Nails are a vital element in the construction and furniture industry. Considering its role in determining service life and safety, of course we must choose nails that have reliable quality.
Nails that have a low quality can also hinder work, because they can easily break and bend when used.
The use of nails by humans has been used since the time of the Roman Empire. At that time some of the nails were still made of wood.
Then the Industrial revolution in America has made it possible to manufacture nails from metal materials and their expensive manufacture has made the price more affordable.
Now many local producers are able to produce nails in large quantities, but it is difficult for us to know which nails have the best quality. For that on this occasion we will try to review some tips on how to choose quality nails.
Here are some tips on how to choose a quality nail for you.
1. Take a Test
Try buying a few different brands of nails, then hit with a hammer with the same strength. A good quality hammer will be more impact resistant than a low quality nail.
On the other hand, nails with poor quality will break and bend more easily in a few strokes.
2. Pay Attention to the Physical Characteristics
When viewed physically, a good quality nail has a precision round shape, not oval or flat. Nails that are not smooth could be due to sellers who sell nails that have been used. In addition, a new nail will have a straight stem and not bend.
Then it doesn’t rust, new nails don’t rust, smooth, and shiny. Rust on nails can reduce their service life and jeopardize your safety.
There are many different types of nails, which come in a variety of different lengths and diameters. Therefore, make sure you choose nails that have a length and diameter according to general specifications.
3. More Quality Product Packing
A product that has the best packaging can also determine the quality of the nails in it. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics, but good packaging also prevents leaks that can lead to oxidation that leads to rust.
4. Understand Nail Design
Nails have three main parts, the nail head, the nail shaft, and the pointed end of the nail. Each nail has a different design that is adapted to its function.
- Nail Tip
The diamond-shaped tip of the nail is designed for general use and makes the nail easier to penetrate. The diamond-shaped pointed tip helps minimize separation of the materials you are combining.
The blunt tip of the nail makes it more difficult for the nail to penetrate but is less likely to cut through objects.
- Nail Head
Nails with round heads are often used for general purpose fastening and construction. The round head allows good contact with the hammer, but is rougher than other types.
The nail head is round and relatively large, making nail penetration easier and receiving a larger hammer force
- Nail Body
The smooth body is easy to penetrate but is easily pulled if there is a pulling force. Grooved body is not easy to pull back but also difficult to penetrate.
5. Choose According to the Workload
Choosing the right nails for a job can make a huge difference in strength and appearance. For maximum durability, the length of the nail should be ideal for the thickness of the material it will penetrate.
When there is no need to hide nail heads, or when maximum durability is required, dowels are the best choice. They have a flat head and medium diameter.
If the nails are temporary and will be removed again, as is the case with formwork, double-headed or duplex nails are the best options.
For finishing or finishing work, when the nail head must be hidden under the surface of the material and covered with putty. Upholstery nails are the perfect nail because they have a small head and short body and are easy to hide with putty.
To nail the roof like asbestos, you can use tacks that have a large head tip and are added with rubber underneath so that no water seeps under it. In addition, choose one that has been galvanized so that it can prevent rust.
- Framing Furniture
As with ordinary nails, frame nails are used to frame craft projects. You will often find these structured for use in framing nailers. This type of nail has a smooth surface, with a head shape resembling a ring or spiral.
- Deck Nails
Deck nails often have a box head for better contact with the hammer, have a smaller diameter shaft to minimize separation.
These nails usually have spiral grooves to help hold the nail in place. The deck nails have a corrosion resistant coating that allows them to be used outdoors.
- Roof Nails
Usually made of aluminum or have a coating that can protect against corrosion. Some feature gaskets or rubbers are located under the head to create an anti-seepage seal. Roof nails have a larger head than the trunk.
- Floor Nails
Floor nails include nails designed to be used in pneumatic nails to install certain types of hardwood floors. It has a short spiral head for securing floor trim and a longer body for reaching underlays or subflooring.