Small typically metal spikes; usually driven by hammers or nail guns, used to fasten objects together.
46
votes
9answers
7k views
Is there a case where nails are better than screws, from an engineering/structural standpoint?
Is there a case where nails are better than screws, from a structural standpoint?
For instance: Say you used screws instead of nails on a backyard deck, when the design specifically called for nails. ...
22
votes
4answers
6k views
Should I use nails or screws for hanging drywall on the ceiling?
I'm replacing water-damaged drywall on my ceiling and was considering using screws. Other than cost, is there any other reason I should use nails instead?
Or am I too paranoid that nails won't have ...
20
votes
4answers
1k views
How to drive a nail in a confined space?
I keep finding myself needing to hammer nails in places where my hammer is too long to actually make the hammer head contact the nail. This isn't a situation where I need the leverage provided by the ...
13
votes
5answers
2k views
Should I use nails or screws to refasten my subfloor to the joists?
My subfloor is squeaky, and there's a small window of opportunity I'll have to fasten it down before/during my carpet being replaced. I have available to me a nice corded drill, and an air-powered ...
7
votes
1answer
468 views
How can I remove large nails from cement?
I am redoing the flooring in my basement and removed a built-in toy chest. I disassembled the chest and the floor 2x4's are attached to the cement with large nails. If I had to guess on gauge I'd say ...
6
votes
5answers
533 views
How do I remove floorboard nails from joists?
How do I remove floorboard nails from joists?
The nails are ~3-4mm diameter with no heads.
I've tried claw-hammer and wrecking bar with no success because without nail-heads, I cannot get purchase.
...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
I modified a nail-in electrical box to use screws instead of nails. Is there some code that prevents that?
Ever since I dove into the electrical side of things with my project, I've encountered a bunch of code restrictions. One thing that wouldn't surprise me if it was a violation of code is what I've ...
5
votes
3answers
2k views
Why should I use advanced nails instead of wood screws for strength?
Recently I found that there're some superior nails for constructing hurricane-resistant houses - with very clever design for preventing pulling the nails out and tearing the boards off when the ...
4
votes
4answers
3k views
Which nails should I use for shoe molding installation?
I'm about to install shoe molding all over my house. The baseboards are hung for carpet, but we're replacing the carpet with vinyl. So I have a pretty good sized gap to cover. I'll probably use 11/16 ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I nail furring strips without them cracking?
While remodeling my basement, I had several walls where I just put up furring strips and foam insulation rather than framing in a "real" wall. I used 1x2 furring strips and attached them with a ...
3
votes
4answers
3k views
How do I frame a 2“ (1.5”) thick wall?
How would you put up/frame a wall where the 2x4 studs are turned flat to make the wall 2" thick? One especially tricky thing is that (it seems that) all nails must be toenailed since a 3.5" long 16d ...
3
votes
1answer
824 views
Can I use roofing nails to attach OSB/plywood to studs?
My roofing nails are for nailing asphalt shingles to roof underlay boards.
I have been using 2.5 inch nails to nail external wall OSBs to the studs. I have been contemplating using the excess roofing ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I nail plywood to flat roof framing?
I am putting some 3/4 plywood on top of 2x6 framing joists on my flat garage roof. The framing is spaced 16oc. I figured that I place 4x8 plywood sheets in such way that their short edge will be ...
3
votes
1answer
877 views
How do I fix a Bostitch nail gun that is jammed?
I have a Bostitch nail gun (pneumatic) and it has been working fine all day until about 30 minutes ago.
I went to nail in a piece of molding, and when I pulled the trigger I heard air feed into ...
3
votes
1answer
326 views
How do I properly install underlayment and a modified bitumen roof on a flat garage roof with concrete walls?
My project is to replace 18'x10' flat roof on my concrete garage. So far I installed 16" oc framing and 3/4" plywood over it. Now I am planning to install some fiberglass based underlayment (#30, ...
2
votes
2answers
105 views
What type of nail gun is recommended?
Was reading this post:
Are cheap electric brad nail guns worth it for fixing mouldings?
I'm in the middle of fixing up an older home. I have an air compressor with a couple air powered brad-nailers ...
2
votes
1answer
90 views
What length of finishing nail should I use?
I just re-tiled my master bathroom and plan to put wood trim back up around the perimeter soon. How do I know what length of finishing nails to use?
I see 2" and 1.5" nails - does it really matter?
2
votes
1answer
195 views
How to attach plastic (vapor barrier) to the studs?
What's the best way to attach 4 mil plastic (vapor barrier) to the studs? I tried to use regular nails (sinkers 4d 1 - 3/8'') but the plastic sheet goes off the studs (through the head of the nails) ...
2
votes
2answers
775 views
What nails should I use to attach Hardie plank lap siding to 3/4" furring strips in concrete wall?
I want to attach Hardie plank fiber-cement lap siding to my concrete garage walls. It's a very small surface which requires something like 3 boards altogether. I am only covering it for decorative ...
-4
votes
1answer
54 views
Can't get into a wall without gouging it out
My house was built in 1948 and is in St. Louis County, Missouri. I don't know what its walls are made of, but nothing is on them except paint AFAICT. For many of the walls, whenever I try to hammer a ...
