Replies

1. 
   torn | May 06, 2006 04:55pm | #1

   The whole "d" naming convention is left over from days of yore, when it had to do with the number of nails sold for a pence. For example, 100 nails that sold for 16 pence would be 16d nails. 100 nails that sold for 4 pence would be 4d nails.

   Now, 16d is a common framing nail. Smaller sizes are used for joist hangers, other framing (door and window installation), etc. Finish nails are offered in the same sizes (although I don't know that I've ever seen a 16d finish nail), but have smaller heads to make them easier to counterset and hide. Box nails are the same length as their common and finish cousins, and have full size heads, but the wire guage is thinner.

1. 
   basswood | May 07, 2006 04:13am | #4

   "I don't know that I've ever seen a 16d finish nail"I used to use 16d galv finish nails to nail casings of entry doors with brick molding to the framing. Now I use GRK trim head screws for that.

2. 
   philarenewal | May 06, 2006 05:11pm | #2

   Since I hope you're mostly using gun nails, at least here most of the codes specify the old "d" way, and gun nails are sold length and diameter.  Have to convert between the two here (US) as well.

   Here's a chart of length and wire gauge, and length and diameter:

   http://www.engineersedge.com/nail_size_chart.htm

   http://www.ci.corona.ca.us/docs/1159.pdf

   One other thing that can get confusing is a lot of time hanger nails are specified by the diameter rather than length using the "d".  So you can see a spec that calls for, for example, 16d nails 2 1/2" in length.

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

1. 
   Damien Stokholm | May 07, 2006 02:06am | #3

   Are plywood nails the same as box nails? Are these the smaller shank size? What about ardox or "twisty" nails - common nails don't even meet code in Ontario I think. They are hardley ever seen, anyway. Are 8 penny nails the same as 8d nails?

1. 
   BillBrennen | May 07, 2006 05:44am | #5

   Yes, 8d is pronounced "eight penny" when spoken aloud. I think "d" is the old abbreviation for pence or penny in the British monetary system.When hanger nails are called "10d short" or similar, it indicates that the wire diameter is equivalent to a 10d COMMON nail.This must be related to how the manufacturers can call a 3-1/4" nail a "16d sinker" when 16d nails were traditionally 3-1/2" long. It must be the same shaft diameter as a 16d box nail? Sinkers sure aren't as fat as commons.Bill

2. 
   philarenewal | May 07, 2006 05:19pm | #6

   >>"Are plywood nails the same as box nails? Are these the smaller shank size?

   Never heard of a plywood nail.  Box nails do have smaller shank size than common nails.

   >>"What about ardox or "twisty" nails - common nails don't even meet code in Ontario I think. They are hardley ever seen, anyway.

   That's a little strange.  Most connections rely on the strength of the nails in shear rather than withdrawal.  If you need to rely on the withdrawl resistance of nails to resist a lot of force, usually the code will require metal connectors.  Anyway, ring shank nails have a higher withdrawal resistance than spiral shank.

   >>"Are 8 penny nails the same as 8d nails?

   Yup.

   If I could make a recommendation, talk to both your local building inspector and lumber yard about what is most commonly used in your area to meet code.  Get yourself a decent framing gun that your local yard stocks nails and parts for.  Then, get busy.

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

   Edited 5/7/2006 10:36 am ET by philarenewal

1. 
   Damien Stokholm | May 08, 2006 12:01am | #10

   Thanks for your answers. I don't know if you read the first entries on this thread, but I am quite familiar with local nails/customs, I just wanted to get better aquainted with American standards, as many articals, etc. are from the states. In Ontario, it's difficult to find a common nail anymore. Our coil framing nails are spiral, but sticks are usually common (these have a heat-activated glue, though).

1. 
   philarenewal | May 08, 2006 12:15am | #11

    >>"don't know if you read the first entries on this thread, but I am quite familiar with local nails/customs,

   Nothing implied.  Your initial description of a spiral shank nail as Ardox "twisty" threw me off.  ;-)

   My better half is Canadian and her dad is pretty handy.  It's always funny to talk to him about what goes on up there 'cause there are a lot of products you Canadians name by their brand rather than what they are.  I remember the first time we were talking about vents and he asked me if I used "Selkirk" to describe what we would call B vent.  After thinking for a second, I knew exactly what he meant, but it took a second.  Another one is "Ulay."  Probly a hundred more.  It's like a foreign language.

   To respond more to what you're getting at (noe I get it) code where I am has the nailing schedule all in common nails.  Typical for framing is 16d, and 8d for attaching ply, but I also use 10d or 12d for interior framing.  Angling the gun for fastening jacks to kings, for example if using 12d.  If the point goes through, you can get some nasty skin tears when you walk between the stud bays.

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

   Edited 5/7/2006 5:25 pm ET by philarenewal

2. 
   Damien Stokholm | May 08, 2006 12:27am | #12

   The best is that we all use "Robertson" screws - He invented the square drive, but we never call it that! It's very common to ask a helper for a "red robbie" (#3 square drive)

3. 
   DanH | May 08, 2006 01:21am | #13

   We do use Sheetrock, Biltrite, Tyvek, Masonite (well, used to), and of course Phillips screws, just to name a few. Thinking about all the trademarks we use as common names makes you want to take an Aspirin.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison

4. 
   philarenewal | May 08, 2006 02:44am | #15

   We do use Sheetrock, Biltrite, Tyvek, Masonite (well, used to), and of course Phillips screws, just to name a few.

   Touche.  Good point.  Was just talking about Formica and Corian a few minutes ago.  ;-)

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

   Edited 5/7/2006 7:44 pm ET by philarenewal

3. 
   Ricks503 | May 07, 2006 06:50pm | #7

   Hope this helps

    

   http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/wood/story/data/425.xml&catref=wd16&page=2

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
1. 
   Bentstick | May 07, 2006 07:47pm | #8

   It's funny how the Americans, who liberated themselves from British rule, still use their system of "nail measurement". And the Canadians, who adopted the metric system in the 70's, use inches to describe their nails.

   ???

   If it wasn’t for the Bank Payments,

   Interest, Taxes, Wages, and Fuel Costs,

   I wouldn’t have to charge you!!

1. 
   Damien Stokholm | May 07, 2006 11:52pm | #9

   We in Canada still use imperial for all construction. I think it has to do with trade and so forth. Many machine shops are now metric, though.

4. 
   girlbuilder | May 08, 2006 01:35am | #14

   You can google 'nail sizes' and there is a great selection of sites that illustrate the various types of nails, their sizes and common uses and also the count per pound which is handy.