Wire nails are nails manufactured from wire, rather than cut from a solid piece of metal like cut nails. This manufacturing process results in several key differences and advantages.
Manufacturing Process and Characteristics
The process of making wire nails involves drawing metal wire into the desired thickness, then cutting and shaping it into the characteristic nail form. This contrasts with cut nails, which are fashioned by cutting and shaping pieces of metal bar stock.
- Flexibility: Wire nails are generally more flexible than cut nails. This makes them easier to drive into harder woods, and also less likely to break.
- Holding Power: While holding power can vary depending on the type of wire nail, their design often provides excellent holding capacity in various materials.
- Cost-effectiveness: The manufacturing process often leads to a lower cost per nail compared to some types of cut nails, especially in bulk.
- Variety: Wire nails come in a wide range of sizes, finishes (e.g., galvanized, bright), and types designed for specific applications (e.g., box nails, finishing nails).
The reference defines a wire nail simply as "a nail made of wire". It also highlights that different types exist, designed for specific uses.
Types of Wire Nails
There's a diverse range of wire nails available to suit various needs:
- Box Nails: Small nails often used for lighter-duty carpentry work and fastening boxes.
- Finishing Nails: Smaller, thinner nails designed for finer woodwork, where the nail head needs to be countersunk or less visible.
- Common Nails: A general-purpose wire nail used for a variety of construction and carpentry tasks.
Practical Applications
Wire nails find extensive use across numerous applications:
- Construction: Framing, sheathing, and general carpentry.
- Furniture Making: Depending on the nail type and application.
- Crates and Packaging: Securing wooden boxes and crates.
- Home Repair: Various household tasks needing fastening.
