Nails

Nails are the go-to fasteners for framing, roofing, trim, fencing, decking, flooring, and general carpentry. Choosing the right construction nail improves strength, speed, and finish quality while reducing callbacks. Start with material and coating: bright steel suits dry interior work; electro-galvanized and hot-dip galvanized nails fight rust outdoors; stainless steel nails prevent staining in cedar, redwood, and coastal projects. For grip, smooth shank nails drive fast, ring shank and spiral shank boost pull-out resistance in decking, siding, and sheathing. Common head styles include common and box for framing, finish and casing for trim, roofing for shingles, and duplex for temporary formwork.

Match length and diameter to the job. A practical rule is to penetrate the base material by at least 1½ inches or about 2.5–3× the thickness of the top piece. Heavier diameters increase shear strength; lighter gauges reduce splitting in delicate stock. For structural connectors, use manufacturer-specified joist hanger nails and diameters to meet code.

If you use a nail gun, look for collated nails that fit your tool: 15-gauge and 16-gauge finish nails for trim, 18-gauge brads for light molding, and 23-gauge pins for delicate joinery. Framing nailers take clipped-head or full-round-head nails collated at 15°, 21°, 28°, or 30°–34°; match the angle and collation type (paper, plastic, or wire) to your nailer. Roofing nailers call for short, wide-head nails; siding nailers often favor ring shanks and corrosion-resistant coatings.

Specialty fasteners expand your options: masonry nails for concrete and block, cut nails for restoration work, flooring cleats and staples for hardwood installation, and capped nails for housewrap. Stocking bulk nails or contractor packs saves money and time on site. With the right nail size, shank, head, and finish, you’ll get cleaner installs, tighter holds, and longer-lasting results, whether you’re framing a wall, hanging doors, repairing a fence, or building a deck. Explore our range of nails to buy online and keep your projects moving.