July 25, 2008
Selecting Nails
WE'VE BEEN using nails to build things since before Noah, which is perhaps why we assume there's nothing new to know about them.
How inappropriate. The right nail can mean the difference between a split piece of oak molding and a finishing job that's the envy of professional carpenters.
There's a nail for virtually everything, from concrete to upholstery. And size does matter.
Nail lengths are determined by numbers - from 2 to 60 - followed by the letter "d," which stands for the term "penny." A 2d (2-penny) nail is 1 inch long. From 2d to 16d, nail length increases by quarter-inch increments. (A 3d nail is 1 1/4 inches long.) Nails 16d and above increase by half-inch increments. The "d" comes from denarius, an ancient Roman penny, and it is believed to refer to the cost of 100 nails of a given size.
Because each type of nail is designed for a specific task, there are differences in the parts that make up a nail - the head, shaft and tip. Here's a nail primer:
Common (2d-60d). Thick, strong shanks and large heads are designed for better holding power. These nails are used in framing and general construction.
Box (2d-60d). These are common "lite," with a narrower shaft, and are used in framing and siding applications where the wood could be split by a common nail.
Drywall (11/4 to 1 7/8 inches long). A thin, flat head and a narrow, ringed shank allow these nails to secure drywall to wood studs. The head is pounded into the wallboard to create a dimple effect, and the dimple is covered with drywall compound.
Finishing (3d-10d). Used for molding, building furniture and jobs where the heads are designed to be set below the surface. On the last few hammer strokes, a nail set is used to drive the head of the nail below the surface of the wood. The hole in the wood is then covered with a wood putty. Casing, brads and wire nails are types of finishing nails used in cabinet or fine carpentry. They are measured in inches (as short as half an inch) and the gauge of their shaft.
Masonry ( 1/2 to 3 inches). Forged and hardened, commonly used to fasten wood framing to concrete floors or walls.
Ringed or ring shank (6d, 8d, 10d). The narrow, ridged shanks are designed to hold soft- to medium-hard woods. These nails often are used in hardboard underlayment.
Roofing ( 7/8 to 2 inches). Flat heads hold flexible roofing materials in place. The nails often are coated to prevent corrosion.
Spiral shank (6d to 16d). The shank is designed to turn like a screw, and the head is small, like that of a finishing nail. Used in deck building and securing wood flooring.
Tacks ( 3/16 to 1 1/8 inches). For securing fabric to wood. Carpet and upholstery are the most common applications. Heads, shafts and tips can be rounded or squared.
Paneling. These come in matching colors, from white, shades of brown and tan and black, and are for attaching wood panels to walls and studs. The heads are pounded flush with the panel, and the shanks are ringed for holding power.
Double-headed (6d to 20d). For temporary nailing applications, such as support walls and beams in framing. The nail is driven to the lower head, and the upper head remains exposed for easy removal.
In addition to using the right type of nail, also consider nails that are coated to prevent rust. Galvanized nails, either hot dipped or electro-galvanized, are commonly used in outdoor building, but the coating does wear and flake away. Stainless-steel and aluminum nails also are available for rust-proof fastening.
To ensure the best holding power without splitting the wood, make sure the size of the nail is correct and think about drilling pilot holes.
Generally, a nail should be about three times longer than the thickness of the board to be nailed. When nailing thin pieces or nailing near the edges and ends of stock, a pilot hole should be used to prevent splitting. If you are nailing within the nail's length of the end of a board, drill a pilot hole. For hardwoods, such as oak, maple and ash, always use a pilot hole. Use a drill bit that is slightly narrower than the nail, and test it in a scrap piece. The nail should be tight so it keeps its holding power. The harder the wood, the closer the pilot hole should be to the thickness of the shaft.
Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.
