What are Concrete Nails Used For?
Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts who are just getting into beginning carpentry and construction benefit by learning about the different types of nails used when taking on new remodeling projects. If you’ve ever wondered why there are so many different kinds of nails, it’s because each type and size has a specific purpose. Concrete nails are just one kind but they have a unique purpose in construction projects. Today we’re going to look at all aspects of concrete nails including what they’re made of, and what they are used for.
Types of concrete nails
According to Nagle, concrete nails are essential fasteners for amateur DIY enthusiasts and professional construction workers. Concrete nails are used to connect wood components to masonry. Concrete nails possess a harder composition than other kinds of nails. They offer exceptional fixing strength. They are resistant to bending and cracking. They come in a variety of head shapes and sizes including a headless, round flat head, or a square head. The shank types include smooth shank, twilled, twisted, and ring shanks. Concrete nails are made of either low carbon steel wire, stainless steel wire, copper, or brass wire in a variety of finishes such as polished, electro or hot-dipped galvanizing, acid-resistant, block, colored, copper or brass plated. They range in diameter from 1.2 mm to 8.0 mm with a length range from 16 mm to 350 mm.
Uses for different types of concrete nails
Galvanized concrete nails are used for the outdoor installation of wooden components. They are preferred because they are more resistant to corrosion because of galvanized zinc coating. They are also used for interior and finishing work. Black concrete nails are made for fastening wood components that will not be exposed to moisture. They’re most often used for fastening internal structures such as floors and wall structures. There is no galvanizing on black nails which makes them more prone to corrosion. It’s best to use them in places where appearance is important as they are more attractive. Stainless steel concrete nails are made with an extra grip for connecting timber for roofing, such as cedar and oak to concrete. The different kinds are annular rings, round heads, and lost heads. Annular ring types provide an extra firm grip and reliability, even more so than the smooth shank nails. The lost head style is essential for use in places where you want to sink the nail head into the wood and provide a filler to hide the presence of the nail. Copper concrete nails are valued because of their high corrosion resistance. They have an attractive appearance and are categorized as decorative nails.
How to use concrete nails
Infobloom recommends using a special power tool called a nail driver. This device is powerful and it sinks the concrete nail deeply into the concrete through a strong hammering force, difficult to achieve manually. Because concrete is a hard material, it’s more difficult to drive a nail into it manually. Nail drivers can sink the nail deeply into concrete with one single blow. They require less effort than manually hammering. It takes less effort and results in a more accurate placement of the concrete nail. It also delivers a stronger connection between the concrete and the materials you’re attaching.
How to use concrete nails manually
If you do not have access to a nail gun, concrete nails can be driven manually, but there are a few steps involved in the process to do it correctly. You will need to have a drill on hand to create pilot holes for each nail you use. Pilot holes must be drilled with a masonry bit. The bit is an accessory specifically made for drilling into concrete and other kinds of masonry. It helps to lessen the chance of cracking the concrete. The bit must be a slightly smaller diameter than that of the nail. They are drilled directly into the concrete before hammering the concrete nail. The purpose of the pilot hole is to ensure that the nail goes in the right spot. It also reduces the amount of effort that it takes to hammer the concrete nail in place. The Spruce recommends using a framing hammer. This type of hammer is heavier than a regular claw hammer. The extra weight and the ridged head will provide you with a tool that makes the job easier. After drilling the pilot holes, place the nail into the existing hole and hammer until it sinks completely. It is likely to take several blows to sink the nail. This method can deliver a firm and reliable connection that will hold up for years to come.
Final thoughts
Concrete nails are the kind of nails best for use with masonry. They come with sharp ends that are better at piercing through hard materials. Most types are resistant to corroding, but some are more decorative, intended for use in areas that do not receive exposure to moisture. It’s essential to choose the right type of concrete nail for the job you’re undertaking. They come in a variety of widths and lengths, head shapes, and shank styles. Those with ridges on the shank provide the best grip for connecting other materials to the masonry. They’re less likely to become dislodged. If you have a nail gun, it will make the process go much faster with less effort. You can drive concrete nails manually, but you will still need to use a drill with a masonry bit to create a pilot hole, slightly smaller than the nail diameter. Framing hammers work better for driving concrete nails in more quickly if you choose the manual method. It’s not difficult to use concrete nails if you follow the recommendations we’ve listed above. To do the job right, you must use the proper type of fasteners. Concrete nails are essential in construction that involves any attachment to masonry.
