Table 1 - Nail Sizes (Common Nails)
| Nail Size | Shank Diameter | Shank Length | Head Diameter | |
| 12d nails | 9 | 0.148 | 3.25" | 5/16" |
| 16d nails | 8 | 0.165 | 3.5" | 11/32" |
| 20d nails | 6 | 0.203 | 4" | 13/32" |
| 30d nails | 5 | 0.22 | 4.5" | 7/16" |
| Nail Size | Shank Diameter | |
|---|---|---|
| 8d nails | 10 | 0.134 |
| 10d nails | 9 | 0.148 |
| 12d nails | 9 | 0.148 |
| 16d nails | 8 | 0.165 |
How many 16D common nails in a pound?
4 rows · Jan 16, 2020 · For years, the building code defined a 10d common nail as 0.148 inches in diameter and 3 ...
What is the shear strength of a 16D nail?
Feb 27, 2020 · Nail Measurement Guide: 2d to 16d 12d nails are 3.25 inches long and 16d nails (16 penny) ...
What is the size of a 16D nail?
Apr 07, 2022 · Nail Measurement Guide: 2d to 16d 12d nails are 3.25 inches long and 16d nails (16 penny) are 3.5 inches long. Secondly, what is the size of a 10d nail? For years, the building code defined a 10d common nail as 0.148 inches in diameter and 3 inches long, and that definition occurred in one location in the code.
What does 16D nail mean?
Aug 12, 2020 · 16d sinker nails = 3-1/4″ x 0.148″ diameter, the physical sizes are close to that of 16d common nails, but the top of the sinker nails has a pattern or coating, which provides a nonslip surface for the hammer surface to help drive the nails. 16d short nails = 3-1/4″ x 0.131″ diameter, not recommended for most framing applications
What is a 16 penny nail?
Nails are measured in pennies, believed to be from older times when nails were sold by the penny. At the time, the abbreviation for pennies was d, so nail sizes are described as 2d nails, 3d nails, etc. So a 16 penny nail is also described as a 16d nail, and 8 penny nails are abbreviated as 8 d nails. Pennyweight does not correspond exactly ...
Why do you coat nails?
Some nails are coated, such as sinker nails, to increase pullout resistance. Concrete coatings applied to nail shanks are intended to roughen up the shank surface for a better bite on wood. Vinyl coatings on nails are intended to melt upon driving and then reharden to improve the nail shank adhesion to the wood.
What is a 16D nail?
So a 16 penny nail is also described as a 16d nail, and 8 penny nails are abbreviated as 8 d nails. Pennyweight does not correspond exactly to nail weight, gauge, or other measurements, however; for example common 10d nails are 3" long with a 5/16" head diameter and a 9 gauge shank. Though still in common use, the penny system is considered ...
What is the best nail material for exterior use?
Nail material varies from bright steel for indoor use to electro-galvanized or zinc-dipped coated for exterior applications. Stainless steel is used as well where nails may be visible such as for hanging natural siding. Other special materials, such as copper, are available for unusual applications.
What are nails used for?
Nails are used in a variety of construction tasks, for box making, furniture building, etc. Though not as tightly defined as machine screws and nuts which must mate with one another, nails are standardized to some degree, particularly those used for structural purposes.
Is the penny system obsolete?
Though still in common use, the penny system is considered obsolete, and some international vendors do not use it. The shank diameter and length refer to the shaft part of the nail, called the shank, which is driven into the surface. The head is, of course, the top portion struck to drive the nail into the material.
What is a 16D nail?
A 16d nail is one that’s 3-1/2-inches long. But what the heck does the “d” stand for? After all, it’s used to describe the length of finish, box, common and other nails. One explanation is that the “d” hearkens back to the era when Romans ruled England and the monetary unit was the denarius (which had the same value as an English penny.) ...
How to calculate 4D nails?
Divide the “d” number by four, then add 1/2 inch to arrive at the actual nail length. To determine the length of a 4d nail, divide by four (that gives you 1) then add the 1/2 inch. Bingo, your 4d nail is 1-1/2-inches long. This formula works for nails up to 10d in length—after that it no longer works and you’re on your own.
Nail Size And Guage Charts
Using proper nails to construct a building’s frame is of paramount importance as if you don’t do this you could end up with a flimsy frame that’s bound to fail.
12d Or 16d Nails For Framing? Use 16d Nails
When deciding between using 12d or 16d nails for framing, you want to make sure your structure is as strong as possible. Since creating a frame is work that requires a lot of precision, 16d nails are required.
12d or 16d Nails For Framing: Deciding Which Nails to Use
16d nails are ideal, but when it comes to choosing the right nails, there’s a lot more to consider than just length and width. After all, you want to get the best results, and to ensure you get these you’ll need to make proper nail selection a priority.
Other Nail Sizes Besides 12d or 16d Nails For Framing
16d nails are definitely used for the majority of framing projects, but this doesn’t mean these are the only nails one can use for framing. Provided you take the already-discussed points about splitting and sturdiness into account, you can use other nails for framing, including 10d nails, 8d nails, and 6d nails.
Why You Should Avoid 12d Or 16d Box Nails For Framing
Of course, you could use 16d box nails for framing, and some contractors also will try to get away with 12 box nails. But this is not recommended, mainly because box nails are not as thick as 16d commons or sinkers. Because these nails lack the thickness that the other nails have, they can’t support a heavy structural load.
Specific Kinds of Framing and the Nails That Are Best
16d commons, sinkers, and box nails have all been briefly discussed so far, and that’s because these nails, with the exception of the 16d box nails, can be used to construct the frame of a building. But what kinds of 16d nails should be used for smaller construction jobs?
Related Questions
Since many construction projects require nails, and since there are different nails out there these days, DIYers, as well as professional contractors, often have a lot of questions about nails. How nails should be used, which nails are best for specific applications, and where to get nails are some common questions.
What Are Nails and Screws and The Difference Between Screws and Nails
Nails and screws are two of the most common fasteners used for board applications. CNC machining can create fasteners in different forms, and the designed specifications come to be the exact product. A nail and a screw differ in the shank. While the latter has threads, the former is smooth.
Nail sizes and gauges explained – nail length, diameter, and more
What does the penny size of a nail mean? Penny system; originated in England, is a special classification of nail sizes. The nail sizes on this system was originally named after the value of 100 nails of a given size. The penny is symbolized by the “d”. For example, 16 penny nail will be referred to as 16d.
Nail Size Chart (nail gauge size chart)
Whether you are wondering about the size of a 16D nail or thinking about which to choose between a 16 or 15 gauge finish nail, it is important to look at a complete nail size breakdown. Check out the common nail sizes below in this nail length chart. Please note that nails that are 6 inches and longer are typically referred to as spikes.
Why are 16d Nails the Right Size for Framing?
Framing is high-precision work. It provides structural integrity to houses and any wood-frame structures. Therefore, a strong support structure is essential for completing your building project.
How to Choose the Best Nails
Choosing the proper nails goes beyond getting the right length and width. You need to ensure your nail selection is set to get you a strong structure to get the best result. In addition, you’ll need to check specific factors such as application, type of nail, and the strength of the nails.
Are 16d Box Nails Suitable for Framing?
Builders routinely use 16d box nails for framing. 16d box nails are used in framing nail guns and don’t need as thick of a shank. Box nails are a category of 16d nails made initially to reduce the likelihood of wood splitting.
What Nail Size for Framing with a Nail Gun
Construction is all about efficiency. Therefore, most construction workers will choose a nail gun over hand hammering. However, there’s a different set of rules when using a nail gun versus hand hammering.
Tips for Choosing and Using Nails for Framing
Overdriving nails is common at worksites. Bent nails are also common, especially using a hammer instead of a nail gun. Although the American Plywood Association says there’s no reduction in strength for nails overdriven by one-sixteenth or less, you can add one nail for every two overdriven nails.
Conclusion
Precision in framing is the difference between neat outcomes and costly mistakes. Now that you know the ins and outs of nail sizes, you can make easy choices at your next hardware store run for nails.
