Nails, Screws & Fasteners

Here’s How to Choose the Right Nails for Your Next Project

Hammering in a nail is a simple enough process, but just as different hammers have different applications, so do nails. Whether you’re doing a quick repair or building a project from scratch, using the proper nails will make it last longer and look better. This handy guide will help ensure you always have the right nails for the job at hand.

Anatomy of A Nail

All nails include a head, shank and point. These design features, together with the type of coating (if present) determine a nail’s suitability for different uses and materials. Here’s a rundown of the basic parts of a nail.

Types of Nail Heads

• Flathead Nails: The most common type of nail head, flathead nails have a large flat surface that allows for easy striking and also provides extra holding power. 
• Checkered Flathead Nails: A crosshatch design is added to the flat head to help prevent your hammer from slipping while hammering at an angle 
• Countersunk Nails: This nail head features a cone or cupped shape which allows it to be pushed below the material and “countersunk” out of sight

Types of Nail Points

1. Diamond Point Nails: This common type of nail point features a slightly blunted tip which makes it appropriate for general usage 
2. Long Diamond Point Nails: Here the nail point is sharper and elongated which makes it ideal for drywall and other materials where splitting is not a concern 

Dull Point & Blunt Point Nails: Duller than a diamond point, a blunt point helps prevent your wood from splitting because it breaks through multiple fibres at once versus chiseling them