Choosing a nail, which nail is the best. Types of nails, how to choose a nail, how to hammer a nail How to hold a hammer correctly while working? How to strike correctly

The assortment of nails can be quite overwhelming experienced builder, so it’s better to find out in advance which nails are intended for what. There is an opinion that you can get reliable fastening using nails is difficult, and they are much inferior to screws. But this is just a myth that can be easily dispelled by your own experience, but for this you need to choose the right nails that are most suitable for performing specific jobs.

Types of nails

The nail is very simple fastener, which consists of a cap, a pointed end and a rod. The latter can be round, pyramidal or square in cross-section. Depending on the size of each of the constituent elements, their relationship to each other, nails may differ in purpose, and, consequently, in appearance.

Today there are the following main types of nails:

• construction nail- the most common of nails, used quite often, mainly for fastening wooden parts between themselves. This is a rod with a pointed end, and the diameter of the cap is 3-4 times the diameter of the rod. Another feature is the presence of protruding notches on the nail shaft near the head. They are designed to better secure the material and improve fit. For such products it varies widely - from 1 cm to 25 cm;
• roofing nail, as its name suggests, is used for roofing works, for fastening metal sheets to the wooden sheathing. It is very similar to a regular construction nail, but has a larger head and a larger shank diameter;
• tar nail also used mainly for roofing, but suitable for fastening soft materials. His key feature– a large cap, which is up to 6 times larger in diameter than the rod;
• slate nail – exact copy construction nail, but it is distinguished by a large galvanized head, which protects against moisture penetration through the mounting hole under the sheet. The length varies widely, and its selection depends on the height of the wave crest of the slate itself;
• screw nail easily distinguished by the spiral grooves on the rod, thanks to which it is possible to obtain reliable connection wooden products. Often such nails are used for arranging wooden floors, as they provide a much more reliable fastening than a regular construction nail. What's more, screw nail fastenings hardly loosen over time;
• rough nail It is distinguished by a rod consisting of successively connected and truncated cones; it appears to have a tooth-like profile. Connections made with the help of such nails are considered one of the most durable, and pulling it out if necessary is not very easy, and in most cases it is completely impossible without destroying the material;
• finishing nail almost the same as the construction one, but its head is much smaller, only 1.5 times the diameter of the rod. During installation, the cap is completely recessed into the material, and it becomes almost invisible;
• baseboard nail it looks like a finishing one, but there is a transverse notch on its rod, which increases the strength of the fastening;
• decorative nail used for fastening finishing materials and features a beautiful patterned hat;
• finishing nail- a wire product with a semicircular head, which is only slightly larger in diameter than the parameters of the rod. Often the heads of such nails have a decorative coating;
• staple nails- These are nails that are U-shaped and both ends are pointed. Such products are excellent for fastening meshes and cables;
• steel nails– a type of ordinary construction nails, but they are so hard that they cannot be bent, so they are used when working with hard types of wood;
• plaster nails can be wire or carved. The first ones are more common, and instead of a cap they have an L-shaped end that is bent, thanks to which it firmly holds the roofing shingles
• needle type nail characterized by the absence of a cap, used for fastening panels and some other coatings;
• harpoon nail used for driving into the corners of brick walls;
• dowels designed for driving into concrete and brick walls;
• drywall nails – special nails that have a wide head and do not allow the material to collapse;
• double head nail used in construction collapsible structures, as well as when attaching the film in;
• other. In addition, there is whole line other nails, which are used much less frequently, only in a certain area. For example, shoe nails – Products with square large hats are used in shoe repair. There are also horseshoe nails, ship and barge nails, glass and lock nails, the scope of which is clear from the name.

Nails can also be separated according to the shape of the hat. Hidden hat the better that such a nail is hardly noticeable on the surface, it can be driven in level without disturbing the structure of the material itself. If the nail has a non-concealed head, then when you try to drive it flush with the surface, you can destroy it: for example, veneer covering MDF boards will probably burst. Choose suitable option necessary, starting from where it will be and what needs to be fastened.

Nail material

The nail can be made from the most different materials, on which the scope of its further use depends. Many people do not think about this fundamental difference and use the same nails both indoors and outdoors. And then they often arise unpleasant situations when the nail begins to rust and ceases to perform its direct functions.

The simplest of black steel, but it is better to use them in dry rooms, since they instantly rust when in contact with moisture. Also, some builders use such nails for the construction of temporary structures: in this case, their rapid corrosion cannot cause any harm.

To be sure that the nail will not rust or collapse, it is better to use products with protective coating. So, the most popular are considered galvanized nails, which can withstand exposure to moisture, and at the same time not lose their appearance or performance.

Coating made of brass or copper will protect the nail from oxidation even in humid, aggressive environments, so such products are used either in the most difficult conditions, or when you need to be 100% confident in the reliability of the result. Another bonus of brass nails is that their color allows them to be used along with finishing nails, and they will not be noticeable against the background of wooden lining.

You can even find it on sale aluminum nails. Aluminum itself instantly oxidizes in air under the influence of moisture, but the aluminum oxide formed on the surface resists all negative influences environment, protecting the rest of the product from them.

Nail length

Depending on the specific case, choose nails of different lengths. So, you need to nail more fine detail to thick, and the length of the nail should be 2.5-4 times greater than the thickness of the part that is being nailed. You can also use another rule: the nail must enter 2/3 of its length into the part to which it is nailed: this ensures secure fastening, and the end will not stick out on the other side, presenting a danger. If it turns out that the length of the nail is clearly greater than the width of the two parts being fastened together, then the end of the already driven nail is bent with a hook and driven into the surface.

What nails should be used to secure the sheathing on the roof.

There are three types of nails that can be used for installation wooden sheathing. These are ordinary glossy nails, and ragged And screw nails.

Which nails are better

It is highly undesirable to use ordinary glossy nails (smooth rod) for the roof, since they have low tensile strength from lumber. Simple construction nails have a bad property - when the wood dries out, they begin to come out a little. Over a couple of years, combined with the tested loads and external influences, the fastening of the sheathing weakens, which can negatively affect the durability of the rafter structure.

Rough nails

"The best" the best option- for fastening wooden elements When constructing roofs, use galvanized ones. They have the highest tensile strength, which is why they are deservedly considered No. 1 in the professional construction world.

Often, rough nails are also called ring nails.

Rough nails have proven their reliability when used on wooden pallets, which, like the sheathing, is also a lattice structure.

Those who have had to deal with dismantling a board nailed with ring nails know that it is easier to make a hole in the board than to pull out a rough nail.

Later long years, fastening to rough nails will remain strong and reliable.

Length of nails for sheathing

The size of the nail needed to fasten the wooden sheathing depends on the thickness of the sheathing used.

• To attach a 20 mm thick sheathing, the nail length must be at least 60 mm;
• Lathing 25-30 mm thick - attached 70 mm;
• Sheathing thickness 40-50 mm - nail 90-100 mm;
• For 60 mm thickness - nail length = 120 mm.

It is worth emphasizing as a separate point that:

For roof sheathing, since this is a long-term structure, it is advisable to use nails galvanized grade.

Consumption of nails for sheathing

• Consumption of nails in wooden beam up to 50x50 mm in size, one nail per connection (so as not to split the wood).
• For lathing widths from 60 to 120 mm, you can use 2 nails per connection to the counter beam or rafter leg. You can alternate the number of nails along the sheathing according to the scheme 2-1-2-1-2-1-2...
• If more than wide board 130-200 mm - 2 nails per connection are required.
• And, if the board is already quite wide (more than 200 mm), use 3 nails per connection.

If there are no rough nails, they can be replaced with ones of similar length screw nails.

Screw nails, unlike simple construction nails, can withstand loads and wood drying processes much better.

This is a universal fastener that will help you repair a roof, hang a sofa, or hang a picture in place. And some especially hardworking owners manage to drive these products even into concrete. Therefore, we will not bore you with background stories for a long time and will simply tell you how to choose nails in order to make the task of installing them as easy as possible, to make the fasteners durable, and most importantly simple.

How to choose the right nails?

Many people say that fasteners created with nails will be unreliable, and that it is much better to use self-tapping screws. However, this is not the case. If you choose these fasteners correctly, they will give a head start to many modern methods fasteners

• Construction nails. Most frequent guest many designs. Used for fastening wooden parts. To improve the strength of the fastener, the rod has notches that improve adhesion to the material.
• Roofing. With this type of nails everything is simple; they are used for roofing if the structure underneath is made of wood. The shaft of such a nail will be larger than that of a construction nail, as well as the diameter of the head.
• Tolevye. This type of fastening elements is also used for roofing, but unlike the previous ones, its purpose is roofing felt, roofing felt. The relevance of using these particular nails is that they allow you to firmly secure the material to large areas and don't let it break.
• Slate nails. They look very similar to construction ones, but have a larger diameter cap, which is galvanized and reliably protected from corrosion. The same cap prevents moisture from getting inside the house, ideal for slate and wavy sheet materials roofs.
• Screw. Such nails are used for “capricious” types of wood that can shrink or swell. The nails have helical notches on the shaft, providing reliable adhesion to any wood, thanks to which the structure of the tree is not disturbed, and the strength of the fastener is maximum.
• Comb (ruffed). For super-strong adhesion to wood, it can be used to fasten elements together for centuries, and to pull out such a nail even after many years you will have to make a lot of effort; it will be easier to pull it out along with the rotten wood...
• Finishers. The name speaks for itself; most often these are decorative nails that are used for finishing cladding, fastening cornices, plastic, baseboards. The head allows you to completely recess the nail into the surface so as not to make snags.

To choose the right nail, you should also pay attention to the material from which it is made. Galvanized nails, brass, copper are protected from corrosion, the influence of humidity and aggressive environments; they are suitable for external structures. Black nails - for indoor work.

If you do housework, the need to hammer a nail will arise more than once. Although the task seems simple, there are also nuances to consider. Knowing which nail to choose for a certain type of job will help you cope with the repair.

How to determine the type of nail

First of all, find the option that suits your situation:
A construction nail with which you fasten the parts remains a common and affordable one. It is easy to distinguish by its large cap and notches located near it. The length of the product varies, so you will choose the one that suits you.
Roofing nails are distinguished by a large head and the presence of a thick rod. This is because they have to hold the slate sheets in place.
The roofing type must cope with fastening soft sheets. For this reason, the products have a wide cap, which will not break through the sensitive material. Their length varies, but the diameter of the upper part should remain large.
Slate models differ little from construction ones, but are equipped with a large head. The peculiarity is due to the fact that the product must not only hold the sheets, but also prevent the penetration of raindrops. To choose the length, you will have to take into account the type of slate: the size of the wave becomes the determining factor.
Screw nails are needed for those who work with wood. They are equipped with spiral-shaped projections to avoid fiber delamination. If you are going to fix the boards on the floor, using this product will make the task easier.
The rough type is used for reliable fastenings. The choice of length becomes an important factor, since it is not possible to replace the nail without difficulty. The models are equipped with a tooth-shaped profile, and it will not be possible to pull them out of the wood without damaging its fibers.
Products of the “needle” type are not equipped with caps. Use them to hold panels together.
Finishing nails should be inconspicuous, which affects the size of the heads. Although the length varies, the upper part remains small, and when working, it must be completely driven into the material.
Finishing types are often equipped with decorative heads.
If you are attaching drywall, regular nails will cause the material to fail. Use special products whose head is designed to suit the task. Since it is different in size, the pressure is low and cracking can be prevented.
Once you decide on the type, you will select the right solution.

How to choose nail length

To use a nail of the required length, make allowances for the tasks at hand. Consider the detail, because the product parameter should be 2.5-4 times greater than its width. Use another rule, according to which the nail should not be driven to its full length: 2/3 is enough to fix the parts. Such fastening will prevent the end from coming out on the other side of the board, because a sharp part will pose a danger. If it was not possible to choose the correct length, after completing the work, bend the nail using a hammer.

What material is suitable

Reliability is also ensured by the materials chosen for the nails. If you don't think about this feature and use it for external works models designed for internal fastenings will have to forget about durability. You have different options at your disposal:
Black steel will please you with its cheapness, but that’s where the advantages end. It cannot withstand contact with moisture, and the effects of rain will become destructive. Outdoors, nails can be used to build temporary structures since durability is not required.
For long-lasting results, take galvanized nails, since they are equipped with a protective coating. As a result, they are distinguished by their presentable appearance, and the quality is not satisfactory.
Brass and copper are necessary for those who are going to build a building in conditions high humidity. The advantages include reliability combined with appearance. Thanks to the shade, the product can be driven into wooden lining, without further work.
Find the nails that will be optimal for your case and you will be satisfied.
Thanks to the assortment, you will choose products suitable for your situation. Take into account the nuances, and a building fastened with nails will last for many years.

Construction nails are the most popular fasteners. To hang a picture, hang trim and baseboards, you need to know how to drive a nail correctly. Everywhere you look you see these little metal soldiers holding various parts. Not a single one will pass by them.

Construction nails, finishing nails, slate nails and many others

No matter how simple the fastening elements may seem at first glance, they have three components: a head, a tenon and an end; they come in a square section or in the form of a pyramidal cross. The body and head of the nail may have different sizes And various shapes. Variations of these parameters determine specific goals and the necessary installation equipment. In the Soviet Union, there was a GOST for construction nails No. 4028-63, which indicated the quantity in the package, their size and design. It is also currently used in production.

Purpose of nails and their basic configuration:

• Simple construction nail. Its length ranges from 12 to 250 mm, the cap is several times larger than the diameter of the iron rod. On the body of the fastener near the head there are transverse protruding notches that help it hold tighter in the material;
• Screw nail. It was named, as you may have guessed, by the type of rod, the outer surface of which is made in the shape of a spiral. The strength of the connection with the help of such a nail increases. Often these nails have a square cross-section. When swelling, these fasteners do not come out of the material on their own. A screw nail is practically a screw.
• Comb nail. Its body can be imagined in the form of truncated cones connected in series; from the side it has a jagged profile. Just like the previous copy, it has high connection strength. Such fasteners are used in the manufacture of Euro-pallets or similar structures that require a rigid bond and high strength;
• Finishing nail. It differs from a simple nail design in that it has a reduced head diameter - only 1.5 times the diameter of the shank. When installing structures, the cap is driven into the material, as a result of which the cap is practically invisible. Often in practice, simple construction nails, having first bitten off the cap from them. But such a “scheme” reduces the strength of the fastening, since the material will be held in place only by friction forces and without using the cap as a support;
• Tar paper nails- nails with a larger flat head. In construction it is used when installing roofs. They have huge caps, 5-7 times larger than the diameter of the body, which helps not to damage roofing material(roofing felt, roofing felt) and increases the pressing area. When using such nails, it is better to play it safe and place it under a rubber gasket. This will further increase the strength of the connection, reduce damage to the material and prevent the penetration of water;
• Slate nails. Essentially, the design of ordinary nails is the same, but they have a huge galvanized head and are attached to the main head of the nail, which prevents water from getting under the slate.

According to the shape of the head, all nails are divided into two types: with a non-concealed and a secret head. Hidden hat, of course, better, it sits flush in the material, creating smooth surface. If you drive a nail with a simple head, there may be noticeable structural disturbances in place of the material, that is, they will be visible, or, as in the case of an MDF board, it may even burst.

Galvanized and aluminum nails

The material used for nails can be very diverse. It all depends on the conditions and purposes of use of the nail. Buyers usually don't think about it when using it outside the house where the nails will rust. A rusty nail does not perform its main function. Therefore, it is better to choose simple construction nails made of galvanized or black steel.

Galvanized nails designed for use in buildings, they are less susceptible to corrosion, which prevents the dreaded rust stains on the material. “Dark” nails are recommended for installing temporary structures, as they will oxidize when interacting with moisture.

To solve rust problems, you can store the nails in oil or dip them before driving them in. into oil. Thanks to this, the nail will fit into the structure more easily and will not rust, and when driven into wood, the fibers will swell due to oil, which will lead to better fastening.

Brass nails. Such fastening material has high anti-corrosion properties and resists oxidation well in aggressive environments. Thanks to their unique color, they fit well against the background of wooden panels.

No matter how funny it may sound at first glance, there is also aluminum nails. Aluminum itself oxidizes surprisingly quickly, but the aluminum oxide obtained as a result of interaction with oxygen is very resistant to environment. It is not affected by water or acids. That is why aluminum nails, along with brass ones, are recommended to be used for exterior finishing buildings.

How to hammer a nail correctly?

Any man should be able to hammer a nail. Many people think that they need to hit the hat with a hammer and that’s it, but there are no less tricks in this matter than there are wisdom in oriental fairy tale. Here are a couple of tips that will be useful to every man:

• When fastening two materials, do not forget that the nail must enter the body of the lower part by 2/3 of its length. The same rule is used when driving nails into a wall. For installation hanging structures The nail needs to be driven in, slightly tilting its head towards the ceiling. This way, when loaded, the nail will stay better in the wall.
• If you are installing a wooden floor, then nails are driven straight into the first board, and into each subsequent one a little at an angle, deviating the head from the already nailed floorboard. Entering the tree, the nail will pull each subsequent board towards the previous one, reducing the gap between them. This rule applies to the installation of any structures.