Nails are a very important tool in any handyman’s arsenal. The two main types of nails are common and sinker. Common nails are the most widely used and are typically crafted from steel or iron, featuring a sharp tip. On the other hand, sinker nails have grown in popularity and are made of copper or brass, and their ends have a distinctive flat shape.
If you need to affix pieces of wood together, common nails are the go-to choice. From attaching timber together to combining wood and metal, these nails provide a sturdy bond. If your project involves setting pieces into concrete or stone, however, then sinker nails are the superior option as their larger head helps them remain firmly in place.
An array of nail sizes may be found, running from 3/4 inch to 6 inches. Most typically, a 4-inch size is seen. For anybody looking for sinker nails, the selection is slighter, as they usually come in sizes that are 1 inch to 4 inches only.
Depending on the density of the material into which you plan to drive your nails, you must select an appropriate thickness. If dealing with hardwood, a thicker nail compared to one required for softwood should be used.
Steel or iron nails of varying coatings, such as galvanized, zinc plated, and stainless steel, can all be found in the common nails range. In contrast, if you require something more specialized, brass or copper sinker nails can be presented in flashy gleaming surfaces including bright, antique, and natural.
At your local hardware store, you can find a plentiful supply of common nails in boxes design to carry a hundred of them. But if you are seeking out Sinker nails, you may not be as lucky; they are a bit less readily available, and come only in packs that contain fifty nail each.
When hammering in a standard nail, the ideal solution is to use a tool wield a head composed of steel. On the other hand, when hammering in a sinker nail, a hammer with either a copper or brass head is the best choice. This will help to safeguard the integrity of the top portion of the nail.
Taking a swing at wood with a hammer, common nails provide securing power. Metal, however, requires a more forceful touch. The nail gun comes in handy for this application. Sinker nails also need some persuading in order to get the job done, but a hammer is the best tool to hammer it into objects made from concrete or stone. Trying to attach sinker nails with a nail gun is an exercise in futility.
To extract a common nail, one would usually employ the classic technique of pulling it out with a hammer. When the head of the nail breaks, however, it must be cut off with a saw. Removing sinker nails requires a more intensive technique that involves chiseling them out, followed by cutting off the head of the nail with a saw if necessary.
Nails are available in various sizes, with common nails typically ranging from 3/4 to 6 inches and sinker nails bearing a length of 1 to 4 inches.
No two nails are the same; some come in a variety of finishes, depending on their purpose. Everyday common nails can come in galvanized, zinc plated, or stainless steel coatings, while special sinker nails can appear in bright, antique, or natural hues.
If a regular ol’ hammer and nail job is what you need, common nails are the go-to, ideal for attaching wooden surfaces to one another and even to metal. For more demanding projects requiring an extra hit of muscle and stability—think nailing into stone or concrete—sinker nails are the way to go.
When it comes to selecting a nail for your project, it is necessary to weigh the plus and minus factors of both common and sinker nails. The ultimate choice should be based on the thickness of the material being affixed, the dimensions of the nail, and its finish.