Nails

Choosing the Right Nails for Your Project

At County Building Supplies, we supply nails for a wide range of building, roofing, carpentry, joinery and general maintenance projects. Whether you're fixing timber, installing roofing materials or completing detailed finishing work, choosing the correct nail type, length and finish is important for a secure and long-lasting result.

Our range includes round wire nails, clout nails, galvanised nails, masonry nails, roofing nails, annular ring shank nails, twist nails, panel pins, lost head and oval nails, and UPVC nails.

Which Type of Nail Do I Need?

Different nails are designed for different materials and applications. The best choice depends on what you're fixing, the level of holding power required and whether the nail will be used indoors or outdoors.

• Round wire nails: Commonly used for general timber construction, framing and everyday carpentry where a traditional nail fixing is suitable.
• Clout nails: Feature a relatively large, flat head and are commonly used for securing suitable roofing felt and other sheet materials.
• Galvanised nails: Have a protective zinc coating to improve corrosion resistance, making them suitable for appropriate external applications.
• Masonry nails: Designed for certain fixing applications involving suitable masonry materials, subject to the nail and substrate specifications.
• Roofing nails: Used for specific roofing applications, depending on the roofing material and manufacturer's fixing requirements.
• Annular ring shank nails: Feature rings along the shank to improve withdrawal resistance in suitable materials.
• Twist nails: Have a twisted shank and are commonly used for securing suitable metal connectors and timber components where specified.
• Panel pins: Small, fine nails used for lightweight joinery, mouldings and decorative timber work.
• Lost head and oval nails: Often used for finishing carpentry and joinery where a less visible nail head is preferred.
• UPVC nails: Designed for suitable UPVC installation and finishing applications, according to the product specification.

Round Wire Nails vs Annular Ring Shank Nails

Round wire nails have a relatively smooth shank and are widely used for general timber fixing. Annular ring shank nails have a series of rings along the shank that help resist the nail being pulled out of suitable materials.

Ring shank nails can be useful where additional withdrawal resistance is required, but the nail must still be suitable for the material and application. For structural work, always follow the relevant fixing specification.

Choosing Nails for Roofing

Roofing applications require nails that are compatible with the material being installed and the conditions to which the roof will be exposed.

Clout nails are commonly used for certain roofing felt applications, while other roofing systems may require specific roofing nails or specialist fixings. Nail head size, length, material and corrosion resistance are all important considerations.

Always follow the roofing product manufacturer's installation instructions rather than assuming one type of roofing nail is suitable for every roof covering.

Galvanised Nails for Outdoor Use

When selecting nails for external projects such as fencing, garden structures and outdoor timber work, corrosion resistance is particularly important.

Galvanised nails have a zinc coating that provides additional protection against corrosion. However, different galvanising methods and coating thicknesses provide different levels of protection.

For treated timber, exposed locations or more demanding environments, check that the nail material and coating are compatible with the timber treatment and expected exposure conditions.

Choosing Nails for Joinery and Finishing

For skirting boards, architraves, mouldings and other finishing work, appearance can be just as important as holding power.

Panel pins are commonly used for lightweight decorative timber, while lost head and oval nails can provide a less noticeable fixing for suitable carpentry and joinery applications.

Where a smooth painted finish is required, an appropriate nail head may be set below the timber surface and filled before decorating.

What Nail Length Should I Use?

The correct nail length depends on the thickness of the material being fixed, the supporting material and the fixing requirements of the job.

A nail must provide sufficient penetration into the supporting material without creating an unsuitable or unsafe fixing. Nail diameter, shank type and head style are also important, particularly for structural timber connections and roofing applications.

Always follow the manufacturer's fixing guidance or the relevant project specification where provided.

Need Advice Choosing Nails?

If you're unsure which nails are suitable for your project, visit your local County Building Supplies branch or contact our team. Our team can help you find the right type, size and finish from our range for your building, roofing or carpentry work.