A Nail is a type of fastener used for general fastening projects, including construction work like framing and structural assemblies, as well as woodworking projects. There are many types of nails;
Common Nails, Framing Nails, Box Nails, Sinker Nails, Deck Nails, Roofing Nails, Masonry Nails
and Siding Nails as the most utilized.
- Round Head Nails
Round head nails are the most typical nails used in woodworking. A lot of different terms are used to refer to them. They can be called common nails, round wire nails, and most people just refer to them as “nails.”This type of nails is the most popular one due to widespread availability in varying lengths and thicknesses, allowing for a different range of rough woodworking. They are especially used when appearance is not of importance and strength is paramount. - Oval Head Nails
Oval head nails are the same as the common nails, with one major distinction. Their head is oval – as indicated by the name – and allows the nail to be driven below the surface of the wood, creating a more attractive finished appearance. Most commonly, oval head nails are used to join heavy timbers together or to attach hardboard siding. - Casing Nails
Casing nails are similar to oval head nails, with the exception being that the head of the nail is tapered, not stepped. This allows for the wood to be taken off of the nail with minimal damage at a later point in time. Additionally, the tapered head allows for more holding power over it’s stepped head counterparts. Casing nails are used in applications where it is important to countersink, fill, and finish the nail – like trim work and fine finishing work. - Box Nails
Box nails are similar to round head nails, but they’re a lot thinner. It’s not the ideal nail if the final product will see any load, though, due to its thinner composition. This smaller nail can be driven into smaller pieces of wood or minimally exposed pieces of wood. Box nails are less likely to split wood and are typically used to fasten small boxes together. - Finishing Nails
Finishing nails are another popular type of nails. Sometimes, they are also referred to as bullet head nails or lost-head nails. The head is very small which allows it to be driven below the surface, producing the cleanest surface finish amongst nails. Just like casing nails, finishing nails are used in applications where it is important to countersink, fill, and finish the nail, like trim work and fine finishing work. - Duplex Nails
Duplex nails are interesting nails that have a second head that is a short distance below the primary head, affixed in the shaft. This engineering allows the nail to be removed easily by prying on the exposed head. The addition of the second head makes sure that the nail is seated snug. At the same time, it makes the design such that it is easy to remove. Because of that, duplex nails are most commonly used in temporary structures, specifically designed for applications in which both strength, as well as the ability to remove the nail easily, is important. - Hardboard Nail
Hardboard nails have a diamond geometry on their head which allows them to be hidden well when driven into hardboard – an engineered wood product.They are designed and only used in hardboard applications.
A Spike are long, thick, sharp-pointed fasteners made of metal or plastic. They are similar to heavy nails and used in railroad ties and other heavy-duty construction applications. There are many types of spikes. Examples include metal spikes, plastic spikes, railroad spikes, standard cut spikes, and stakes. A metal spike is made of aluminum, brass, or nickel and is stable, durable, and strong. Spikes are used in many building and construction applications. A stake can be used to demarcate a plot of land or anchor guy ropes for a tent. A metal spike can be used for anchoring fence posts, shoes, or other equipment. A railroad spike is used to fasten a T-shaped railroad track to wooden ties.