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paulz
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2022 09:46
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I have a thing about bent nails, can't stand looking at one. Never just pound it over and leave it, has to come out. Same for nails that miss their mark. When I was sheathing the cabin my neighbor came over, with his wife. Wanting to contribute, or maybe show off his manliness, he grabbed a hammer and nail, put it up to the plywood. I was inside doing something else and watched as it came through, missing the stud by half an inch. Thanks neighbor, now go away.
I've never been a wood worker by trade or even hobby, only necessity. I have however, done a lot of metal fabrication, lathe, mill work. Cuts and holes are more precise in metal, often to the thousandths of an inch. There are no knots or splits. I think that's where my nail obsession comes from. Perhaps a contractor or carpenter on a job where time is money would be more inclined to overlook nail errors that will be covered over anyway.
Not saying I'm good at pounding nails, far from it. And there are tricks I've heard of, dulling the point, dipping in soap or some liquid. Nail guns have taken over for most nailing I suppose, but still lots of smaller jobs to hand nail.
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Cedar Fever
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2022 11:02
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If it’s hidden in a wall I could care less. Now on weatherproofing, needs some attention to detail.
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frankpaige
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2022 12:38
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Has the wood gotten harder over the years? The nails softer? (Or me?)
Hate looking at bent nails. Came to the realization very quickly that I was glad to have that nailer!
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2022 17:10 - Edited by: gcrank1
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I do believe that the nails Ive bought recently are not as good as years past; had em fold over far too easy with good hammer blows.
Yep, pretty much gotta come out for a do-over.
I was taught that excellence is in the details, everything else is just average to poor.
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rpe
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# Posted: 6 Jul 2022 17:40
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We just finished a screened-in porch of rough-cut lumber. There were a few air-nails that either hit a knot and turned, or were mis-shot and ended up sticking out the side of the rafter, visible from underneath. I sorted out a half dozen or so, then went on with the strapping and steel roof, only to see a few that I'd missed! My solution is quick and dirty - cordless angle grinder with a thin cut-off wheel. A quick nip at the nail where it exits the rafter, and the offensive tail drops away! If it was an enclosed ceiling I'd never worry about it, but this is an open visible space, and some heckler is sure to bring it up.
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ICC
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# Posted: 7 Jul 2022 14:19
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Dulling the point of a nail makes splitting less likely. The more pointy, needle-nosed, the nail the more it acts like a wedge spreading the longitudinal wood fibers. This is good as when the fibers are pushed apart the wood grips the shank of the nail more. However that can cause splits, especially near the cut ends of the wood.
Dulling the point with a hammer blow makes the flattened end cut through some fibers rather than spreading the fibers. Splitting may be reduced but the nail retention by the wood fiber "squeeze" on the nail shank is reduced. Point dulling will also increase the force needed to drive the nail, possibly leading to more nail bending.
Nail bending can be caused by using a cheaply made hammer, a hammer with a damaged face, too heavy a hammer usedfor driving a thin shank nail, even by using a ball peen hammer instead of a carpentry hammer. Box and other thinner shank nails should never, IMO, be driven with a heavy framing hammer.
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ICC
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# Posted: 7 Jul 2022 14:47
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There still are nails made in the US, about 20%. Maze and Tremont are two my brother and I tried use as much as possible. Maze has some truly great double hot dipped roofers
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paulz
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# Posted: 7 Jul 2022 14:52
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Thanks ICC, good info. Have you ever heard of dipping nails in a lubricant? Could swear I've heard of it. Or maybe it was wood screws.
Working with fresh lumber is a treat for me, mostly I work with old reclaimed stuff.
BTW, I stopped by the lumber yard today for a friend who needs some 2x4. Stack of about 60 in the bargain area, mostly 12' or more, $500.
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ICC
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# Posted: 7 Jul 2022 17:59
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Quoting: paulz Have you ever heard of dipping nails in a lubricant? Could swear I've heard of it. Or maybe it was wood screws.
I've heard some people recommend beeswax or soap. I choose to drill a pilot hole as a pilot also assists in directing the nail in a straight line. Cordless drills make that easier. I have used soap or wax for screws in hardwoods at times, but I much prefer pilot holes for screws. Again, a hole can help guide the screw direction. I have tapered bits that use a holder that is also a countersink which is especially nice on cabinet making and similar work.
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