What is a wire nail?
A wire nail is the most commonly used type of nail in construction: a steel nail with a smooth, cylindrical shank, a flat head and a sharp point. The name refers to the production process — wire nails are made from steel wire. They are available in dozens of lengths and diameters for every purpose in timber construction.
Dimensions
Wire nails are designated in millimetres (length × diameter):
| Designation | Length | Diameter | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 × 50 | 50 mm | 2.5 mm | Cladding, battens |
| 3.1 × 80 | 80 mm | 3.1 mm | Roof decking, floors |
| 3.8 × 100 | 100 mm | 3.8 mm | Joist connections, heavy carpentry |
| 4.2 × 125 | 125 mm | 4.2 mm | Heavy structures, roof trusses |
Types of wire nails
- Bright (untreated) — for dry, interior use
- Galvanised — for outdoor or damp environments
- Stainless steel — for hardwood or aggressive climates (coastal)
- Ringed or twisted — nails with ribs or a spiral for extra withdrawal resistance (roof boards, decking)
Wire nail vs. screw
| Wire nail | Screw | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation speed | Fast (hammer/nail gun) | Slower |
| Withdrawal strength | Lower (can work loose) | High |
| Removability | Difficult | Easy |
| Splitting risk | Higher (thick timber) | Lower |
| Cost | Low | Higher |
When to use a wire nail, when to use a screw?
- Wire nail: structural timber where speed matters (roof rafters, scaffold boards, formwork)
- Screw: visible timber, hardwood, components that need to be removable later
Nail gun
For large quantities of wire nails, a pneumatic or gas-powered nail gun is ideal. Purchased in strips or coils of 50-200 nails.
Related terms
- Timber frame construction
- Sub-frame
- Tile batten
- Batten
- Fixings