Home Structural connections

Nails

Nails can be used for timber to timber fixing, metal connector to timber fixing and plywood or other sheet material to timber fixing.

For economy and performance, small diameter fastenings, such as nails, are used instead of large diameter bolts and bolted connector joints in large and small timber structures.

The development of powered nail-driving tools has meant nails are the typical fixing used for domestic structures and has contributed to a trend towards using steel or plywood plates with multiple fasteners to connect large timber members.

 

Availability

Nails are available throughout New Zealand from building supply stores.

There are several New Zealand manufacturers and importers of nails.

Most manufacturers can custom-make nails to suit particular requirements, provided that a minimum order is placed, usually about 100 kg.

 

Key points

  • Timber connections are a large and complex part of designing in timber.
  • A wide range of fixings are available.
  • Selection of the fixing depends on factors such as the environment it will be used in, loading, aesthetic requirements and constructability.