Different Types of Nails and How to Use Them

Common nails are the most common nail used for construction and building. They are often the first choice for framing and carpentry projects as their heavy shank is reliable for its sturdy support. These heavy-duty nails are used for strength and function for more rough work projects rather than for their aesthetic appearance. The round head of the common nail is usually visible on surfaces, making this style of nail better for work where function is more important than appearance.

Box nails look similar to common nails but have a thinner shank, making them less sturdy and more appropriate for, shall we say, building boxes instead of framing houses. The perk of the thinner shank means they are less likely to cause splitting in thinner pieces of wood.  They are commonly used for lighter construction because they are thinner and have less strength than common nails. These nails are also often galvanized to prevent corrosion.

Brad nails are more subtle than standard nails, making them a prime choice for projects that require a clean finished look. These nails are thinner with smaller heads than standard nails and are ideal for preventing splitting and creating a clean appearance for a variety of woodworking projects. Brad nails are also used in nail guns for quick fixes and easy attaching.

Finishing nails are smooth and thin nails that are typically used to do finishing work. Their thin design also prevents splitting in the thinner wood typically used for finishing work. Because of their neater appearance, they are more aesthetically pleasing while still being able to hold any finishing together. Lighter and subtler, finishing nails are used for trimming such as down jambs, crown moulding, and baseboards.

Drywall nails are designed with little rings around the shaft to make them more sturdy and less likely to slip. They are used for gypsum boards and attaching drywall. Many people also choose to use drywall screws, which are similar to drywall nails.

Flooring nails come in a wide variety of designs depending on the material of flooring that is intended to be attached. Some kinds of flooring nails have rings similar to screws for attaching plywood or other subfloors. The rings reduce slippage and ensure that any material is very securely attached.

Typically the same as common nails, framing nails are a sturdy and long nail used for framing buildings or any other woodworking project that requires a solid framework. Some framing nails are slightly thinner and more subtle than common nails, making them easier to drive in and to keep flush or even sunk for aesthetic reasons.

Roofing nails are designed and named for their main function. Because of their larger heads and shorter shanks, roofing nails are typically used for attaching shingles, asphalt, and other roofing material. They can also be used to attach house wrap, roof felt, and sheathing. The thin roof material is held in place by the large head, making sure it doesn’t blow away or get torn. Sometimes these nails are even slightly twisted to increase holding power. Because these nails are constantly exposed to the elements, they are also usually galvanized to prevent rusting and corrosion.

Also known as double-headed nails, this kind of nail is designed for use for temporary structures such as scaffolding. This nail has two heads, one above the other, so that when driven into a material, the upper head still remains accessible for easy removal once the construction project is complete.

These super-solid and hard masonry nails are typically made of super-tough materials, like steel, that allow them to be driven into masonry surfaces such as concrete and brick. This heavy-duty nail is often used to attach wood to stone or brick.

Collated nails are a convenient option commonly used with nail guns for quick and efficient fastening. They come connected in strips or coils held together by plastic, wire, or paper, making them ideal for high-volume tasks like framing, roofing, or siding. Collated nails come in various angles and sizes to match different types of nailers, so it’s important to check compatibility with your tool. This style not only speeds up projects but also reduces hand fatigue, making it a favorite for professional contractors and avid DIYers alike.