An abundance of nails have been designed with differing applications in mind. The most plentiful nail is of steel make, and is offered in variable sizes. For more comprehensive construction purposes, the longest length steel nails are apt. Framing and finishing tasks call for nails shorter in size, whereas the minutest of nails are most convenient for respectively minor assignments, like affixing molding or trim.
Steel nails come in varying lengths, from 1.5 inches to a maximum of 12 inches. The most typical sizes to be found are 2, 2.5, 3, 4 and 6 inches. These shorter nails are great for small projects like hanging photos on the wall, while longer lengths (9 and 12-inch) lend themselves better for construction or finishing jobs, such as framing and molding. Whatever the specifics of the task at hand may be, the perfect length nail exists to do it right!
When it comes to steel nails, you have a choice between galvanized and ungalvanized. Those which are galvanized are coated with zinc to provide protection from corrosion and lengthen their lifespan. Those that lack this shield though, are subject to rusting and tend to be cheaper.
The steel nail’s head is generally round, while it can alternatively be either flat or tear-drop shaped. The shank is the piece that is driven into the wood, while the point is that sharp element that penetrates the timber. The head commonly surpasses the size of the shank so that pounding on it does not mar the wood.
A steel nail’s diameter is calibrated using gauges. Typical gauges include 16, 18, 20, and 22; the higher the number, the slimmer the nail. Of these four, the 16-gauge is the stoutest and ideal for structural building, while 18-gauge nails are finer and are typically deployed in completion work. The subtle 20-gauge nails are best suited for smaller tasks.
When selecting steel nails, the length, diameter, and type should be a priority, as well as the cost. Galvanized nails are an investment, as they are more expensive than un-galvanized, yet deliver an extended life.