Nail Size Chart – Penny Size, Gauge, Length & Diameter of a Nail | CNCLATHING

2020.8.12

Have you ever heard 8D, 10D nails? The “D” suffix is related to the nail size. Variations in nail standard sizes make them suited for different applications. In this article, we are going to get into the Nail Size Chart, containing the penny size, shank length, diameter and gauge. Check out the nail gauge chart to find the most fitting nail for your project.

What are Screws and Nails - Difference Between Nails and Screws

Screws and nails are both common fasteners used for broad applications. CNC machining can make fasteners in various form and designed specifications become the exact product. A nail differs from a screw in the shank, the former is smooth and the latter has threads. So the nail is often be fastened to an object using a hammer or other force, while the screw requires a screwdriver or threaded holes in the material. When you have something that has sideways pressure where the material tends to move left or right, the nail should be the first choice, if the material may separate from the top or bottom, a screw is better. Most construction nail materials are steel, nails can also be made out of stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum. In some cases, surface finishes will be applied on the nails, such as phosphate coating, zinc plating, galvanization, etc.  Common types of nails including common nail, box nail, brad nail, finishing nail, there are also framing nail, roofing nail, flooring nail, and drywall nail for specific uses. 

Explain Nail Sizes & Gauges - Nail Length, Diameter and More

What is the penny size of a nail? There is a special classification of nail sizes that originated in England – Penny system, the nail size was originally named after the price of 100 nails of a given size. The “d” is the symbol for the penny. For example, 16d stands for 16 penny nail. Now, the term corresponds to the measurement of nails from the head to the tip, which is the nail length, specified by a digit and the letter “D”, which means “penny size”. So, a 2d nail is 1 inch long. More common nail sizes: a 4d nail measures 1.5 inches, a 6d nail is 2 inches long, an 8d nail is 2.5 inches long, a 12d nail is 3.25 inches long, and 16d nails are 3.5 inches long. Every increase or decrease in number means the length change in 1/4 inch.

What is a nail gauge? The nail gauge sizes indicate the thickness or diameter of a nail. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the nail is. For example, the 14 gauge nail is thicker than 15 gauge. It also measures how strong the nail is. The smaller the gauge size, the stronger the nail.

What is a 16d common nail? And What is the difference between 16d common and sinker or short?

16d common nails = 3-1/2″ x 0.162″ diameter, they are not suitable for used in high humidity or exposed areas as they will rust

16d sinker nails  = 3-1/4″ x 0.148″ diameter, the physical sizes are close to that of 16d common nails, but the top of the sinker nails has a pattern or coating, which provides a nonslip surface for the hammer surface to help drive the nails

16d short nails  = 3-1/4″ x 0.131″ diameter, not recommended for most framing applications

Nail Size Chart (Nail Gauge Size Chart)

Whether you are wondering what size is a 16D nail or should I get a 15 or 16 gauge finish nail, a complete nail size breakdown is necessary. Check out the common nail sizes below. Please note the 6 inches and longer nails are generally referred to as spikes. 

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