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21 Types of Nails and Their Uses

Austin Peng
Published 7 Feb 2025
Table of Content

The applications that involve joining two components together, big and small, need something that keeps them held in the right place. Various fixtures can be used for such a holding process, and among these, the use of nails is quite prevalent.

There are many types of nails which are used for different purposes. If you are inclined to learn about the different types of nails and how they can be used, the guide below can help you.

What is a Nail?

A nail has a pointed tip and is a type of fastener. It helps in attaching the materials together and can be fixed using a hammer. These are the most common forms of fasteners used in wood construction and have no threads.

Parts of a Nail

Parts of a Nail

The three main parts of nails are discussed below:

Nail Points

Nail points consist of the end part of the nail, which is hammered into the material. There are different types of nail points:

Diamond point: It is a diamond-shaped point, and this shape makes it easier for the nail to be driven into the wood.

Blunt point: Blunt point has a blunt design, and it is not very easy to drive in the materials; however, it helps to prevent wood splitting.

Nailheads

The nailheads are the flat part on the other end of the top and are usually round in shape. The nailheads are of two different types:

Checkered Head: The checkered nailheads have a flat base with the pattern of the grid, which keeps the hammer from slipping when it is struck.

Countersunk Head: Such nail heads are conical and can be driven very easily right below the surface, creating a smooth pattern.

Nail Shanks

The nail shank is the middle and long area on the nail that has the most strength. There are different types of shanks:

Smooth Shank: It is very easy to drive inside the material, and it is even very easy to pull it out.

Spiral Shank: It rotates when required to be entered in the material and is suitable for hardwoods.

Ring Shank: Ring shank locks the fibers of wood, and it is mostly used in softwoods so that it cannot be pulled out.

Nail Size

The standards for the nail size are given below in the table:

Nail Type Size in (mm)
2d 25.4 mm
3d 31.7 mm
4d 38.1 mm
5d 44.4 mm
6d 50.8 mm
7d 57.1 mm
8d 63.5 mm
9d 69.8 mm
10d 76.2 mm
12d 82.5 mm
16d 88.9 mm
20d 101.6 mm

21 Types of Nails and Their Uses

There are many different types of nails, each having a particular use; the 21 of those types are discussed below:

1. Common Nails

Common Nails

Common nails are used in the process of structural projects as well as framing. They have a thick shank, and their head is wide, with a diamond shape at the point. They are thick and strong but end up splitting wood.

2. Framing Nails

Framing nails are made for use in projects that require heavy-duty installation. It is used for building decks, creating structures like fences and sheds, and even for wall framings. They are durable and made using steel.

3. Box Nails

Box nails are the same as common nails, but their shank is thin. They are suitable for thinner wooden materials. Box nails do not have sufficient strength and cannot hold as much power as common nails.

4. Sinker Nails

Sinker Nails

Sinker nails have a thin shank, and the head is small and textured. They are mostly used in carpentry applications. They offer efficient nailing and are very easy to incorporate.

5. Deck Nails

Deck nails consist of a coating that keeps them from rusting, and they have a ribbed shank to grip the wood tightly. They have a flat head with a smooth finish and are meant for outdoor projects.

They have a very strong holding power and can be used for decking projects.

6. Roofing Nails

Roofing nails are also known as clout nails; they have a flat, wide shank with a thin head. The roofing nails are used to fasten the metal sheets to the wood and also for the roofing felt. They are smooth and offer enhanced pull-out resistance.

7. Masonry Nails

Masonry Nails

Masonry nails are thick and hard, they have small heads and are made using hardened zinc. The strength of these nails makes them drive into the masonry surfaces very easily. They are mostly used for attaching timber to brick or stone.

8. Siding Nails

Siding nails can help in attaching the siding to the exterior part of the building. They consist of a very smooth and thin shank.

It ensures that there is no damage on the siding, and the flat head allows the nail to sit below the surface. They are made using materials that are suitable for outdoor use.

9. Hanger Nails

Hanger nails are meant to be used with metal connectors. They are used for construction applications and have been made in a short size but support heavy-duty applications.

They have a thick shank and resist corrosion due to using stainless steel, creating a secure connection.

10. Duplex Nails

Duplex Nails

Duplex nails are composed of two nailheads, and they are suitable for temporary connections, like creating a temporary cleat during the roofing.

These nails are driven till the lower head flushes with the wood. They are also easy to extract, and a hammer claw can be fixed to the upper head to pull them back.

11. Pole Barn Nails

Pole barn nails are nails that are used to build larger structures or pole barns. They have a thick shank and offer enhanced holding power. They are galvanized and hence protected against corrosion and rust.

12. Connector Nails

The connector nails help secure the metal connectors, and they are short in size and have thick shanks. They are suitable for use in different conditions as they are made of corrosion-resistant materials and offer excellent holding strength.

13. Cap Nails

Cap Nails

Cap nails are used to secure the wooden structure. They have a cap on the head that is either made of plastic or metal. The cap distributes the load evenly and offers improved holding power. They are suitable for outdoor applications.

14. Trim Nails

Trim nails are small in size and are used for connecting woodwork, trains, and other structures. They consist of a small head that is below the surface of the wood. They are designed to prevent staining and rust on the wood.

15. Finish Nails

Finish nails consist of a round and small size head which is bigger than its shank. It has a pointed tip, which allows the nail to countersink and is used to install frames for doors or trim boards.

16. Brad Nails

Brad nails have shanks that are thinner and are used in woodwork, which is not heavy-duty. They are driven into the woods using a nail gun.

17. Pin Nails

Pin Nails

Pin nails are headless nails that have a thin shank and are used in woodwork that are delicate. They leave very tiny holes and offer a very clean finish that maintains the aesthetics. They can be used with a pin nailer.

18. Drywall Nails

Drywall nails are designed so that they can attach the drywall panels to wood frames. They have a ringed shank, which has a good holding power, and the head is rounded. They are coated so that they can resist corrosion.

19. Panel Board Nails

The panel board nails help in fastening the hardboard to frames and walls. They have a textured head and can easily mix with the panel, leaving a nice and smooth finish.

20. Flooring Nails

Flooring Nails

Flooring nails are meant to secure the hardwood floor to a subfloor. They have a spiral shank, which offers enhanced holding power.

21. Furniture Nails

Furniture nails are nails which are used in furniture and upholstery applications. They have domed heads, which create a decorative appearance. They are made of many different finishes to match the furniture, like nickel, bronze, and even brass.

Common Materials for Making Nails

Most nails are made using brass, stainless steel, copper, or ordinary steel.

Steel nails are used in the construction sector and for outdoor use; these tools can be galvanized to ensure their corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is also used to manufacture nails to provide a rust-free option.

Surface Finishes of Nails

Surface Finishes of Nails

The different surface finishes for nails are as follows:

Zinc: The nails that are coated with zinc help protect against rusting.

Phosphate: The coating of phosphate is used for nails that are opted for indoor applications.

Vinyl: The vinyl coating on the nails improves their strength of holding and enhances their driving abilities.

Benefits of Using Nails

21 Types of Nails and Their Uses

Nails offer various benefits, some of which are as follows:

  • They quickly drive in the materials and make the process of assembling faster.
  • Nails are highly affordable and hence can be an economical choice.
  • They are flexible, and in cases where materials expand or contract, the risk of splitting is minimized.
  • Nails have various types of sizes, and each one suits a unique purpose.
  • They require less effort and tools for installation.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Nail Types

21 Types of Nails and Their Uses

When selecting nails, some important factors to consider are as follows:

  • Choose the nails that are manufactured using materials that are rust-resistant. Hence, they can be suitable and durable when subjected to outdoor applications.
  • The size and the length of the nail should be accurate so that it holds the material without causing any split in the wood.
  • The shank design determines the holding power, and based on the application requirement, choose the one offering accurate grip.
  • Some projects need aesthetic nails that are meant for decorative or furniture applications, so choose their material and appearance accordingly.

Applications of Nails in Various Industries

Applications of Nails in Various Industries

There are various applications of nails observed in different industries, and some of these are discussed below:

Construction

Construction projects use nails for installing flooring, drywalls, roofing, and even framing. They offer the required structural integrity.

Furniture

Nails help in securing the furniture components together and are used in tables, chairs and even for attaching upholstery to frames.

Automobile

Nails in the automobile industry are used for assembling the internal components of the car and even for installing trims.

Conclusion

The size of a nail is very small, and its functionality is versatile. Hence, it's important to make the right selection of nails based on your project requirements.

If you need high-quality nails designed for your project, you can contact us at DEK. We offer precise nails in versatile materials suitable for your application.

FAQs

What nails don’t rust?

Nails that have a zinc or galvanized coating do not rust.

What are the most common types of nails?

The most common types of nails are finishing nails, brad nails, box nails, and common nails.

What type of nail is used for wood?

Spiral shank nails can be used with hardwoods, and annular nails can be used with softwoods.

Should I use screws or nails for framing?

Nails offer durability, cost-effectiveness, and even improved holding strength for framing.

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Austin Peng
Co-founder of DEK
AUTHOR
Hello! I'm Austin Peng. I manage a factory that specializes in CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication for small quantity production and rapid prototyping solutions. When I'm not immersed in work, I love diving into football matches, exploring new travel destinations, enjoying music, and staying updated on the latest tech trends. Feel free to chat with me about anything, whether it's work or life!
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