What Are The Right Nails For Pickets And Rails?
Wood fences are a popular choice for homeowners and professionals because they are easy to install and maintain. They are also very durable and can last for many years. Many different fasteners can be used for a wood fence.
They include nails, screws, and staples. The best fastener to use depends on the type of wood and the size of the board. Each type of fastener has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The best option for your wood fence depends on what type of wood you’re using, the style of fencing you want to build, and your budget. Nails are the most widely used option for building a wood fence because they work well with all types of woods, including pressure-treated lumber.
They also work well with both horizontal and vertical pickets or rails. However, nails are not as strong as screws or bolts in terms of holding power. Nails are typically used for pickets and rails. While screws are used between pickets or rails, staples can be used between boards or on top of them to secure them together.
Choosing The Right Nail Size For Fence
When installing pickets or rails, there are a few things that you should consider before choosing the right nails.
Test The Nail First
Larger gauge nails will be more secure in wood. Overdoing it will damage the wood. The 6 or 8-diameter nails are suitable for most types of wood as the size is suitable without the danger of damaging the wood.
Whenever there are any doubts, it is advisable to make a few practice boards of the same size as the picket or paling and judge the results.
You should use screws instead of nails if you wish the boards to remain in place and avoid moving around. A nail gun can also be used quite effectively to secure the boards in place.
For Fence Pickets And Palings, What Size Nail Gun Do You Need?
To hold the pickets together without splitting, the nail gun needs to be capable of delivering nails of the right size.
You will need nails with a length of 2 inches if you intend to attach 5/8-inch pickets (which is the typical size) to 2*4 inch rails. If you plan to use widely available 3-1/8″ long nails, be aware that they may protrude from the rails.
Given that most wooden fence pickets are similar in size, 6d to 8d, 1 1 2″ to 2-inch ring shank nails are the best size. If you want your nail gun to be useful for securing fence pickets, it must hold a nail that size.
Using ring-shank nails will yield the best results. The nails have rings or concentric ridges that run the length of the shaft. Those rings will grip the wood properly and keep it secure for a long time.
However, they are very hard to remove, so you will have to do some work to get the nail out if you need to replace the paling or if something goes wrong with the nail.
Depending on the thickness and type of wood being used for fence pickets and palings, the size of the nail will vary.
The first question is, what is the difference between pickets and palings?
Best Nails for Fence Pickets
Nails are the best way to secure fence pickets. With a good nailer, you can easily install nails in any position without damaging the surface.
Table could not be displayed.1. Grip Rite Prime Guard MAXC62875 Stainless Steel Siding Nails
The Grip Rite Prime Guard MAXC62875 15-Degree Wire Coil 1-3/4-Inch by .09-Inch Ring Shank, Stainless Steel Siding Nails, 1200 Per Box is a useful tool that can be used in many different ways.
It features a weight of 4 pounds and is made from high quality materials. This means it will last for a long time and provide reliable performance each time you use it.
The dimensions are 10 inches long x 6 inches wide x 4 inches high which makes it easy to store and accommodate in any space you have available.
It comes with 12 nails per box which offers plenty of coverage for your projects requirements and allows for precision when installing the product on your surfaces.
The wire coil construction also provides durability and stability when attaching the product to your surface or structure..
Pros:
- Item Weight: 4.0 lb
- Country of Origin: Taiwan, Province Of China
- Brand name: Grip Rite Prime Guard
- Item Dimensions: 10.0″L x 6.0″W x 4.0″H
What the Product is Best For:
The Grip Rite Prime Guard MAXC62875 15-Degree Wire Coil 1-3/4-Inch by .09-Inch Ring Shank, Stainless Steel Siding Nails, 1200 Per Box is a quality wire coil nails that are perfect for use in exterior applications such as siding and roofing. Made of stainless steel to resist corrosion, these nails are easy to install and will provide long lasting durability.
2. Metabo HPT Siding Nails
This set of Metabo HPT siding nails is designed to provide excellent holding power for various types of materials. It comes in a box of 3,600 nails and has a full round head that offers superior holding power.
The hot dipped galvanized finish will resist corrosion and help keep the nail looking good for longer periods. It is compatible with the Metabo NV65AH2 hammer drill and can be used with most types of woodworking projects as well as siding, sheathing, decking and fencing applications.
Because it features a ring Shank design, it provides greater drilling stability when making precise holes in tough material such as plywood or MDF boards. Lastly, the wire coil construction ensures even distribution of stress while driving into hard surfaces such as concrete or masonry.
Pros:
- 3,600 per box
- Provides excellent holding power
- Hot dipped galvanized
- Compatible with the Metabo HPT NV65AH2
What the Product is Best For:
The Metabo HPT Siding Nails are perfect for fast and easy fixing of siding. They have a full round head that makes them ideal for easy penetration into wood, and they come in a box of 3,600 nails.
3. Grip Rite Prime Guard GR04HG1M 21 Degree Plastic Strip Round Head Hot Dipped Galvanized Collated Framing Nails
If you are looking for nails that will give you the best results, then it is important to use them with a compatible framing nailer. And that is exactly what these nails offer.
They are designed specifically for use with 21 degree round head framing nailers and work well with most of them. The material used in the manufacturing process ensures that these nails meet or exceed ASTM F1667 (if applicable).
This means they will resist weathering and damage better than other types of nails out there. These screws also have a hot dipped galvanized finish which makes them resistant to corrosion and rusting even under harsh conditions outdoors .
Additionally, this provides improved durability over regular untreated steel screws . Lastly, these screws come in packs of 100 pieces per box which makes stocking up on easy – no need to hunt for specific sizes.
Pros:
- For best results, use with Grip-Rite GRTFR83 and/or GRTRH350 framing nailers
- Hot Dipped Galvanized to meet or exceed ASTMA 153 Class D.
- Meets or Exceeds ASTM F1667 (if applicable)
What the Product is Best For:
The Grip Rite Prime Guard GR04HG1M 21 Degree Plastic Strip Round Head Hot Dipped Galvanized Collated Framing Nails are designed to meet or exceed ASTMA 153 Class D for strength and durability. They are made with a hot dipped galvanized finish that makes them resistant to rust and corrosion, making them the perfect nails for use in any application.
4. BOSTITCH Framing Nails
With this product, you will be able to handle all your framing needs in an easy and efficient way. The nails are designed to hold up under various conditions and can last for a long time.
They come in a pack of 2000 and are each .113 inches wide by 2 inches long. This ensures that you have enough nails to complete any project you may have in mind. These wire welded nails are galvanized for extra durability and resistance against corrosion and rusting over time.
They also feature ring shanks that make them easier to drive into the workpiece than conventional nails do. Finally, they come with 28 degrees of pitch which is perfect for use on wooden frames as well as masonry applications both indoors and outdoors (depending on the climate).
What the Product is Best For:
The BOSTITCH S6DR113GAL-FH Framing Nails are designed for use in wood framing. They have a 28 degree angle, wire weld construction, and galvanized ring shank for durability.
5. B&C Eagle A2X113HDR/22 Round Head Framing Nails
The B&C Eagle A2X113HDR/22 Round Head 2-Inch x .113 x 22 Degree Hot Dip Galvanized Ring Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per box) are designed for use in 20 to 22 degree plastic collation framing nailers.
They have a plastic collated ring shank, which makes them resistant to corrosion and rust. These nails also feature a hot dip galvanized coating that will resist degradation over time. In addition, they are rated for use in treated lumber, making them perfect for interior and exterior applications.
The full round head provides superior drive performance when fastening materials together tightly or framings with large openings like windows or doorsills. These nails come packaged in 500 packs each, ensuring you have enough on hand when needed most.
Pros:
- rated for use in treated lumber
- full round head
- new and improved packaging
What the Product is Best For:
The B&C Eagle A2X113HDR/22 Round Head 2-Inch x .113 x 22 Degree Hot Dip Galvanized Ring Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails are designed for use in treated lumber. They have a hot dip galvanized coating that resists corrosion and rust, making them ideal for interior and exterior use.
6. Duo-Fast Coil Siding Nail
Working with fiber cement siding, deck boards and other surfaces can be a real hassle. This is because the nails often get stuck together and cause jams.
The Duo-Fast nails solve that problem by having a 0-degree angle on each nail coil. As a result, you will have fewer reloads and less downtime overall. In addition to being faster, these nails are also more efficient than regular wire flagged nails.
That translates into 33% more per box of nails. And since they are held together by plastic bands, there is little chance of debris getting projected or stinging your skin in the process.
Furthermore, the collated construction means precise placement every time without any wire flagging around the nail coils – this eliminates inconsistencies and ensures flush installation every time without error..
They are also designed for use with fiber cement siding as well as other types of roofing materials like CDear Siding etcetera .
The galvanized finish gives them excellent performance in all weather conditions
Pros:
- Productivity
- Efficiency
- Precision
- Safe And Clean
- Excellent Performance
The Duo-Fast Coil Siding Nail is designed for use on metal roofing, siding and trim. It features a coil shank that delivers precision placement without wire flagging around the nail coil – enabling you to place nails with accuracy and flushness.
7. Mayfair Grip Rite Prime Guard GR408HG1M 21 Galvanized Collated Framing Nails
The Mayfair Grip Rite Prime Guard GR408HG1M 21 Degree Plastic Strip Round Head Exterior Galvanized Collated Framing Nails, 3″ x 0.120″ are designed for use with most 21 degree round head framing nailers.
This includes the popular Bostitch, dealt, Duo-Fast, Hitachi, Makita, Porter-cable and Ridgid models among others.
They come with a proprietary polymer coating that is equivalent in performance to galvanization that meets ASTM A153 Class D as tested under ICC-ES AC 257 standards.
That means that these nails will last longer than traditional nails while providing superior protection against moisture and corrosion over time. These plastic strip nails can be used on all exterior applications and with all treated lumber – no matter how tough it may be.
Plus they’re Miami-Dade County approved so you can rest assured of their quality and durability when installing your new project(s).
Order yours today and get fast delivery directly to your door.
Pros:
- 21 degree round head framing nailers
- Class D tested
- polymer coating equivalent in performance to galvanization that meets ASTM A153, Class D
- compatible with most 21 degree round head framing nailers
What the Product is Best For:
The Mayfair Grip Rite Prime Guard GR408HG1M 21 Degree Plastic Strip Round Head Exterior Galvanized Collated Framing Nails are perfect for use on all exterior applications and with all treated lumber.
With a durable construction, these nails provide long-lasting performance in any weather condition.
8. Hitachi 13365H 2-in x.092 RG HDG FRH SIDING NAIL
The Hitachi 2-in x .092 RG HDG FRH SIDING NAIL is a high quality framing nail that has been designed to provide superior performance and long lasting use.
It features a full, round-head profile so you get precision every time. It also comes with 16° wire coil which provides extra strength and durability.
Plus, the hot-dip galvanized finish gives it an attractive look that will last for years.
Finally, it comes in a 3,600 per box quantity which means you can order as much as you need without having to worry about running out soon afterwards.
Pros:
- Same great tools with a new name
- 2-in size
- 16° wire coil
- Hot-dip galvanized with a copper metallic finish
What the Product is Best For:
The Hitachi 13365H 2-in x.092 RG HDG FRH SIDING NAIL is a precision engineered, 16° wire coil nail that is perfect for use in construction and home improvement projects.
It has a steel shank with an aluminum head for exceptional durability, making it the ideal choice for tough applications.
9. BOSTITCH C3R80BDG Siding Nails
The BOSTITCH Siding Nails, Wire Collated Coil, Thickcoat Galvanized, Round Head, 15-Degree Ring Shank are perfect for use on siding and other exterior surfaces.
They have a 1-1/4 inch x .080 inch round shank size and come in a pack of 4200 nails. These nails are made from high quality materials that ensure they will last long while providing great results.
They are also corrosion resistant and provide the desired finish to your project. The wire collated coil design ensures even nail placement across the board making it easier to achieve accurate results.
It is also easy to handle due to its ring shank shape and dimensions of .080 inches by 1-1/4 inches overall length.
What the Product is Best For:
The BOSTITCH C3R80BDG Siding Nails have a thick coat galvanized finish that provides long-lasting protection for your siding.
They are round head and have a 15-degree ring Shank for quick, easy insertion into boards.
Fence Pickets vs. Palings
People often use these terms interchangeably. Palings consist of boards that we attach to the cross rails or stringer, and pickets are poles measuring 1 12 inches in diameter with a round or pointed top.
Nowadays, when someone refers to fence pickets, they usually mean the flat boards.
Which Fasteners Are Best For A Wood Fence?
Wood fence fasteners are crucial for a wood fence to perform well and remain visually appealing. You can choose from several types of fasteners. But which one should you choose?
You can make an informed fastener decision for your fence and application by reading this post. Fasteners can be broken into three categories: fastener material, nails or screws, and fasteners’ lengths.
Fastener Length
Your fence’s success depends upon the length of the screws or nails you choose. We recommend using 18d to 20d nails or 3-1/2 in. screws to attach pre-assembled panels and backer rails to 4 in. long screws.
We recommend using 8d to 10d nails, 1-1/2-inch ring shank nails, or 1-1/4 inch to 1-3/4-inch-long screws to attach the individual pickets to the backer rails.
Is It Better To Use Nails Or Screws?
This is a question of personal preference when it comes to nails versus screws. The two have their own pros and cons. However, faster nail installation can result in lower installation costs (since you or your builder have to do less work).
Nails, on the other hand, tend to loosen over time more than screws. In contrast, screws provide better security than nails. Moreover, if a damaged picket needs to be replaced, they make rework much easier.
There are times when nails and screws are used in wood fence construction – some builders attach the pickets to the backer rails with nails, then attach the backer rails/panels to the posts with screws.
Choosing the Best Nails for Attaching Pickets
When attaching pickets, using the right fence nails ensures durability and security. Round head nails are a top choice for this task due to their robust nail head, providing a stronger hold than other nails. For a seamless job, a brad nailer can be used, ensuring precise placement.
Safety precautions, such as wearing hearing protection, are essential when using power tools. Opting for longer nails can add extra strength to your fence. For more tips and a detailed guide, check out our image gallery. Proper table setup and a redo-undo feature help in avoiding mistakes.
Material
Depending on the type of wood you use for your fence, you will need different fasteners. It has been proven that some fastener materials and wood species don’t get along well, compromising a fence’s appearance and structural integrity.
Check the fastener manufacturer’s recommendations for compatibility with the wood you’re working with.
1. Cedar
For cedar fences, fasteners should be stainless steel, double hot-dipped galvanized, or polymer-coated. Zinc-plated steel should not be used – it reacts with the acids in the cedar and causes corrosion streaks.
2. Pressure-Treated Pine
The preservatives that are used in pressure-treated wood will adversely react with certain types of fasteners, leading to corroding. Thus, it is imperative to choose compatible fasteners for pressure-treated wood.
Using galvanized stainless steel, polymer-coated, silicon bronze, or copper fasteners is recommended for Outdoor Essentials® pressure-treated wood fencing. Choose the fastener that is appropriate for your application based on its durability and price.
Different companies use different preservatives when pressure-treating wood, so their preservatives vary. Read the end tags, which are typically stapled to the ends of wood products, to learn which preservatives are used in your pressure-treated wood fence. It is important to follow the fastener manufacturer’s recommendations for the fence fasteners you are using.
3. Non-Pressure-Treated Pine
Fasteners made from zinc-plated steel or other materials are acceptable for use with non-pressure-treated wood fences. Since the wood has not been pressure-treated, you don’t have to worry about the fastener material reacting poorly with the wood.
4. Fence Rails
It is just as important to use nails that are used to attach fence rails as those that attach pickets. This is because panels can come loose from posts and split when the nail is the wrong size.
Nails of 16-d (3 1/2-inch) diameter work best for fence rails. Ring-shank nails are characterized by concentric ridges (rings) that go all the way down the nail shank. This allows the embedded nail to grasp the wood so firmly that it is hard to remove.
The type of wood you’re working with determines the nail material you should use. For example, cedar and redwood fences are best held together with aluminum or stainless-steel nails. Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized nails should be used when working with pressure-treated wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which fence is the simplest to install?
There is nothing easier than installing vinyl fencing without digging. You can then spend more time with your family, friends, or whatever else you like instead of working on house projects.
2. What is a threepenny nail?
Definition of the threepenny nail. It is a nail measuring 11/8 inches in length. It is historically customary to sell nails by a number followed by the letter d and by length (less confusing). For example, a nail of 3d length can be 11/8 of an inch long; a nail of 4d length can be 114 of an inch long. Their thickness typically ranges from 0.04 to 0.06 inches.
3. Is it possible to use brad nails on plywood?
Once you know what to look for, using a Brad or Framing nailer on plywood is pretty straightforward. On most plywood boards, a 15- or 16-gauge nailer can be used reliably even if you are not sure what thickness plywood you will be using.
4. What is the size of a 10d nail?
A 10d nail was defined in the building code for years as 0.148 inches in diameter and 3 inches in length, and this definition appeared only in one place. Therefore, the minimum penetration of the nails for each of the nail specifications is given in the shear panel table found in Figure 1, International Building Code (IBC).
5. How long is a 12d nail?
Some common nail sizes are a 4d nail measuring 1.5 inches, a 6d nail measuring 2 inches, an 8d nail measuring 2.5 inches, a 12d nail measuring 3.25 inches, and a 16d nail measuring 3.5 inches.
6. What is the nail size of a 16-gauge nail gun?
16-gauge nail guns are versatile. For example, nailers that shoot 16-gauge nails have a thinner head and shoot out thinner nails than those that shoot 15 gauge nails.
Depending on the brand, these shoot nails are between 3/4″ and 2 1/2″ long. Their holding power is good, making them good for most situations.
7. How do I build a fence? Should I use screws or nails?
Fences are a very popular DIY project. They can be used to enclose a backyard, divide properties, or just provide privacy. A screw is more effective at holding wood together than a nail, binding two pieces of wood tightly together. As well as keeping their place for longer, screws last longer than nails. You should choose to secure a fence with screws if you have to choose between the two.
8. Is it possible to use 16-gauge nails for fence pickets?
In my opinion, you should use galvanized nails with a minimum gauge of 16 gauge. If the pickets and rails are big enough, I recommend a framer gun with 2 1/2 inch to 2 1/2-inch 4D galvanized ring shank nails. The nails won’t bend over time, I guarantee it.
9. How do 8d nails work?
The “d” represents a penny, so 8d represents an 8-penny nail, 16d a 16-penny nail, and so on. In Roman times, a coin called the denarius was called the “d,” which was also the name of an English penny.
10. Are deck screws suitable for fences?
Since they do not cause corrosion to the screws or stain the wood, deck screws are the best choice for pressure-treated wood. Even though both nails and screws can be used to construct a wooden fence, the choice depends on the product.
11. Is it possible to use a staple gun on a fence?
Staples are a fast and easy way to secure lightweight wire mesh, so you can easily install your wire fencing. You can also buy a brad nail and staple gun combo that is a more versatile tool that can be used for various projects. Staple guns are usually lighter and easier to handle than nail guns. A nail gun is also good for fencing.
12. What is the proper way to nail a picket fence?
A nail should be nailed into the top rail to hold the picket to the rail. Before adding more nails, place a torpedo level alongside it to level the picket. A second picket should be tightly positioned against the first. Then, finish nailing the picket by placing one nail at the top.
13. Is it okay to use brad nails for fencing?
In spite of their suitability for cabinetry and interior trim, brad nailers do not effectively hold fence boards because their fasteners are too narrow and short.
14. How deep should a nail penetrate?
Using a 3/4-inch nail is a rule of thumb. It should penetrate the item you are nailing (not through) the most.
Nailing mistakes most commonly occur when you use a nail that penetrates the surface of the item too deeply. As a result, the thing splits, or cracks immediately, resulting in a fragile joint that will soon fail.
Final Words
When you are putting up a picket fence, you need to make sure that the nails are the right size and shape for the type of pickets you are using. The same goes for rails. The type of nails you use for your pickets and rails depends on what you are building.
For example, if you are building a fence, then the nails you will use should be long enough to reach the ground and have a sharp point. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nails for pickets and rails. You have to choose the right size and shape based on what type of fence or rail you are using.
