A duplex nail is equipped with two distinct pegs, both strategically placed at the length of its shaft. Significantly helpful in fixing certain wooden components to concrete substrates, one head penetrates the wood while the other is responsible for fastening the nail into the concrete.
If you’re looking for a nail suitable for fastening thicker wood, a duplex nail might be the way to go. These nails come in a variety of lengths and sizes, with the most common being 16d, which measures 3 1/2 inches. The logic making the thicker wood requiring more length for the nail is quite simple – the more substantial the material being worked with, the stronger and longer the nail must be.
Steel dominates among different materials in making duplex nails, with its galvanized and ungalvanized forms. The galvanized type boasts of a zinc coating to shield against rust. Aluminum and copper are other choices, but steel remains mainstream for duplex nails.
Hammering a duplex nail into wood and concrete requires precise positioning. The head of the nail must first rest against the wooden surface and the handle of the hammer is struck to drive it in. To ensure proper placement, the second head should line up against the concrete before the handle of the hammer is struck again to make sure it is securely embedded.
Drivability is hampered not by a lack of effort, but the requirement for a specific shank on a duplex nail. Smooth varieties permit an effortless insertion, while threaded shank nails increase adhesion when being driven into concrete.
A two-headed fastener, known as a duplex nail, can come in handy when affixing wood to concrete structures like walls, foundations, and floors. They are also the go-to tool for those vying to fix metal lath to ceilings and walls made of concrete.
Duplex nails offer several distinct benefits over other types of fasteners. The process for installation and removal is notably more straightforward compared to other alternatives, and they are known to have an exceptional hold. What’s more, these nails remain stable over time and are unaffected by fluctuations in temperature or moisture levels.