Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] which nails/screws to use

09 September 2011

Re: [DIY] which nails/screws to use

I've searched for something like this in the past. Would also be interested if someone has some type of guide.

Drilling pilot holes before driving screws helps to minimize the chances of splitting. As for nails, I've read this awhile back but have never tried it before. It's suggested that you blunt the pointy end of the nail by hammering on it. Then hammer the nail in as you normally would into the piece of wood. They also sell blunt ended nails.

On Thu, Sep 8, 2011 at 6:29 PM, sandaidh <sandaidh@localnet.com> wrote:

Is there some kind of chart somewhere, that...suggests which size nail or
screw to use when building stuff? Not so much the length, I can usually
kind of figure that one out, but the *size*. For example, I'm looking at
some boards and wonder - do I use 10d or 16d nails? Or if I'm using
screws - size 6 or size 8? I understand that it depends on application. It
gets frustrating sometimes, splitting boards or them coming apart, because
I've used the wrong size; especially so when nailing/screwing into the
narrow side of the board ( the 1" side of a 1" by 6" for example). There
must be some kind of guide somewhere.

Sandaidh bean-fhigheadair a' bhreacain
sandaidh@localnet.com