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

Aluminium Clout Nail 30 x 2.65mm - 1kg Bag

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

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 75x3.75mm 2.5kg

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

Paslode Galvanised Smooth Framing Nails Fuel Pack 90 x 3.1mm for IM350

Paslode 300271 Angled Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 38mm Galvanised

Sheradized Square Twist Nails 30 X 3.75mm 2.5kg

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

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

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

Timco 30 x 3.75 Square Twist Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Timco 30 x 3.75 Square Twist Nail Galvanised 1kg

Timco 65 x 3.35 Round Wire Nail Galvanised 2.5kg

Diall Round wire nail (L)100mm (Dia)4.5mm 1kg

Diall Oval nail (L)50mm, Pack

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

Round Wire Nails - 50 x 2.65mm - 500g

Round Wire Nails - 65 x 3.35mm - 500g

Round Wire Nails - 75 x 3.75mm - 500g

Paslode 921588 Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 32mm Galvanised

Diall Upholstery nail (L)12mm, Pack of 50

Buildbase 500g Round Wire Nails 40x2.36mm

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

OJ Alum Clout Nail 38x3.35mm Bag 1kg

OJ Alum Clout Nail 65x3.35mm Bag 1kg

OJ Unifix 1kg Galv Clout Nail 50x2.65 Pouch

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

Buildbase Galvanized ELH Clout Nails 13x3.0mm 500g

OJ Unifix 1kg Galv Round Wire Nail 50x2.65 Pouch

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

OJ Unifix 1kg Galv Square Twist Nail 40x3.75 Pouch

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

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

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