Nails - big and small for all purposes

How to choose the right nail for your carpentry project

Here at Biltema we have a wide range of different nails, including brad nails, tack nails, clout nails, wire nails, anchor nails, etc. This means that you ‘will easily find the right kind of nail for both indoor and outdoor use.

When buying nails, the first question you should ask is what nail length you need. Fortunately, there is a good rule of thumb when hammering nails to wood. The nail should then be about 2.5 times as long as the thickness of the material to be attached. For example, if you attach a material that is 10 millimetres thick, you should choose a nail that is 25 millimetres long. Then the result will be durable and stable.

It is also important to choose the right type of nail for a good, lasting end result. When it comes to the right type of nail, there are nails for different purposes:

• Anchor nails should be used to attach building hardware when building a house, for example. This is to ensure that the nail is not pulled out in the first position.
• Convex head nails are a good choice when you want to nail in sheet metal. These types of nails are used when attaching window sills, metal door thresholds, and similar.
• Brad nails are best suited for skirtings and lining indoors.
• Clout nails are used for fastening roofing felt, etc.
• Wire nails are often used to fasten outdoor panels and beams.

Frequently asked questions about nails

What nail should be used for lining?

For nailing in lining at doors or windows, you should use brads.

How long should a nail be?

A good rule of thumb is that the length of the nail should be at least 2.5 times the thickness of the object.