Nails

Whilst it may seem like one nail is as good to use as any other, the truth is that each type has a very particular application. They are created from a spectrum of different materials, each with distinct characteristics - each type of nail is designed with a certain use/material in mind; hence why it is so critical to choose the right one.

They are offered in a variety of sizes and may be driven with a hammer or a specialised nail gun. Nail length can be represented by inches or by the penny method, which is shortened using a 'D'.

A nail is comprised of 3 fundamental parts: a tip that punches into the material, a shank or shaft that keeps the materials together and provides most of the strength and retaining power, and a head that permits you to insert the fastener and inhibits it from tearing through the material.

Head: The nail heads’ extraction resistance is determined by whether it is flat, tapered, or recessed, and whether it has a smooth or ridged surface

Shank: The nail shanks can be round, square, grooved, or oval, with a varying diameter that influences their sturdiness: the larger the diameter, the stronger the bonding

Point: The nail point could be diamond-shaped, diamond-shaped with an angled cut, rounded, chisel-shaped, or cut, depending on the material

1. Choose your nail
2. Ensure you are choosing the right hammer for the job
3. Fix your components in position
4. Mark where you intend to nail
5. Pre-drill if you need to
6. Use a hammer to secure it

1. Ensure you are choosing the right nail puller or claw hammer for the job
2. Pull upwards on the screw, you may wiggle it side to side to ease it out
3. You should be able to take the nail out by hand once it has been loosened
4. Bear in mind that removing nails may result in unstable components

1. Hit the nail’s head with a hammer to dislodge the rust. Afterwards, add a lubricant or rust penetrant, and try to remove the nail immediately.
2. Apply concentrated heat to the nail head to expand it, then immediately cool it with water to compress it, breaking the rust's connection and enabling it to fracture away. It may take several tries to complete, and heat should be used only if the material enclosing the nail, is non-flammable.