Nail Guide: Basic Types, Sizes, and How to Choose the Right Nails for Your Construction Projects
Nails are one of the most common and most enduring construction materials. And every nail that is being used in construction has its very own application. Nails are particularly designed for various materials. That is why it is crucial that you know how to pick the right one because it can cause a major shift and difference on a successful project. It is important that you have enough understanding of different types of nails and their intended applications.
In this blog, we’re showing you some of the most basic types of nails and help you choose the right nail and standard size for your next construction projects.
How are Nails sized?
If you’re working in the construction industry, you probably heard about nail sizes and their various references such as 10d, 16d, and so on. To put it, the number and suffix “d” typically called the “Penny System”. Hence, the English penny being used to designate as a “d” usually represent the first letter of a certain Roman coin. Initially, the penny number refers to the cost for one hundred nails of a particular size. For example, an 8d nail cost eight pennies for one hundred.
But today, the penny system is now referring specifically to nail length. A 2d nail is one inch long and a 16d nail is three and one half inches long. Every higher number in the penny system represents a one-fourth length increase, up to a 12d nail. After the 12d nail, the Penny System today doesn’t clearly define the relationship to length.
Moreover, sizes are often discussed and so as the hazards of using nails. The project leader and his team must be aware of all nail hazards to prevent injury at the job site. PMs have tons of tasks to do, including crew supervision, overall tracking, baseline a project and more. All they need is a specialized software tool like Pro Crew Schedule to monitor progress and track everything involved.
Different Types of Nails Used for Construction Projects
All nails serve their purpose of securing workpieces altogether. In addition to that specific basic function, different nails are now mainly designed for different purposes, such as standing up to the outdoor elements, supporting structural hardware, or allowing easy concealment. Here are some common types of nails used in construction.
1. Common Nails
There is no surprise here, but common nails are considered the standard type of nail used for various primary and complex jobs. These nails are typically used for general construction, specifically for framing or other structural work. They have a wide head, thick shank and a diamond-shaped point. The nail’s thickness makes them strong and some contractors dull up the nail tip to avoid splitting the wood.
Sinker is a special type of common nail that has a special head and slightly narrower shank.
2. Box Nails
Box nails have a similar appearance to common nails, but they are a bit thinner. Thanks to its size, these nails are less likely to cause wood splits. However, since they are a bit thinner, they aren’t appropriate for construction projects that need tons of structural strength. One valid reason for this is that box nails have less holding/gripping power compare to common nails.
Keep in mind that when you purchase box nails, there’s a range in size from 1 inch to 3 ½ inches in length.
3. Roofing Nails
Roofing nails have large, rounded heads and heavy shafts. These nails are typically made of a highly galvanized material or aluminum. Roofing nails are designed for various tasks like holding roofing materials in the right place and, in particular, composite and asphalt-based materials. Most roofing nails often range in multiple sizes, making them the perfect size for the recently mentioned various tasks.
4. Masonry Nails
If you need to drive nails back into a rock-hard surface like concrete walls and bricks, masonry nails are a good choice. There are various types of these nails available and they have shafts that are fluted and might be rectangular in sections. They are specifically made this way so that you can use them for a wide range of construction projects. And because the brick or concrete may fly and chip away while working, it is highly recommended that you use safety goggles when using masonry nails.
5. Finishing Nails
When you are working on moldings and any other construction projects where the nail head shouldn’t be noticeable in the final product, a finishing nail becomes your smartest choice because these nails are used in a wide range of finishing jobs. Nails like these have smaller heads. Hence, they can be driven below a wood’s surface, making them appear unnoticeable once the work is finally complete.
This type of nail is available in various sizes, from 1 inch to 4 inches by length.
6. Casing Nail
Casing nails are quite the same as finishing nails but are a bit thicker and a little larger. These nails have more holding/gripping power compare to the finishing nail and you can anytime use them for attaching moldings like doors and window casings. You can use these nails for any projects that require a bit more holding power.
7. Siding Nails
Sinding nails secure fiber cement and wood siding to a structure. Since these nails are typically exposed to the elements, they are made of corrosion-resistant materials or usually have a corrosion-resistant finish. Siding nails often have smaller heads that often make them inconspicuous right after they are installed and ringed.
8. Joist Hanger Nails
These nails are used for attaching joist hangers to existing wood studs. Nails for joist hangers usually have a sturdy shank to provide strength. It will often be hot-dripped galvanized, especially for exterior use using treated lumber.
9. Duplex Nails
Duplex nails are often used for temporary work like building forms for a concrete project and constructing scaffolding. Duplex nails have two heads alongside the shank, one that allows for easy removal and secures the nail against the workpiece.
10. Drywall Nails
These nails typically have large and round heads designed and dimpled for counterstriking. The nail’s features allow them to be driven below the surface area of the wallboard for concealment. It reduces the tearing of drywall paper. You will also see longer diamond-shaped points mainly designed to lessen splitting. Expect drywall nails with smoother shanks or ringed shanks.
11. Duplex nails
Duplex nails are a variant of the common nail. These nails usually have dual heads where the second one is found a short distance below the nail’s shaft. It is typically used for temporary jobs such as scaffolding and staging. These nails can be driven cozily into the material very easier to remove.
12. Round wire nails
These nails are most likely used for rough construction jobs where strength is a crucial factor. The round wire nail can range in different sizes from ¾ of an inch to 6 inches by length. If looks aren’t important for the job, then a round wire nail is the best choice. It is solid and has sufficient holding power.
13. Brad nails
Brads are smaller finishing nails that are used for a lighter finish. Because of the small head and small shank diameter, these nails reduce the possibility of splitting whenever used in hardwood. Brads are often ideal for general joinery and are typically countersunk down the surface using a nail set. Then, the holes are filled with putty for the finished appearance.
14. Miscellaneous Nails
Other less-typical nails are utilized both by professional construction workers and laypeople alike. These kinds of nails are coated with resin and cement for extra gripping/holding power. For the record, drywall nails are mostly used for hanging wallboard. As a matter of fact, any nails that don’t fit into a regular or specific category labeled as miscellaneous.
Suggestions in Choosing the Right Type of Nail
1. Decide how important rust resistance to your projects
Stainless steel nails will not easily break down or corrode. Hence, they are a great choice to use, especially when working with cedar or redwood. Moreover, stainless steel nails will never stain or streak your materials. In addition to stainless steel, aluminum nails resist rust more effectively. This is the best and right nail to use when you are working on aluminum siding or screening.
2. Pay attention to all aspects of the project
If you are using excellent materials for your projects, brads are the best nails to use. It is because brads have smaller heads and lighter gauges compare to other types of nails. It has the capacity to conceal on its own, which is necessary for several projects you are working on.
Another important thing that you need to pay attention also when working on several projects is inventory. Inventory is one critical aspect of a project where all sorts of data are collected (materials, resources, equipment, etc.) A construction manager like you should depend on inventory software such as Pro Crew Schedule for smarter inventory management.
3. Pay more attention to the finishes
For better holding power, select nails that are coated in vinyl or cement. For more excellent rust resistance, select nails with hot-galvanized or electro-galvanized coatings. Also, coatings like this make it easier to act and drive as adhesives to increase holding strength.
Get an Edge Using Construction Scheduling Software
While this blog is sharing a guide in choosing appropriate nails for your construction projects, let’s move over to discuss project scheduling tools. These tools are known today as project management software that is designed to help you manage and organize projects and team members more effectively. Your company’s reputation is everything, and all we want is to bring you’re A-game to ensure success in the industry. Listen, the future of your construction business looks bright when you invest in a specialized software tool. Now, be honest, don’t you want that?
So how do you ensure that your business is getting the edge and ahead of the competition? Pro Crew Schedule is the solution! This subcontractor scheduling software is simple but has compelling features designed for your business’s unique needs. Here are some of the fantastic advantages Pro Crew Schedule offers:
· Effective task delegation
· File sharing and access
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· Effective risk mitigation
· Real-time team collaboration and communication
· Improve scheduling in construction and planning
· Easier integration of new crew members
· Cloud-based storage
· User-friendly and easy to access
If you’re new to this tech and wanted to try it firsthand, request a live demo. Enjoy a 30-day free trial while experiencing all of Pro Crew Schedule’s unique features!
