These solid-steel nails are often used for framing and face-nailing floors. Rooted in age-old tradition, our period restoration square boat nails are cut much the same way they were 150 years ago.

Are square cut nails better?

4 - The square section of a cut nail resists attempts at twisting the wood which is easy to do with a round wire nail. This reduced movement helps keep the nailed structure stable. With a wire nail, with less gripping force, the head is an important part of keeping the joint from separating with a more visible result.

Why are nails stronger than screws?

When deciding between nails and screws, keep in mind that nails are less brittle, so they provide greater shear strength. Screws, on the other hand, may not be as forgiving, but their threaded shafts hold better in wood and draw boards together much more tightly and they have greater tensile strength.

Why do Americans use nails instead of screws?

When it comes to using metal fasteners in natural wood, you can either use nails or screws. Nails have better flexibility and can bend as the wood moves.

How short should nails be cut?

You should leave at least a sliver of “white” at the top of your nails—that space where the nail starts to separate from the skin it protects. (One or two millimeters, in our book.)