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

• Diamond Point Nails: This common type of nail point features a slightly blunted tip which makes it appropriate for general usage 
• 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 apart