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Home > DIY How To Projects and Tutorial Guides > Types of Nails – Explanation on the Different Type of Nail and What They are Used For

Types of Nails – Explanation on the Different Type of Nail and What They are Used For

There are many different sorts of nails with lots of different uses. This projects covers the most common types of nail and the kinds of project that they should be used on. Covering nails for timber to nails plastic and roofing fixings, we help you choose the right nails, be they twist nails or large head nails!

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Using nails is an effective way of fixing or joining pieces of softwood together. Hardwoods can be difficult to join with nails as they tend to bend under the impact of the hammer. Below is a range of nails that can be used depending on the type of wood and the nature of the work to be attempted.

Different Types of Nails Available

Round Wire Nail

This is used for general work. It is not attractive in shape and it can split wood when hammered in position.

Round Wire Nail

Round Wire Nail

Brads

These are generally used in nail guns speedy fixing.

Brads

Brads

Turbo Zip Nails

Hammer in fixings which hold like a screw. internal and external use for fixing timber to masonry also, using a pilot hole.

Turbo zip nails

Turbo zip nails

Cut or Clasp Nail

Used for fixing timber to soft masonry.

Cut or clasp nail

Cut or clasp nail

Oval Wire Nail

This is a long nail and care must be taken when it is hammered into the wood. It is unlikely to split the wood.

Oval wire nail

Oval wire nail

Masonry Nails

Used for making fixings to masonry. normally made of hardened zinc.

Masonry nails

Masonry nails

lost Head Nail

This is ideal if it is necessary to hide the head of the nail as a punch can be used to hammer the head beneath the surface level.

lost head nail

lost head nail

Galvanised Felt Nails

Used for fixing roofing felt with a large head to keep water out.

Galvanised felt nails

Galvanised felt nails

Panel Pin

A very popular way of joining woods although glue is usually included as part of the join.

Panel pin

Panel pin

Copper Disc Rivet or Tingle

Used to hold the bottom of slates on a slate roof. most on pre drilled cement fibre slates.

Copper disc rivet or tingle

Copper disc rivet or tingle

Tack

Can be used for fixing textile materials to wood for example, fixing upholstery to furniture.

Tack

Tack

Square Twist Nail

Sheradised (zinc coated by heating) normally used for external cladding and/or felt.

Square twist nail

Square twist nail

Stainless Steel Slate Hooks

Used for keeping the bottom of slipped slates in place when replacing them.

Stainless steel slate hooks

Stainless steel slate hooks

Sprig

This no head and is generally used for fixing glass to glass in wood frames.

Sprig

Sprig

Cone Head Drive Screw With Washer

Used on roof for keeping fixing holes watertight.

Cone head drive screw with washer

Cone head drive screw with washer

Annular Nail

The teeth of this nail hold it in place firmly. therefore, it is used for fixing plywood and other materials, mostly on floors to stop movement in joists.

Annular nail

Annular nail

Plasterboard Nails

Galvanised to stop rust in all sizes for fixing plasterboard to studding.

Plasterboard nails

Plasterboard nails

Hardboard Pin

The diamond shaped head is hidden when used in materials like hardboard.

Hardboard pin

Hardboard pin

Staples

Both zinc and galvanised, used mostly for fencing.

Staples

Staple

Corrugated Fastener

This will hold the corners of wood frames firmly together.

Corrugated fastener

Corrugated fastener

Upholstery Pin

Normally finished in bronze or brass with a 10mm diameter head.

Upholstery pin

Upholstery pin

Copper Clout Nail

Generally used for slate roofing.

Copper clout nail

Copper clout nail

Plastic Headed Nail

Used mostly for fixing plastic facia boards and timber joints. Available in white and brown.

Plastic headed nail

Plastic headed nail

Spring Head Nail

Used for fixing sheet materials. The large domed head helps to keep hole waterproof.

Spring head nail

Spring head nail

All project content written and produced by Mike Edwards, founder of DIY Doctor and industry expert in building technology.

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