Question 1

1. What are the most common types of nails used in UK construction?

Accepted Answer

Common types include round wire nails for general timber fixing, lost head nails for second-fix joinery, and oval nails for reduced wood splitting. Masonry nails and express nails are used for fixing timber to brick or concrete. Galvanised nails are preferred for outdoor work, while stainless steel is used in coastal or damp conditions. Collated nails are standard for nail gun applications in framing and roofing.

Question 2

2. How do I choose the right size nail for a job?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb is to use a nail that’s three times the thickness of the top material being fixed. This gives enough grip without splitting the substrate. For example, when nailing 18mm timber cladding, aim for nails around 50–60mm. Always consider the wood type and grain direction: dense hardwoods may split if nails are too long or driven too close to edges.

Question 3

3. What’s the difference between galvanised and stainless-steel nails?

Accepted Answer

Galvanised nails are coated in zinc to resist rust, making them suitable for general outside use like fencing or roofing. Stainless steel nails offer better corrosion resistance and are recommended in environments exposed to moisture, like coastal areas or wet zones. They’re also less prone to staining the wood.

Question 4

4. Do nails need to be removed before demolition or remodelling?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the project scope. For full demolition, leaving nails in place is usually fine unless they create a hazard during handling. In remodelling, it’s best to remove visible or protruding nails to avoid damaging new materials, tools, or fasteners. Leaving old nails can also get in the way of alignment and fixings during reassembly.

Question 5

5. How do I fill a nail hole in wood?

Accepted Answer

Clean the nail hole of dust and loose fibres first. Use a wood filler that matches the timber’s colour and apply it with a putty knife, pressing it firmly into the hole. Allow it to dry fully as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Once hardened, sand it flush with the surface. For visible areas, consider staining or painting after sanding to blend the repair with the surrounding wood.

Nails for construction projects

Galvanised Clout Nail 2.65 x 30mm (500g/Bag)

Oval Brad Head Nails Bright 25mm 500g

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 75x3.75mm 2.5kg

Copper Clout Slate Nail 3.35 x 50mm 1kg Bag

Timco 30 x 3.75 Square Twist Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Timco 30 x 3.75 Square Twist Nail Galvanised 1kg

Diall Galvanised Round wire nail (L)70mm (Dia)3mm 1kg

Copper Clout Nails 2.65 x 30mm (1kg/Pack)

Aluminium Clout Nail 30 x 2.65mm - 1kg Bag

OJ 1KG Pouchbag Bright Round Wire Nail 40X2.65

OJ 1KG Pouchbag Galvanised Round Wire Nail 125X5.60

OJ Copper Clout Nail 38x2.65mm Bag 1kg

OJ Galvanised Round Wire Nails - 65x2.65mm 25kg

Oval Brad Head Nails Bright 50mm 2.5kg

Panel Pins Bright 50x2mm 500g

Round Wire Nails Bright 75mm 500g

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 100mm 2.5kg

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 100mm 500g

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 150x6mm 2.5kg

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 40mm 500g

Clout Nails Galvanised 2.65x65mm 2.5kg

Clout Nails 38 x 3.35mm 1kg Copper

DeWalt Galvanised Angled Finish Nails 16ga x 63mm 2500 Pack

Timco 40 x 3.75 Square Twist Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Timco 75 x 3.75 Round Wire Nail Bright 2.5kg

Timco 65 x 3.35 Round Wire Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Fischer 16G Galvanised Angled Brad Nails 51mm

Galvanised Clout Nail 2.65 x 40mm Bag (500g/Bag)

Timco Clout Nails, Galvanised, 30 x 2.65, 1kg

FirmaHold Collated Galvanised 16 Gauge Angled Brad Nails Pack of 2000 - 32mm

FirmaHold Collated Galvanised 16 Gauge Angled Brad Nails Pack of 2000 - 38mm

FirmaHold Collated Galvanised 16 Gauge Angled Brad Nails Pack of 2000 - 45mm

FirmaHold Collated Galvanised 16 Gauge Angled Brad Nails Pack of 2000 - 50mm

FirmaHold Collated Galvanised 16 Gauge Angled Brad Nails Pack of 2000 - 64mm

Buildbase Galvanized ELH Clout Nails 20x3.0mm 500g

Round Wire Nails - 75 x 3.75mm - 500g

OJ Unifix 1kg Galv Round Wire Nail 65x2.65 Pouch

OJ Copper Clout Nails 38x3.35mm 5kg Tub

OJ JCP AMNH075 Masonry Nails - Heavy Shank - 75x3.5mm 100pk

OJ JCP AMNL030 Masonry Nails - Light Shank - 30x2.5mm 100pk