A penny nail, with its prominent head atop a small shaft, is often used for projects that require support of a lesser degree; for instance, hanging up a picture frame on the wall.
Although formerly one cent apiece, penny nails remain an economical purchase in the present day. Even though the cost is no longer equivalent to a single penny, these nails remain a budget-friendly option.
Small strips of steel wire are initially snipped to a desired length to create penny nails. These metals then bear the force of a hammer as they are pounded into their distinctive nail shapes, pressed into shape against an anvil.
After the shank of the nail is placed within a wooden handle, hammering the handle onto the head of the nail provides an effective bond between them. This secure union between the head and handle of a nail ensures strength and durability.
A Penny nail, generally measuring 2 inches (5.1 cm) long, can sometimes extend up to 3 inches (7.6 cm). Its distinguishing feature is a head which is usually wider than the diameter of its shank.
For a range of general and specific applications, penny nails are an indispensable tool. Whether it’s for mounting a picture frame, attaching trim or adorning walls and ceilings with elegant molding, these nails lend themselves to a wide variety of uses.
While steel is the main ingredient for fabrication of penny nails, they can also be created from other metals such as aluminum or brass.