Tacks

Tacks are small, sharp-pointed fasteners designed for quick, secure attachment of fabrics, leather, paper, and thin trim to wood, fiberboard, and cork. They shine in upholstery, craft projects, light carpentry, picture framing, carpet installation, and office pinning, offering low-profile holding power and clean, tidy finishes. Many styles double as decorative accents, giving you both function and flair.

Common types include:
- Upholstery tacks: domed or ornamental heads for chairs, sofas, and panels.
- Carpet tacks: often serrated to resist pull-out on tack strips and stair runners.
- Cut tacks: square shanks that bite into wood, great for trim and boot/shoe work.
- Thumbtacks and drawing pins: wide heads for bulletin boards, maps, and presentations.
- Decorative tacks and escutcheon pins: add visual detail to cases, trunks, and leatherwork.

Materials and finishes matter. Choose steel (bright, blued, or galvanized) for general use, brass tacks for classic looks and corrosion resistance, copper or stainless steel tacks for marine and outdoor exposure, and nickel, black, or antique-bronze finishes to match hardware. Head shapes range from low-profile flat to oversized decorative domes for accent lines.

Selection tips for better results:
- Pick a length about 2–3 times the thickness of the top material.
- Use barbed or cut shanks for hardwoods and high-stress spots.
- Pre-punch with an awl to prevent splitting and improve accuracy.
- Start small tacks with a magnetic tack hammer; finish with light, controlled taps.
- Space evenly for consistent tension on fabric and trim; remove with a tack lifter to protect surfaces.

Care and safety are simple: store by size and type in compartment boxes, keep sharp points away from children and pets, and wear eye protection. For staining or finishing, test a sample to ensure the tack’s finish does not react with tannin-rich woods. From upholstery tacks to drawing pins, these small fasteners save time, enhance detail, and deliver reliable hold across workshops, job sites, classrooms, and craft rooms.