When it comes to completing a job that requires hammering, the type of nail you use matters. To start, the 16-gauge nail is ideal for general nailing of wood to wood. But, if something more delicate is needed, like nailing wood to plaster, an 18-gauge nail should be used. Lastly, when you need extra strength for tasks such as nailing metal to wood, the 20-gauge is your best bet.
When comparing the 16-gauge to the 18-gauge, it is evident that the former is denser and more durable. On the flip side, if we contrast the 18-gauge with the 20-gauge, one can observe that the latter has a lesser thickness and is more fragile.
When it comes to nailing, the 16-gauge nail is the go-to, standing as the usual choice for its ability to deliver robustness and reliability while not causing harm to the surface it’s on. The 18-gauge version carries a gentler intent, designed more for delicate work where splitting may be an issue. And for seriously demanding tasks, the 20-gauge nail will come out on top, capable of breaking through even the toughest of materials.
Before hammering a nail, you must consider the material you are driving it into and the power you mean to use. If you are uncertain, a sturdier nail is always the sensible decision.