Don’t Drive NAILS/SCREWS Straight In…TRY THIS INSTEAD!

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There are a lot of ways to fasten two pieces of wood together. Nails and screws are the most common, but there is a right way and a wrong way to use them. Driving nails or screws straight in can cause them to split the wood, or even go all the way through. In this blog post, we will show you how to avoid this by using carpenter nails and screws instead!

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What Are Carpenter Nails?

Carpenter nails are nails that are specifically designed for use in carpentry. They have a large, flat head and a thick shank, which makes them ideal for driving into wood. Carpenter screws are similar to carpenter nails, but they have a Phillips or slotted head instead of a flat head.

When driving carpenter nails or screws into wood, it is important to start the hole with a pilot hole. This will help to prevent the wood from splitting. To make a pilot hole, simply use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the nail or screw.


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What Nails Are Used For Wood?

There are different types of nails that can be used for woodworking projects. The most common type is the carpenter nail, which is a thin and sharp nail that has a large head on it. Carpenter nails are usually used for framing or joining pieces of wood together. Another type of nail that can be used for woodworking is the finish nail. Finish nails are thicker than carpenter nails and have a smaller head. They are usually used for attaching trim or molding to wood surfaces.

The type of screw that is most commonly used for woodworking projects is the Phillips head screw. Phillips head screws have a cross-shaped recess in the top of the screwdriver slot that allows the screwdriver to grip the screw head tightly. This prevents the screw from slipping out of the screwdriver slot and makes it easier to turn the screwdriver.

When driving nails or screws into wood, you should always use a hammer or a screwdriver, depending on what type of fastener you are using. You should never try to drive a nail or screw straight in with your hand. This can cause the wood to split, and the fastener may not be secure. Instead, you should use a hammer or screwdriver to gently tap the nail or screw into place at a 10 to 15 degree angle. Once it is in position, you can then give it a harder blow with the hammer or turn the screwdriver to drive it the rest of the way in.

Why Do Builders Use Galvanized Nails?

Galvanized nails are coated in zinc to protect them from corrosion. This is especially important when working with treated lumber, as the chemicals used to treat the wood can corrode unprotected steel nails and screws.

Galvanizing also makes the nails less likely to rust, even if they’re exposed to moisture over time. This can be important in outdoor projects or any time you’re using lumber that might be exposed to the elements.

So if you’re working with treated lumber or planning an outdoor project, galvanized nails are the way to go.


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What Are Brad Nails?

Brad nails are thin, flat-headed nails that are used for finish work and light carpentry projects. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and have a sharp point that helps them to penetrate wood easily. Brad nails are available in different lengths, but the most common size is 18 gauge.

Brad nails are not as strong as other nails, so they should not be used for heavier projects. However, they can be a good choice for light duty tasks such as attaching molding or small pieces of trim.

What Are Carpenter Screws?

Carpenter screws are specialized fasteners that are designed for use in woodworking applications. These screws are typically made from hardened steel and feature sharp, tapered threads that allow them to bite into wood quickly and easily.

Carpenter screws also usually have large, flat heads that make it easy to drive them into wood without stripping the head or damaging the surrounding material.

While carpenter screws are an essential tool for any woodworker, they can be tricky to use if you don’t know the proper techniques. In particular, it’s important that you don’t drive these screws straight in without first drilling a pilot hole. Doing so can strip the head of the screw or cause the wood to split, which can ruin your project.

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What Are The 2 Common Types Of Screws Used In Woodworking?

Carpenter screws and wood screws are the two most common types of screws used in woodworking. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks that make them better or worse for certain applications.

Carpenter screws are designed for use in softwoods, while wood screws are meant for harder woods. Carpenter screws have a tapered shaft that allows them to be driven into wood more easily, while wood screws have a fluted shaft that helps them grip the wood better.

Carpenter screws also have a larger head than wood screws, which makes them less likely to pull out of the wood. However, this also means that they require a bigger hole to be drilled, which can weaken the wood.

Wood screws, on the other hand, have a smaller head but a sharper point. This makes them more likely to pull out of the wood, but they can be driven into thinner pieces of wood without splitting them.

Are Construction Screws The Same As Wood Screws?

Construction screws are designed to be used in heavier materials like metal, masonry and wood. They have a hexagonal drive head which is less likely to strip than Phillips or slotted heads. Wood screws are specially designed for use in wood and have a pointed end and a slotted drive head.

Construction screws can be used in place of wood screws in most applications, but they will be harder to drive in and are not as aesthetically pleasing.

Wood screws should be used when joining two pieces of wood together or when working with softer materials.

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