Selecting the correct nail for your task requires an understanding of common nails and box nails. If you’re working on a general purpose project, then common nails will generally be the way to go. However, when requiring added stability and strength, it is suggested to use box nails – perfect for connecting boards to studs.
Forged from pliable steel, common nails possess malleable properties that are susceptible to deformation. Additionally, the head of a common nail typically has a larger circumference compared to the head of a box nail; this additional size makes it slightly more difficult to insert the nail into tough materials without incurring damage.
In contrast to common nails, box nails are created of a more durable steel, which keeps them less likely to warp or become misshapen. Furthermore, the head of a box nail is typically more minuscule than that of a general nail, thereby enabling it to be driven easier into tough materials.
Steel is manipulated in two distinct ways to form both common and box nails. For standard nails, a steel strip is cut to length and then bent into the nail shape. As for their head, they are fashioned through striking the steel against a hardened neck portion known as a mandrel.
Steel strips of the necessary lengths are taken and placed into a die, and with a few taps of the hammer, a box-shaped head is forged onto the shank of the nail. This creates a perfect union between head and nail, forming a secure and reliable box nail.
Considerations such as the type of material being nailed into, the size and weight of items being affixed, and the nature of the project should all be taken into account when selecting a suitable nail. If you’re uncertain which nail is most suitable for your task, it is advised that generous consultation with an experienced professional is sought prior to beginning.