Nails and screws

Sunset, July, 1999 by Aimee Oscamou

Nails are the fastest means of joining two surfaces. Lengths (and most often weights) are indicated by a d (which stands for denarius, the Roman equivalent of a penny, a throwback to the days when it described how much you'd pay for 100 nails of a certain size) and a number: 2d = 1[inches], 3d = 1 1/4[inches], 4d = 1 1/2[inches], and so on.

1. Box nail. Thin shaft with a round, fiat head. The top choice for lightweight projects and working with thin woods (less likely to split them than the common nail, below).

2. Common nail. Similar in shape to the box nail but with a thicker shaft; for heavy-duty construction tasks such as framing.

3. Finishing nail or brad. Small, cupped head makes this nail easy to sink below the wood surface (called countersinking, this is done with the help of a nailset) so it doesn't show on the finished piece. Sized by length and wire gauge (thickness) - the higher the gauge, the thinner the nail.

4. Escutcheon nail. Usually made of brass, with a small, rounded head; for attaching hardware and ornamentation to surfaces.

5. Tack. Short nail with a flat head and chisel-cut shaft; for securing carpet or upholstery fabric. Ornamental varieties also available.

Screws are the best choice when strength is key. They are sized by length and gauge (thickness) and are available in a range of metals and finishes. They also come with different screwdriver slots. Straight slot and Phillips (crisscross) are most common, but square drives, which allow a more reliable grip, are growing in availability.

6. Wood screws. Available in three head shapes: flat, round, and oval. Flatheads work best when you don't want the screw to protrude above the surface. Roundheads sit above the surface and are often used to fasten hardware; a screw washer can be used for tighter fit and protection on soft woods. Ovalheads combine features of the two other head types: They can be partially countersunk and are handy for attaching hardware.

7. Sheet-metal screw. It has full-length threading and a flat or curved head. Created to join thin metal to thin metal, but also works well in wood.

8. Drywall screw. Deep threads make it fast to drive. It can be used in metal or wood, and requires no pilot hole in softer woods. Made for power screwdrivers; used for strength in building projects.

9. Lag screw; The largest of the lot, a squat, oversize screw with a square or hexagonal head to be turned with a wrench; for heaviest-duty fastening (decking, cabinetry, outdoor furniture). Often accompanied with a screw washer to protect soft woods.