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

Paslode 921587 Galvanised Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 25mm

Paslode 921588 Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 32mm Galvanised

Paslode 300271 Angled Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 38mm Galvanised

Lost Head Nails Bright Finish / 2.36mm x 40mm (10 x 500g Bags)

Clout Nails Galvanised 2.65x65mm 2.5kg

Aluminium Clout Nail 30 x 2.65mm - 1kg Bag

65mm Fascia Board Fixing Nails/Pins (Black Ash) - Pack of 100

Arrow T50 Series Staples 10mm

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

Round Wire Nails Galvanised 75x3.75mm 2.5kg

Round Wire Nails 65 x 2.65mm Galvanised

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

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

Round Wire Nails - 75 x 3.75mm - 500g

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

Paslode 38mm Galvanised Angled Brads & Fuel Pack of 2000

Round Head Nails Bright / 3.35mm x 65mm (4 x 2.5Kg Bags)

Sheradized Square Twist Nails 30 X 3.75mm 2.5kg

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

Clout Nails Galvanised 30x2.65mm 2.5kg

Clout Nails Galvanised 40x3.35mm 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

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

Paslode 300272 F16 45mm Angled Galv Brad/Fuel 2000No

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

Fischer 16G Galvanised 32mm Angled Brad Nails BX 2000 (No Gas)

Paslode 921591 Brad Fuel Pack F16 x 50mm Galvanised

65mm Fascia Board Fixing Nails/Pins (White) - Pack of 100

50mm Fascia Board Fixing Nails/Pins (White) - Pack of 100

Lost Head Nails Bright Finish / 3mm x 50mm (4 x 2.5Kg Bags)