this type of finish nail is for the fact that they can be sunk into the trim or molding, leaving only a tiny hole that can be filled in with putty. 


This simple extra step will make the trim or molding smooth. You don't want to see a bunch of unsightly nails sticking out of your living room wall! The use of finishing nailers also allow for a faster and more efficient nailing process.


Brad nails- These are a very narrow construction nail type that provide a neat finish. They are typically used in nail guns for fast results. Cordless nail guns that are used for carpentry, woodwork, trim and molding can shoot out about 400 nails per hour if they're using 18G stainless steel brad nails. 


More expensive models can fire out up to five nails per second, in both hard and soft surfaces. Wow- no wonder they are so popular!


Roofing nails- Roofing endeavors, such as fastening shingles, require the use of roofing nails. A roofing nail has a diamond-shaped sharp tip to help it nail through roofing materials without splitting them.


Not all roofing nails are the same though! There are roofing nails available in a variety of materials and nail sizes that make them more durable than other options. The first thing to do is to find the right materials, which will quite possibly be stainless steel nails. Nails made out of type 304 stainless steel are made with chromium and nickel and are rust-resistant. 


If you absolutely do not want rust on your outdoor project, nails are made from type 316 stainless steel with the polymer molybdenum is the nail type of purchase and use. They should have a nominal shank diameter of 11 gauge and a minimum head diameter of 3/8 of an inch.


Order Your Nails From Fastener USA


A nail is not just a nail! Did you know there are dozens of different types of construction nails? Did you also know that we sell them all here at Fastener USA? 

The right nail for your project depends on what you are doing. We encourage you to shop our online nail catalog to find the nail set that is right for you.


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