TIP, TRICKS & INFO

Nail Types

Nailing is the most basic and most commonly used means of attaching members in wood frame construction.

Usually, nailing is used as a structural connection and appearance is not a factor. Exceptions to this are nails used for cladding, decking and finish work, where care in the selection of the type of nail can lead to enhanced appearance.

Most nails are made from steel and some nails are galvanized. Galvanized nails are recommended for outdoor applications.

Nails are manufactured in many types and shapes to suit specific applications and some of the most common ones are shown below.

 

Bullet Head Nail

Clout Nail

Deck Spike Nail

General purpose nail with a small head allowing head to be punched below timber surface and then filled. Suitable for framing, planking and cabinet work.

Large flat head is to support material being fixed. For fixing metal sheeting, strapping, brackets, conduit and pipe clips.

Deck Spike Used for fixing large size timbers such as railway sleepers. Galvanised coated for extra protection against corrosion.

Duplex Nail

Fibrecement Nail

Flathead Nail

Duplex Used in formwork applications and fastening temporary work — the second head is left exposed for easy removal and for attaching a string line.

For fixing fibre cement sheeting such as Hardiflex and Villaboard to timber framing.

Used mainly with softwoods and thin timber, fencing planking and crating. Flat head helps stop timber pulling over head.

Underlay Nail

Masonry Nail

Pallet Nail

Used for fixing Hardboard and Fibre cement underlay sheeting to timber floors.

Used for securing materials such as wood to brick or concrete. Made of thick, hardened steel or zinc with grooved or fluted shank.

Use with softwoods, fencing, pallets and crating. Twisted shank provides stronger holding power.

Plasterboard Nail

Roofing Nail

Softsheet Nail

Fixes plasterboard to timber framing. Has an annular thread for greater holding power in timber.

For iron roofing and fencing. Twisted shank provides greater holding power in soft timbers.

For light ply, mdf, etc., where appearance is not the main factor and particularly where the panel needs to be held firmly.

Surveyor Nail

Blue Cut Tack

Timbergrip Nail

 Used for marking points in bitumen and asphalt. Large washer in galvanised finish.

Can be used for fixing textile materials to wood for example, fixing upholstery to furniture. Very short with relatively large head and very sharp point.

Specially designed head allows for the head to be driven below timber surface. Screw thread adds extra holding power in soft timber. Used for decking and Pergolas.

U Shape Nail

Wall Panel Nail

Weathertex Nail

Fixing wire and netting to timber posts and frames. An insulated version is often used to attach speaker & telephone wires to timber.

For attaching paneling to walls. Has a low profile and usually a ringed shank. Mostly used in conjunction with an adhesive.

 A 50mm x 2.8mm nail used to fix Weathertex to timber framing. Has a  countersunk head and is galvanised to resist staining.

Another handy tip from Coates Mitre 10 Home & Trade Lithgow