Nail

A nail is a small metal spike with a broad flat head, driven into wood to join things together. It is one of the most fundamental fasteners in construction.

Description of what it is like

Nails are typically made of metal (Iron or Steel). They have a sharp point at one end, a slender shank, and a flattened head at the other. The shank may be smooth or have ridges (rings or spirals) to increase holding power.

Origin and where to find it

Nails are manufactured products.

• Hand-forged nails: Made by heating an iron rod in a Forge and hammering it into shape. Identify them by their square shank and irregular head.
• Cut nails: Sheared from a metal plate. Rectangular in cross-section.
• Wire nails: Made from coil wire. Round in cross-section. The most common modern type.

Minimum processing required

1. Mining & Smelting: Obtain the metal (Iron, Copper).
2. Forming:
   • Forging: Heat the rod, taper the point, cut to length, and upset the end to form the head.
   • Wire Drawing: Draw metal through dies to create wire, then cut and head it by machine.

Tools needed to work on it

• Hammer: Essential for driving nails.
• Pliers: For removing or bending nails.
• Forge & Anvil: For making nails manually.

Common forms of use

• Framing: Joining 2x4s and structural members.
• Sheathing: Attaching plywood or boards to the frame.
• Finishing: Small nails with minimal heads for trim work.
• Roofing: Large-headed nails for securing shingles or felt.

Possible substitutes

• Wooden Pegs (Treenails): Traditional method for timber framing. Requires drilling holes.
• Lashing: Using Rope or cordage to bind members together.
• Screws: Provide better holding power but are harder to make/install without modern tools.
• Glue: For smaller joints or in combination with other fasteners.

Limitations and common failures

• Rust: Iron nails rust quickly in damp conditions. Use galvanized or stainless steel for exterior use.
• Splitting: Driving a large nail into thin wood can split the grain. Blunting the point helps reduce this.
• Withdrawal: Nails can pull out over time due to wood movement (expansion/contraction).
• Shear: Nails are strong in shear (sideways force) but weak in tension (pulling out).

Risks and safety

• Tetanus: Rusty nails can cause puncture wounds that are prone to infection.
• Eye Injury: Nails can fly or chip when struck.
• Hammer Blows: Risk of hitting fingers.

Related inventions

• Hammer
• Frame
• Forge
• Wire

Related materials

• Iron
• Steel
• Wood