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What is the difference between common nails, spiral nails and box nail - FASTO

Common Nails

Design: They have a flat, circular head and a smooth, cylindrical shank.

Strength: Made from hard steel, they are strong and provide good holding power.

Applications: Used for general-purpose fastening, especially in framing and other structural work where strength is important.

Risk of Splitting: Due to their larger diameter, they can split thinner or more delicate woods if not used carefully.

Penetration: Good penetration into wood, but may require pre-drilling in harder woods to prevent splitting.

Spiral Nails (Screw-Shank Nails)

Design: The shank has a spiral or helical twist, similar to a screw, with a flat head.

Holding Power: The spiral design increases the surface area in contact with the wood, providing excellent resistance to withdrawal and better grip.

Applications: Ideal for applications where additional holding power is needed, such as subflooring, decking, and outdoor projects where the material might expand and contract.

Harder to Remove: Harder to remove than common or box nails because the spirals dig into the wood, which can be an advantage for permanent installations.

Installation: May require more effort to drive in due to the cutting action of the spiral, but once driven, they offer superior hold.

Box Nails

Design: Similar to common nails but with a smaller shank diameter and a slightly smaller, lighter head.

Material and Strength: Typically made from softer, thinner steel, making them easier to drive but also more prone to bending.

Applications: Used for lighter-duty applications, such as attaching thin wood, sheathing, siding, or trim, and in the assembly of crates and boxes. They are less likely to split thin or softwoods.

Risk of Splitting: Lower risk of splitting compared to common nails, making them a better choice for delicate materials.

Penetration: Good for penetrating thin or soft materials, but they don't have the same level of grip as common nails in dense or hard materials.

In summary, common Nails are best for heavy-duty, structural work. Spiral Nails are used when you need extra holding power and resistance to withdrawal. Box Nails are suited for lighter applications and when minimizing the risk of splitting is important. Choosing the right type of nail depends on the specific requirements of your project, including the material being worked with, the desired holding power, and whether the fasteners will be exposed to environmental conditions that could affect the wood.