A dozen-penny common nail, formerly known as a twelve-pennyweight nail, is a type of nail that has been used for centuries in various construction tasks. Previously made from twelve pennyweights of iron, these nails were employed to attach boards and materials with one another in building projects. Unbelievably, they even served as a form of currency back in the day.
Popular during the 19th century, the twelve-penny nail made its debut in the early 1800s and was utilized for an array of purposes. In time, its practicality was overtaken by less costly alternatives such as the ten-penny nail. Even so, it is still employed today, particularly in projects involving roofing or siding.
Crafted from iron and measuring approximately three inches long, the twelve-penny nail is a reliable choice for projects requiring secure fastening. Its large head makes it easy to grab hold of, while the coating of zinc serves to protect it from rusting over time.
Although other types of nails have taken over as the most popular choice for construction projects, twelve-penny nails remain common in certain applications. They can still be found in local hardware stores if you need them for your project.