Designation: F 547 – 77 (Reapproved 1995)

Standard Terminology of
Nails for Use with Wood and Wood-Base Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 547; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

The terms included in these definitions are listed in alphabetical order under six headings to
facilitate quick reference. They are intended to apply to metal nails. Some of these terms are also
applicable to plastic nails. Omitted are terms relating to tacks, pins, drift pins, dowels, studs, spikes,
staples, and other fasteners, such as nail plates. Also omitted are terms relating to the testing and the
performance of nails, that is, their drivability, withdrawal resistance, lateral load transmission, creep,
protrusion resistance, and splitting; and methods of use, such as face, toe, side, and end-nailing,
spacing, loading conditions, etc. These subject matters will be covered in a separate definition of terms
relating to mechanical fasteners.
Common acceptance and usage are the basis for most of the definitions listed. In some instances,
this common usage results in more than one definition for a given term. In other cases, registered
trademarks have become generic in nature; hence, they are included among the terms listed.
Any such listing cannot be complete. As additional terms are referred to the Society’s attention, they
will be included.
An asterisk (*) behind the name of a nail indicates that this particular nail type is described in
Federal Specification FF-N-105 on Nails, Wire, Brads, and Staples.2
Whereas dimensions are normally not part of a definition, they are included in this standard because
they are essential in fully describing the fastener under consideration.
The definitions are listed under the following headings:
Nail Nail Heads Nail Threads
Nail Types Nail Points Miscellaneous Terms

NAIL apple-box nail—coated, regular-stock-steel, 15⁄8 and 13⁄4 by

0.080-in. nails with flat 15⁄64-in. head and medium diamond
nail—straight, slender fastener, usually pointed and headed; 6
point.
in. or less in length; designed to be driven; to hold two or
more pieces together or to act as support. (See screw nail; asbestosboard nail*—galvanized, hardened-steel, helically
drive screw.) threaded, 11⁄4 and 11⁄2 by 0.083-in. screwnails with flat,
slightly countersunk, 3⁄16-in. head and blunt diamond point.
DISCUSSION—In contrast to screw—fastener, usually pointed and asbestos-shingle nail— See shingle nail.
headed; designed to be turned with a screwdriver or other device;
having in its simplest form one or two continuous spiral threads (such asphalt-shingle nail— See roofing nail.
as a wood screw thread) or a helical thread (such as a machine screw auto nail—nail of 1⁄4 to 51⁄4-in. length, sheared off bright,
thread) or combinations thereof (such as a sheet-metal screw thread). smooth, knurled, or helically fluted, regular-stock-steel or
stiff-stock, 0.032-in. (21-gage) to 0.162-in. (8-gage) wire
NAIL TYPES
and driven subsequently by the same machine at a rapid rate.
aluminum common nail*—plain-shank, aluminum-alloy, 1 This nail has a sheared-bevel or sheared-square point.
by 0.072 to 6 by 0.262-in. nails with flat 5⁄32 to 17⁄32-in. head barrel nail*—bright or coated, regular-stock-steel, 5⁄8 by 0.067
and medium diamond point. to 11⁄2 by 0.092-in. nails with flat 0.148 to 0.219-in. head and
medium diamond point.
1
These definitions are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-16 on basket nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 5⁄8and 3⁄4 by 0.048-in.
Fastenersand are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F16.05 on Driven and nails with large flat head and medium needle point.
Other Fasteners.
beer-case cleat nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 1 by 0.080 to
Current edition approved Oct. 28, 1977. Published December 1977.
2
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 17⁄8 by 0.106-in. nails with 3⁄16 to 1⁄4-in. oval head and
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. duckbill or clinch point.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 F 547
beer-case hinge, lock and latch nail—bright, regular-stock- cleat nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄8 by 0.080 to 1 7⁄8 by
steel, 5⁄8 by 0.080 to 15⁄16 by 0.092-in. nails with oval 3⁄16 to 0.106-in. nails with oval 3⁄16 to 1⁄4-in. head and duckbill or
7⁄32-in. head and duckbill or clinch point. clinch point. (See clinch nail.)
beer-case strap nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄4 by 0.092 clinch nail—any nail designed for clinching after driving.
to 2 by 0.113-in. nails with oval 15⁄64 to -in. head and medium Bright, regular-stock-steel, 1 by 0.080 to 4 by 0.177-in. nails
diamond point. with oval 3⁄16 to 3⁄8-in. head and duckbill or clinch point. (See
berry-box nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4 to 11⁄4 by 0.054 cleat nail.)
and 0.062-in. nails with flat and medium diamond or needle clout nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4 by 0.072 to 1 1⁄2 by
point. 0.092-in. nails with large flat 0.225 to 0.262-in. head and
boat nail*—light-duty or heavy-duty, bright or galvanized, long side point or duckbill point.
regular-stock-steel, 11⁄2by 3⁄16 to 4 by 3⁄8-in., round-wire nails collar nail—See collar head, gudgeon, projection head.
with oval, countersunk, 13⁄32 to 3⁄4-in. head and medium common brad—See brad.
chisel point. Also, bright, annularly or helically threaded, common nail, common wire nail*—bright, plain-shank,
nonferrous or stainless-steel, 1 by 0.062 to 3 by 0.165-in., regular-stock-steel, 1⁄2by 0.035 to 6 by 0.262-in. nails with
round-wire nails with flat or oval, slightly countersunk, 1⁄8 to flat 11⁄64 to 17⁄32-in. head and medium diamond point.
3⁄8-in. head and medium diamond point. Also, galvanized,
Diameter is larger than that for sinkers, coolers, corkers, and
regular-stock-steel, 2 to 2 1⁄2-in. square, cut nails with oval box nails of same length.
head. concrete nail, concrete stub nail*—hardened-steel, 1⁄2 by
box nail*—bright, coated or galvanized, regular-stock-steel, 1 0.135 to 3 1⁄2 by 0.207-in. nails with flat countersunk 5⁄16 to
by 0.058 to 5 by 0.162-in. nails, made of lighter-gage wire 1⁄2-in. head and medium diamond point.

than common nails and sinkers, with flat 11⁄64to 13⁄32-in. head conduit nail—bright or copper-plated, regular-stock-steel or
and medium diamond point. hardened-steel, 13⁄4 to 3 1⁄2 by 0.161-in. nails with annularly
brad*—small nail with small head. threaded shank; bent, curved hook head, and medium needle
brad, common wire— slender, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄8by 0.035 point. Different types of head designed for fastening 1⁄2, 3⁄4,
to 6 by 0.262-in. wire nails with brad 0.050 to 0.331-in. head or 1-in. conduit, tubing, pipe, cable, etc.
and medium diamond point. cooler nail—usually coated, slender, regular-stock-steel, 1 by
brad, cut—slender, usually small, regular-stock-steel nails of 0.062 to 27⁄8 by 0.120-in. nails with flat 11⁄64 to 19⁄64-in. head
same thickness throughout, but tapering in width; with slight and medium diamond point, with head diameter same as or
projection on one side serving as head. Also, tapering, smaller than that of common wire nail of same length.
square-bodied, finishing nail with countersunk head. copper common nail*—bright, solid-copper, 5⁄8 by 0.065 to 6
brick-siding nail—galvanized, colored (baked-lacquer fin- by 0.284-in. nails with flat head and medium diamond point.
ished), plain-shank barbed or annularly threaded, regular- corker nail*—usually coated, slender, regular-stock-steel, 1
stock-steel, 7⁄8 by 0.092 to 2 1⁄2 by 0.099-in. nails with flat by 0.062 to 57⁄8 by 0.244-in. nails with 5⁄32 to 1⁄2-in. sinker
checkered 3⁄16 or 1⁄4-in. head and medium diamond point. head and medium diamond point.
broom nail*—bright, regular-stock-steel, 5⁄8to 3⁄4 by 0.072 or cork-insulation nail—galvanized, regular-stock-steel, 3 to 9
0.080-in. nails with flat 13⁄64 or 7⁄32in. head and medium by 0.148-in. nails with flat 1⁄2-in. head and medium diamond
diamond point. point.
cap nail—bright, galvanized or electroplated, plain-shank or corrugated roofing/siding nail—See roofing nail.
threaded, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4 by 0.105 to 6 by 0.135-in. cut nail—normally, wedge-shaped, 1⁄2 to 6-in. nails of various
nails with integral nominal 1-in. cap head and medium types sheared from stiff-stock-sheet steel, with sheared-
diamond point. square point end narrower than upset head end.
car nail—light-duty or heavy-duty, bright or coated, barbed or dating nail—galvanized, regular-stock-steel, copper or brass,
helically threaded, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄2 by 0.105-in. 11⁄2 by 1⁄4 to 21⁄2 by 3⁄16-in. nails with 3⁄8 to 1⁄2-in. flat numeral
(light) or 0.135-in. (heavy) to 6 by 0.225-in. (light) or head and medium diamond point.
0.244-in. (heavy) nails and screwnails with flat or oval diaphragm nail—stout, bright or galvanized, regular-stock-
countersunk head and medium diamond point. Also, light- steel or hardened-steel, helically threaded, 1 1⁄2 by 0.135 to
duty or heavy-duty, coated, barbed or helically threaded, 21⁄2 by 0.148-in. nails with flat slightly countersunk 5⁄16-in.
regular-stock-steel, 11⁄2 by 0.092 or 0.106 to 6 by 0.207 or head and medium diamond point.
0.225-in. nails with oval countersunk 15⁄64 to 15⁄32-in. head double-headed, duplex-head, dual-head, nail*—bright or
and medium diamond point. coated, regular-stock-steel, 1 3⁄4 by 0.113 to 4 by 0.207-in.
casing nail*—bright or galvanized, slender, regular-stock- nails with double 3⁄16 to 7⁄16-in. head, medium diamond point,
steel, 1 by 0.067 to 31⁄2by 0.135-in. nails with flat or cupped and 1⁄4 to 7⁄16-in. distance between head to be struck by
0.099 to 0.177-in. casing head and medium diamond point hammer and bearing head. Length of nails measured from
for countersinking where concealment is important. bearing surface of head.
cigar-box nail—bright, smooth, or barbed, regular-stock-steel, drive nail, drive screw—terms applied to helically threaded
1⁄2, 5⁄83⁄4, and by 0.044-in. nails with flat slightly countersunk nails, twisted nails, and annularly threaded shoe nail. (See
0.099-in. head and medium diamond point. nail, thread.)
cleat—L-shaped nail. drywall nail—See gypsum-wallboard nail.

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dual-head nail—See double-headed nail. framing nail—See common nail, threaded common nail,
duplex-head nail—See double-headed nail. threaded nail.
egg-case nail—coated, regular-stock-steel, 1 1⁄8 by 0.072-in. fruit-box nail—coated, regular-stock-steel, 1 3⁄8 by 0.072-in.
nail with flat 7⁄32-in. head and sharp medium diamond point. nail with flat 7⁄32-in. head and medium diamond point.
escutcheon pin—small, regular-stock-steel or nonferrous, 1⁄4 furniture nail—plated, regular-stock-steel or brass, 3⁄8 to 3⁄4-in.
by 0.035 to 2 by 0.092-in. nails with oval head and medium nails with extra large, decorative head and long diamond or
diamond point. needle point.
face nail—See siding nail. furniture-carton nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4 to 2-in.
fence nail—stout, bright, regular-stock-steel, 13⁄4 by 0.135 to 4 nails with circular 1-in. cap head and medium diamond
by 0.225-in. nails with large flat 9⁄32 to 15⁄32-in. head and point. (See cap nail.)
medium diamond point. furring nail—See self-furring nail.
fetter ring nail—term applied to annularly threaded nail. (See general-purpose nail— See common nail.
thread.) glulam rivet nail—plain or galvanized, flat, hardened-steel,
23⁄8 by 1⁄4-in. nail with sheared V-shaped point and flat upset
fiberboard nail—bright or electroplated, regular-stock-steel or
wedge-shaped head; designed to be driven through undersize
hardened-steel 1 by 0.054 to 2 by 0.062-in. nails with flat 3⁄32
truncated apertures in regular-stock-steel connector plates
or 7⁄64-in. head and medium needle point.
from which nails cantilever into wood.
field-box nail—coated, barbed, regular-stock-steel, 2 by 0.099
gudgeon—bright, regular-stock-steel nails with annular flange
to 21⁄4 by 0.106-in. nails with 1⁄4-in. oval head and medium
or collar located along shank. (See tile nail, acoustical.)
diamond point.
gypsum-deck nail—helically threaded cap nails with special
file-grip nail, file-thread nail—terms applied to helically
type of thread with extra large lead angle.
threaded nails provided with file threads. (See thread.)
gypsum-lath nail—bright or blued, regular-stock-steel, 1 by
fine nail*—slender, bright, regular-stock-steel, 1⁄2by 0.035 to 1 0.092 to 11⁄4 by 0.166 and 1 3⁄4 by 0.092-in. nails with large
1⁄8 by 0.072-in. nails with flat 1⁄8 to 11⁄64-in. head and medium
flat 19⁄64 to 3⁄8-in. head and long diamond point. Also,
diamond point. Also, slender, electroplated, hardened-steel, regular-stock-steel, 1 by 0.120 to 1 1⁄2by 0.148-in. nails with
11⁄4 by 0.054 to 21⁄2 by 0.083-in. nails with brad head and flat 1⁄2-in. head and medium diamond point. Also, aluminum-
short diamond point. alloy, 11⁄8 by 0.099 to 1 1⁄2by 0.105-in. nails with flat 19⁄64or
finishing nail*—slender, bright, regular-stock-steel, 1 by 5⁄14-in. head and medium diamond point.
0.058 to 4 by 0.135-in. nails with flat or cupped 0.086 to gypsum-sheathing nail—galvanized, barbed, regular-stock-
0.177-in. brad head and medium diamond point for counter- steel, 13⁄4 by 0.120-in. nail with flat 7⁄16-in. head and medium
sinking where concealment of head is important. (See also, diamond point.
fine nail, moulding and trim nails, wallboard nails.) gypsum-wallboard nail, gypsumboard nail, drywall nail—
fire-door nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, barbed, 1 1⁄4 by bright or blued, regular-stock-steel, annularly threaded, 1 1⁄8
0.092-in. nail (3d shingle nail) with flat 1⁄4-in. head and by 0.098 to 2 by 0.105-in. nails with flat, nub, or crossed
medium diamond point and 2 by 0.099-in. nail (6d box nail) slightly countersunk 1⁄4 to 19⁄64-in. head and long diamond
with flat 17⁄64-in. head and medium diamond point. point. Also, slender, colored (baked-lacquer finished),
flattened-shank nail—round wire nail with portion of shank regular-stock-steel, smooth or annularly threaded, 11⁄8by
flattened for a certain distance between point and head to 0.062 to 2 by 0.083-in. nails with slightly countersunk
facilitate driving of nail between steel members and wrap- 0.181-in. head and medium diamond or long needle point.
ping of flattened portion of shank around steel rod during hardboard nail—slender, usually colored (baked-lacquer fin-
driving. ished), stiff-stock or usually hardened-steel, usually annu-
flooring brad*——bright, regular-stock-steel, 2 by 0.120 to 4 larly threaded, 1 to 1 5⁄8 by 0.058-in. nails with small flat
by 0.192–in. nails with deep (32 deg) countersunk flat or head and long needle point for fastening plain or prefinished
cupped 0.162 to 0.244–in. head and medium diamond point. 1⁄8 and 1⁄4-in. hardboard for interior applications. Also,

Also, slender, bright, regular-stock-steel, 1 1⁄4by 0.076 to 2 slender bright or colored (baked-lacquer finished), galva-
1⁄2 by 0.113–in. nails with deep (32 deg) countersunk flat or
nized, stiff-stock, or usually hardened-steel, usually helically
cupped or brad 0.128 to 0.155–in. head and blunt diamond threaded, 2 to 3 by 0.105 and 0.120-in. nails with counter-
point. sunk 3⁄16or 13⁄64-in. head and pilot needle point for fastening
machine flooring brad ——bright, regular stock-steel, 1 by hardboard for exterior applications.
0.072-in. nail with special 0.113-in. brad head with cylindri- hardened nail—heat-treated medium-low or medium-high
cal rim and medium diamond point. carbon-steel nail.
flooring nail*—bright, stiff-stock or hardened-steel, helically heavy nail, heavy-gage nail—See stout nail.
threaded, 1 by 0.072 to 3 1⁄2by 0.148-in. nails with flat or high-density fiberboard nail—See shake nail, shingle nail,
checkered 9⁄64 to 9⁄32-in. countersunk or casing head and wood shingle and asbestos shingle nail.
blunt diamond point. hinge nail—light or heavy, bright, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄4 by
3⁄16 to 4 by 3⁄8-in. nails with flat or oval countersunk (95 deg)
foundry nail, smooth foundry nail—bright, regular-stock-
steel, 3⁄4 by 0.120 to 9 by 0.162-in. nails with large thin flat or oval 1⁄4 to 1⁄2-in. head and long diamond or chisel point.
7⁄16 to 1⁄2-in. head and medium diamond point. hob nail—stout, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄8to 5⁄8-in. nails with large

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 F 547
decorative (high square, fancy, round bevel, checkered, pole-barn nail—bright or galvanized, stiff-stock or hardened-
grooved, etc.) head and sheared-bevel point. steel, helically threaded, 2 1⁄2 to 9-in. nails with flat head and
hook-head metal-lath nail— See metal-lath nail. medium diamond point. (See threaded nail.)
hoop fastener nail—bright, blued or galvanized, regular- purlin nail, “straw”—galvanized, regular-stock-steel,
stock-steel, 3⁄8 by 0.092 to 1 by 0.162-in. nails with thin flat aluminum-alloy or copper, 4 to 16 by 1⁄8-in., 0.135 or
3⁄8 to 11⁄16-in. long, 0.207 to 3⁄8-in. wide hook head and 0.148-in. nails of desired length with flat 11⁄32-in., curved or
15⁄32-in. head, 9⁄16-in. cast lead head or plastic washer and
medium diamond point.
insulating-siding nail— See brick-siding nail. sheared-square or diamond point; for securing corrugated
insulation building-board nail, tileboard nail—galvanized, roofing to I-beams.
electro-galvanized or cadmium or nickel-plated, regular- ratchet nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4 to 2 by 0.120-in.
stock-steel, 11⁄4 and 13⁄4 by 0.054-in. nails with flat 3⁄32-in. nails with single-crest annular ratchet thread, flat 3⁄8-in. head
head and medium needle point. Also, plain or colored and medium diamond point.
(baked-lacquer finished) hardened-steel, smooth or annularly ring nail, ring-barbed nail, ring-grooved nail, ring-grip
threaded, 11⁄4 by 0.054 to 13⁄4 by 0.062-in. nails with slightly nail, ring-shank nail—terms applied to annularly threaded
countersunk 0.109-in. head and medium diamond or long nail. (See thread, annular.)
needle point. roll-grooved nail—bright or plated, helically grooved, round-
insulation-lath nail—blued, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄8 and 13⁄4 wire, stiff-stock, 1 by 0.086 to 4 by 0.164-in. drive-screw
by 0.092-in. nails with flat 3⁄8-in. head and long diamond nails with no clearance between flutes and head, with flat or
point. (See gypsum-lath nail.) slightly countersunk head and medium or long diamond
insulation-sheathing nail—galvanized, barbed, regular-stock- point, with crest diameter being referred to as diameter.
steel, 13⁄4 and 2 by 0.115 or 0.120-in. nails with flat 7⁄16 or roof-deck nail—galvanized, regular-stock-steel and bright,
1⁄2-in. head and medium diamond point.
hardened-steel, plain or annularly threaded, 3 by 0.135 to 4
lath nail*—See metal-lath nail, wood-lath nail. 1⁄2 by 0.177-in. nails with flat or slightly countersunk 9⁄32 to

lead-head nail—See roofing nail. 25⁄64-in. head and medium diamond point.

lino-nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 5⁄8 by 0.062-in. nail with roofing fastener—See purlin nail.
oval head and medium diamond point. roofing nail, asphalt-shingle nail, corrugated-roofing nail,
marking nail—See dating nail, marking head, numeral sheet-roofing nail*—bright or galvanized, plain-shank,
head. barbed or threaded, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4by 0.092 to 3 by
masonry nail*—plain, electro-zinc-plated or galvanized, 0.148-in. nails with flat, checkered, large, reinforced, um-
hardened-steel, knurled (longitudinally or nearly longitudi- brella lead or cast-lead 1⁄4to 9⁄16-in. head and medium or long
nally threaded or fluted), 1⁄2 to 4 by 0.148 or up to 0.250-in. diamond or needle point, often provided with lead conical
nails with flat or checkered 5⁄16 to -in. head and medium neoprene or flat plastic washer. Also, aluminum-alloy, plain-
diamond point. shank or helically threaded, 3⁄4 by 0.120 to 2 3⁄4 by 0.150-in.
metal-lath nail, hook-head metal-lath nail*—bright, blued nails with flat or checkered 3⁄8 to 9⁄16-in. head and medium
or galvanized, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄8 by 0.106-in. nail with diamond or needle point, often provided with conical neo-
thin flat 7⁄16 or -in. hook head and medium diamond point. prene washer. (See cap nail.)
(See self-furring nail.) scaffold nail—See double-headed nail.
moulding and trim nail—bright zinc-plated, slim, hardened- screw nail, screwnail, screw-grip nail, screw-shank nail,
steel, 11⁄4 by 0.054 to 21⁄2 by 0.083-in. nails with blunt point scru-shank nail, screw-thread nail—terms applied to he-
and button head. (See finishing nail, fine nail, hardboard lically threaded nail and screw-threaded nail. (See thread.)
nail, insulation building-board nail, tileboard nail, wall- self-furring nail—galvanized, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄4 to 2 1⁄2
board nail.) by 0.106-in. nails with 3⁄8-in. flat head, medium diamond
orange-box nail—coated, regular-stock-steel, 11⁄4 by 0.072-in. point, and washer or spacer on shank; for fastening reinforc-
nail with flat 7⁄32-in. head and medium diamond point. ing wire mesh and spacing it from nailing member.
pallet nail*—bright, stiff-stock or hardened-steel, helically shade bracket nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 3⁄4 to 1 by
threaded (with medium lead angle) or annularly threaded, 0.080 or 0.092-in. nails with slightly countersunk 1⁄2 or
11⁄2 by 0.105 to 4 by 0.177-in. nails with smooth or 9⁄32-in. head and needle point.

checkered flat 9⁄32 to 7⁄16-in. head and medium or blunt shake nail, cedar-shake or shingle nail, wood-shake face
diamond or blunt chisel point. nail—enameled (baked-lacquer finished), galvanized,
parquet flooring nail—hardened-steel, annularly threaded, regular-stock-steel, plain-shank or annularly threaded,
11⁄8 by 0.062 to 11⁄4 by 0.072-in. nails with deep countersunk aluminum-alloy, plain-shank or helically threaded, or
0.080 to 0.113-in. casing head and diamond or needle point. stainless-steel, annularly threaded, 1 1⁄2 by 0.080 to 21⁄2by
peerless cut nail—name for small, regular-stock-steel, cut 0.092-in. nails with flat 1⁄8to 9⁄64-in. head and medium
nails with broad flat circular head and sheared long-tapered diamond point. Also, aluminum-alloy 1 1⁄4by 0.086 to 13⁄4 by
square point to facilitate clinching. 0.092-in. nails with flat 5⁄32-in. head and blunt diamond
pin—small headless nail. point. Also, aluminum-alloy, annularly threaded, 1 3⁄8 and 2
plaster-base nail, plasterboard nail, plaster-board nail*—See by 0.099-in. nails with special type of thread and with flat
gypsum-lath nail, wood-lath nail. slightly countersunk 5⁄32-in. head and long needle point; for

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 F 547
fastening cedar shakes to fiberboard nail-base sheathing. ished), plain-shank or helically threaded, aluminum-alloy, 1
sheathing nail—See common nail, threaded common nail, 78⁄ by 0.106 to 27⁄8 by 0.148-in. nails with 9⁄64 to 11⁄32-in.
diaphragm nail, fiberboard nail, gypsum-sheathing nail, casing or 17⁄64to 5⁄16-in. sinker head and medium or blunt
hardboard nail. diamond point. Also, bright or colored (baked-lacquer fin-
sheathing/siding nail—stainless-steel, annularly threaded, 11⁄2 ished), stainless-steel, annularly threaded, 21⁄8and 2 3⁄8by
by 0.120-in. nail with slightly countersunk 7⁄64-in. head and 0.083 and 0.095-in. nails with slightly countersunk 3⁄16-in.
sharp medium diamond point. head and medium diamond point. (See common siding
sheet-metal nail—nail stamped out of sheet metal and formed nail.)
to desired shape. (See roofing nail.) sinker*—bright or coated, slender, regular-stock-steel, 1 1⁄8 by
sheet-roofing fastener nail—See purlin nail. 0.067 to 5 3⁄4 by 0.244-in. nails with 11⁄64 to 1⁄2-in. sinker head
sheet-roofing nail— See roofing nail. and medium diamond point, with diameter of head smaller
shingle-backer nail— See shake nail. than that of cooler and common nail of same designation.
shingle nail* slating nail*—galvanized, regular-stock-steel, 1 by 0.106 to 2
wood–shingle nail—bright or galvanized, regular-stock- by 0.148-in. nails with slightly countersunk 5⁄16 to 7⁄16-in. flat
steel, plain-shank or annularly threaded, 1 1⁄4by 0.076 to 2 by head and medium diamond point. Also, aluminum-alloy, 7⁄8
0.106-in. nails with flat 7⁄32 to 9⁄32-in. head and medium or by 0.106 to 1 1⁄2 by 0.135-in. nails with large flat 5⁄16 to 3⁄8-in.
blunt diamond point. Also, bright or colored (baked-lacquer head and medium diamond point. Also, solid copper, 7⁄8 by
finished), aluminum-alloy, plain-shank or helically threaded, 0.109 to 3 by 0.148-in. nails with large flat head and medium
7⁄8 by 0.080 to13⁄4by 0.099-in. nails with flat 5⁄32to 9⁄32-in. diamond point.
head and medium or blunt diamond point. Also, aluminum- slender, slim nail—nails with shank diameter usually at least
alloy, annularly threaded, 1 3⁄8 and 2 by 0.101-in. nails with one gage smaller than common nails of same length.
special type of thread and with flat slightly countersunk smooth-edge carpet plywood strip nail— hardened-steel,
5⁄32-in. head and long needle point for fastening cedar 11⁄16 by 0.105-in. nail with countersunk flat 7⁄32-in. head and

shingles to fiberboard nail-base sheathing. long diamond point.

asbestos-shingle nail—bright or galvanized, regular-stock- square-wire nail—bright, diagonally barbed, square-wire,
steel, annularly threaded, 1 to 2 by 0.113-in. nails with flat regular-stock-steel, 2 by 0.113 to 4 by 0.192-in. common
13⁄32-in. head and long diamond or needle point. Also, nails with 1⁄4 to 3⁄8-in. flat head and medium diamond point;
aluminum-alloy, helically threaded, 11⁄8 to 2 1⁄2 by 0.099 to also, 2 by 0.099 and 21⁄2 by 0.113-in. box nails with 1⁄4 and
17⁄64-in. flat head and medium diamond point; also, 2 by
0.135-in. nails with smooth or striated flat 3⁄16 to 7⁄16-in. head
or 9⁄64 to 5⁄32-in. casing head and medium diamond or needle 0.091 and 2 1⁄2 by 0.099-in. finish nails with 0.124 and
point. Also, aluminum-alloy, annularly threaded, 13⁄8 and 2 0.131-in. flat head and medium diamond point; also, 1 1⁄2 by
by 0.101-in. nails with special type of thread and with flat 0.131-in. truss nail with 9⁄32-in. flat head and medium
slightly countersunk 0.190-in. striated head and long needle diamond point.
point; for fastening asbestos shingles to fiberboard nail-base stout nail—nails with shank diameter usually at least one gage
sheathing. larger than common nails of same length.
asphalt-shingle nail—See roofing nail. straight nail—nail not bent or bowed.
siding nail*— See brick-siding nail, hardboard nail, roofing strap nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 1 1⁄4 by 0.092 to 2 by
nail, sheathing/siding nail. 0.113-in. nails with oval 15⁄64 to 17⁄64-in. head and short
aluminum-siding nail—plain-shank or helically threaded, diamond point.
aluminum-alloy 1 by 0.099 to 2 1⁄2 by 0.135-in. nails with straw—See purlin nail.
flat 1⁄4 to 5⁄16-in. head and medium diamond point. strip nail—steel, 1 1⁄4to 21⁄2-in. nails spot welded to disposable
asbestos-siding face nail—bright, colored (baked-lacquer fin- metal strip that feed nails into nailing machine provided with
ished) or galvanized, regular-stock-steel, hardened-steel, staple-type magazine. During punching of nail from strip,
bronze, aluminum or stainless-steel, annularly threaded, small washer is formed under head. Also, nail stored in
file-grip or screw-thread, 1 1⁄4 by 0.080 to 2 by 0.105-in. special strip to serve as magazine for feeding nailing
nails with smooth or striated flat 3⁄16-in. or button head and machine.
medium diamond or needle point. subflooring nail—See threaded sinker (annularly threaded),
common siding nail—bright or colored (baked-lacquer fin- diaphragm nail.
ished), galvanized, regular-stock-steel or hardened-steel, T nail*—bright, etched, coated, galvanized, aluminum-coated,
plain-shank or threaded, 1 3⁄4 by 0.080 to 3 by 0.128-in. nails plastic-coated, knurled or annularly threaded, stiff-stock or
with flat 5⁄32 to 19⁄64-in. head and medium diamond point. aluminum-alloy, round-wire, 1 by 0.080 to 2 1⁄2 by 0.131-in.
corrugated-siding nail—See roofing nail. nails of T shape with 5⁄32 or 17⁄64-in. round, square or
hardboard-siding nail—See hardboard nail. oval-finish head of sinker, with or without heavy fillet, and
insulated-siding nail—bright or colored (baked-lacquer fin- with diamond or chisel point; driven with special nailing
ished) aluminum-alloy, 11⁄2 by 0.113 to 2 1⁄2 by 0.135-in. machine provided with staple-type magazine.
nails with flat 7⁄32 to 9⁄32-in. head and medium diamond point. threaded nail*
insulating-siding nail—See brick siding nail. threaded common nail, threaded nail, threaded sinker,
wood-siding nail— bright and colored (baked-lacquer fin- n—bright or galvanized, regular-stock-steel, stiff-stock or

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hardened-steel, annularly or helically threaded, 1 by 0.072 to larly threaded or helically threaded, 5⁄8 by 0.054 to 7⁄8 by
6 by 0.262-in. nails with flat 3⁄16 to 17⁄32-in. head and 1 1⁄8 by 0.072-in. nails with slightly countersunk flat head and
0.072 to 53⁄4 by 0.238-in. sinkers with11⁄64 to 1⁄2-in. sinker medium or long diamond point.
head and medium diamond point. wood-heel top-lift nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 1⁄2 by
threaded shear-resistant nail—stout, short, helically threaded, 0.041 to 3⁄4 by 0.048-in. nails with flat or brad head and long
1 1⁄2 to 2 1⁄2by 0.135 and 0.148-in. nails with 5⁄16-in. sinker diamond point.
head and medium diamond point. wood-lath nail*—blued, regular-stock-steel, 1 and 1 1⁄8 by
tile nail 0.054 and 0.072-in. nails with flat 1⁄8 to 11⁄64-in. head and
acoustical-tile nail—slender, electroplated, regular-stock- medium diamond point.
steel or stiff-stock, 1 to 1 3⁄4 by 0.062-in. nails with 1⁄4-in.
projection head with 0.135-in. collar and sharp, blunt, or NAIL HEADS
medium diamond point. head—upset or deformation of shank, usually at or near end of
asbestos-tileboard nail—stainless steel or other nonferrous shank opposite point end; formed during manufacture of nail
metal nails with casing or oval head. (See also asbestos- to provide area to be struck by hammer during driving and to
board nail.) offer bearing resistance (see Fig. 1).
roofing-tile nail— galvanized, regular-stock-steel, 5 to 7 by angle—on countersunk head, total included angle formed by
0.148-in. nails with flat 5⁄16-in. head and medium diamond conical underportion or bearing surface.
point. ball head—spherical head.
tileboard nail— See asbestosboard nail, fiberboard nail, bearing surface—underside of head in contact with nailed
insulation building-board nail. member.
toothed nail—flat, L-shaped, 1⁄2 to 115⁄16-in. cleats, sheared bent head—wire bent and upset to form head. (See hook
from 16-gage steel sheet; provided with toothed serrations head.)
along narrow sides of long shank and with slightly tapered, brad head—small-diameter, deep, circular, barrel-shaped head
dull point; driven with special nailing machine provided with flat or concavely cupped top surface, as found on
with staple-type magazine. finishing nails and common brads for countersinking where
trim nail—See moulding nail. concealment is important.
trunk nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4-in. nails with
rivet or oval head and extra long 88V’’ point.
trussed rafter nail— See threaded nail.
tubing nail—See conduit nail.
twisted nail—helically twisted, squarewire, 1⁄2 by 0.072 to 6
by 0.250-in. drivescrew nails, usually of tempered stiff-
stock, with flat or countersunk head and medium diamond
point, with crest diameter being referred to as diameter.
twist nail—slender, copper or aluminum nails with flat head
and medium needle point for twist clinching, that is, for
having part of nail shank twisted to form a clinched point.
underlay nail, underlayment nail*—bright, regular-stock-
steel, stiff-stock or hardened-steel, annularly threaded, 1 by
0.080 to 3 by 0.148-in. nails with flat or slightly countersunk
3⁄16 to 5⁄16-in. head and medium diamond point.

upholstery nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, two-piece nails

with extra-large specially formed head and medium diamond
or needle point.
**V’’ nail—headless nails with central V-shaped slot at head
end.
veneer-box nail—coated, regular-stock-steel, 1 1⁄2 by 0.080-in.
nail with flat 15⁄64 or 1⁄4-in. head and medium needle point.
wagon nail—annealed, barbed, regular-stock-steel nails with
round, oval, cone, flat countersunk, or steeple head and
medium diamond point.
wallboard nail—slender, colored (baked-lacquer finished),
regular-stock-steel or hardened-steel, smooth or annularly
threaded, 1 1⁄8 by 0.062 to 2 by 0.083-in. nails with slightly
countersunk 0.109 to 0.181-in. head and medium diamond or
long needle point.
wire nail—nail manufactured from metal wire or rod.
wood-heel attaching nail—bright, regular-stock-steel, annu- FIG. 1 Various Types of Nail Heads

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broad head—See large head. flat head—most common head, having flat, circular, parallel
button head—cylindrical head with flat upper and bearing top and bearing surfaces and slightly rounded edge or rim.
surfaces, smaller in diameter and thicker than flat head for head height—total height of head; the sum of all head
same size nail shank. elements measured parallel to nail axis; for practical pur-
cap head—extra large, flat or dished, round or squared poses, measured from top of fillet to top of head.
sheet-metal head applied to nail shank during nail manufac- head length—on a hook-head or similarly headed nail, pro-
ture. jected distance between shank and extremity of head.
capstan head— See dual head. headless—nail without upset or bend at head end.
casing head—deep countersunk (32 deg) head with flat or head rim—peripheral part of head.
cupped, circular top surface as found on casing nails to hook head—head, usually flattened; formed by bending wire
facilitate flush driving of nail. at right angle to shank; resulting in fastener shaped like
cast lead head—half-round or bell-shaped lead head serving 88L’’.
as head and washer requiring approximately 25 % more lead large head—larger than standard head, usually more than 3 to
than compressed lead head. (See lead head.) 31⁄2 times shank diameter.
checkered head—flat head with raised or depressed, checker lead head, cast lead head, compressed lead head—lead
or grid marks of various designs. encasement pressed or cast onto or around small 9⁄32-in. steel
collar head—intermediate flat head with shanks protruding in head, or both.
both directions of nail axis. lettered head—head with raised or depressed, identifying
cone head—head consisting of truncated cone with large letter or letters on top surface of head.
diameter usually nearest shank of nail. marking, marker head— See lettered head, numeral head.
conical head— See countersunk head. nub head—head with protruding knob. (See washer head.)
convex head—See umbrella head. numeral head—head with raised or depressed, identifying
countersunk head—head with bearing surface conically number or numbers on top surface of head.
shaped: 88deep’’ having 32 to 74-deg included angle; 88me- oval head, oval rivet head—circular head having convex top
dium’’ having 75 to 99-deg included angle; 88slight’’ having surface, with its height smaller than its radius.
100 to 160-deg included angle. pan head—flat head with rim having rounded upper edge and
crimped head—head with undulating or pronged rim, or both. squared lower edge, usually slotted.
crossed head—cup head with raised lines in cup forming projection head—flange or collar spaced at short distance
cross. Also known as X head. from end of wire, with wire projecting from upper side of
cup, cupped head—head with concave or recessed, instead of flange or collar forming part of head and wire projecting
flat, top surface to accommodate nail set and to prevent its from other side of flange or collar forming the shank. (See
slipping during countersinking. gudgeon.)
cupped oval head—head with oval or convex top surface and rim thickness—thickness of peripheral part of head, measured
concave bearing surface. (See umbrella head.) parallel to nail axis.
curved head—head with hemispherical or nearly hemispheri- rivet head—See oval head.
cal bearing surface and flat top surface. Also, head of plain, rose head—pyramidal head with four triangular faces meeting
flat-headed nail with two opposite edges cupped downward. at common vertex, having a square, rectangular, or circular-
diameter—length of longest straight line through center of ized flat bearing surface.
largest cross section of head. round head—circular head having convex top surface with
diamond head—square head of trapezoidal longitudinal sec- height equal to its radius.
tion, with flat upper and bearing surfaces and bearing surface saucer head—circular, cupped head with concave top surface
larger than upper surface. and convex bearing surface.
dished head— See cup head. screw head—See slotted head.
double, duplex, dual head—thick flat head to be stuck by sinker head—flat, slightly countersunk (115 to 130 deg) head,
hammer, with a second head, flange, or collar spaced slightly as found on sinkers and corker nails; smaller in diameter
below to act as bearing head to prevent nail head from than head on cooler and common nails.
sinking into material into which nail is driven and to slotted head—head provided with cut or struck slot for
facilitate withdrawal after temporary use of nail. On double insertion of screwdriver or to simulate head of wood screw.
and duplex heads, the first and second heads are flat; whereas spring head—See cupped oval head, umbrella head.
the second head of dual head is a cone head. star head—slightly raised pyramidal head with multiple trian-
embossed head—head with raised or impressed figure or gular faces meeting at common vertex, having a polygonal
design. or circularized flat bearing surface.
extra large head—usually more than 3 1⁄2 times shank steeple head—See cone head.
diameter, normally referring to head of regular-stock-steel striated head—head with parallel ridges and grooves to
nail. identify high-density fiberboard nail.
fillet head—head with extra large curved intersection of head taper—included angle of countersink.
and shank. umbrella head—extra-large cupped oval head, provided with
finishing head—brad head, as found on finishing nail. slight projection of nail shank above head to provide striking

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surface during driving. through member, flattened and bent sideways to a limited
upset head—metal slightly upset, with deformed portion extent when striking flat anvil plate.
serving as head. butterfly point—a defective point with one or two thin fins
washer head—head with washer-like flange to serve as projecting. (See burr.)
bearing surface for head. (See nub head.) chisel point—point with two major planes forming 88V’’ and
pair of minor planes on each flank; forming hexagonal cross
NAIL POINTS section.
point—end of shank opposite head, usually tapered; formed clinched point—pointed end of nail, having been driven
during manufacture of nail to facilitate driving (see Fig. 2). through member bent sideways. (See brad-clinched point,
included angle—angle between the sides of the point in the J-clinched point, plate-clinched point.)
longitudinal section through the nail in the direction perpen- clinch point—end of wire flattened or notched or both for easy
dicular to the point sides. clinching when striking anvil plate or 88nail buck’’. (See
ballistic point—bullet-shaped point. self-clinching.)
ball point—spherical point on shank of nail, having a diameter cupped point—incomplete needle point; resulting from break-
equal to that of shank. ing of tip of point during forming.
beveled square point—extremity of nail shank opposite head diamond point—symmetrical point having four approxi-
sheared obliquely to shank axis. (See sheared-bevel point.) mately equal bevelled planes forming a pyramid; its length
blunt chisel point, short chisel point— chisel point with large measured along cut edge of point. Usually applied unless
included angle. otherwise specified.
blunt diamond point, short diamond point— diamond point duckbill point—end of wire flattened to thin elliptical cross
with large included angle. section having sharp periphery, in appearance somewhat like
blunt point, short point—point with large included angle; bill of duck, to facilitate clinching at predetermined point,
designed to punch and not to split. (See dull point.) slight transverse depression may be formed across point.
blunted-point—point end of nail purposely dulled by nail user dull point—end of point rounded in contrast to being sharp.
prior to driving of nail. (See dull point.) fin—thin projection from cut edge of point, a defect. Occa-
brad-clinched point—pointed end of nail, having been driven sionally found on rim of head.
**fish-mouth’’ point—incomplete chisel wedge point with
two narrow ridges at end, a defect resulting from premature
breaking of wire during forming.
J-clinched point—pointed end of nail having been driven
through member against curved anvil plate, bent sideways
and driven back into member.
length—distance between beginning and end of point, mea-
sured along edge of point.
long point—point with 20-deg or smaller included angle for
0.040 to 0.065-in. wire diameter; 25-deg or smaller included
angle for 0.072 to 0.225-in. wire diameter; 30-deg or smaller
included angle for 0.250 to 0.325-in. wire diameter.
medium point—point with 28 to 35-deg included angle for
0.040 to 0.065-in. wire diameter; 32 to 38-deg included
angle for 0.072 to 0.225-in. wire diameter; 37 to 44-deg
included angle for 0.250 to 0.325-in. wire diameter.
needle point—point forming circular cone.
offset point—See side point.
peaned point—point formed like that usually found on rivets.
pencil point—long needle point.
pilot point—point of threaded nail with plain portion of shank
between top of point and threaded portion of shank.
plate-clinched point—pointed end of nail, having been driven
through member against anvil plate, bent sideways.
pointed—provided with sharp point.
pointless—See sheared-square point.
regular point—denoting medium diamond point.
sharp point—end of point being keen, instead of being
slightly rounded or dull.
sheared point—See sheared-bevel point, sheared-square
point.
FIG. 2 Various Types of Nail Points sheared-bevel point—one directional point having one flat

8
 F 547
surface; formed by shearing nail wire off at angle to shank Flattened thread occasionally referring to flattened thread
axis, inducing nail to diverge from straight penetration crest.
unless countermeasures are introduced. flute—helical and, sometimes, vertical deformation rolled onto
sheared-square point—extremity of nail shank opposite head shank.
end of nail sheared at right angle to shank axis. height—distance between root and crest, measured perpen-
short point—point with 40-deg or greater included angle for dicular to nail axis.
0.040 to 0.065-in. wire diameter; 45-deg or greater included helical thread—continuous multiple helical depressions rolled
angle for 0.072 to 0.225-in. wire diameter; 55-deg or greater onto nail shank with resulting expansion approximately
included angle for 0.250 to 0.325-in. wire diameter. equal to depression. Unless otherwise specified, medium
side point—an eccentric nonsymmetrical point. lead angle is implied.
square point—sheared square point; also known as no point or helix angle—See lead angle.
square-cut point. incomplete thread—thread not fully formed.
tapered wedge point—point with two major planes forming lead angle, helix angle—angle made by helix of thread with
88V’’ and with single minor plane on each flank; forming plane perpendicular to nail axis; measured at pitch line;
rectangular cross section. small lead angle usually refers to less than 20 deg; medium
truncated point—needle point with its tip sheared square. lead angle usually refers to 55 to 65 deg; large lead angle
wedge point—point with two convergent planes forming refers to 65 to 75 deg; extra large lead angle refers to 80 to
88V’’. 85 deg.
longitudinal thread—multiple flutes parallel or nearly parallel
NAIL THREADS to nail axis, rolled onto nail shank, having a lead angle of or
thread—annular and helical and, sometimes, longitudinal closely approaching 90 deg.
deformations rolled onto shank; in general, with deforma- pitch diameter—for all practical purposes, the diameter of the
tions passing entirely around body; usually resulting in smooth shank prior to threading.
expanded ridges and depressions, larger and smaller, respec- pitch line—line parallel to nail axis located at distance equal to
tively, than wire diameter. (See knurled.) one-half of pitch diameter from nail axis.
angle—See lead angle. ratchet thread—type of buttress thread, usually annular for
annular thread—multiple ring-like threads rolled completely engagement with nailing channels, retaining clips, etc.
around shank in planes perpendicular to nail axis; having a ring thread, ring-barb thread, ring-groove thread, ring-grip
lead angle of zero degree. thread, ring-shank thread—See annular thread.
buttress-type thread—thread with flank on head side of crest root—innermost part of thread, rounded or flattened; joining
almost perpendicular to nail axis; while flank on point side of flanks of adjacent threads.
crest is noticeably inclined. root diameter—twice the distance between nail axis and root,
crest—outermost part of thread, joining flanks. (See double measured perpendicular to nail axis.
crest.) rounded thread, round-bottom thread—thread with rounded
crest diameter—twice the distance between nail axis and root extending to pitch line. Rounded thread also referring to
crest, measured perpendicular to nail axis. Thread crest rounded thread crest.
diameters for given shank diameters: screw, screw-grip thread, screw-shank thread, scru-shank
Helically Threaded Nails Annularly Threaded
thread, screw thread—See helical thread, screw thread.
Wire Diameter, Nails, Stiff-Stock and screw thread—helical thread with small lead angle rolled onto
in. Stiff-stock, in. Hardened, in. Hardened, in. nail shank.
0.120 0.134 to 0.140 to 0.132 to
0.138 0.144 0.136 shoulder—edge, when present, at junction of thread crest and
0.135 0.161 to 0.161 to 0.149 to flank. If double crested, primary shoulder is nearer head and
0.166 0.166 0.154 should be equal to or larger in diameter than secondary
0.148 0.173 to 0.173 to 0.161 to
0.180 0.180 0.166 shoulder, which is closer to point.
0.165 0.196 to 0.196 to 0.180 to spacing—distance between centers of adjacent crests, mea-
0.201 0.201 0.185 sured perpendicular to crests.
0.177 0.209 to 0.209 to 0.193 to
0.213 0.213 0.197 spiral thread—misnomer for helical thread.
symmetrical thread—thread where following flank is a
double crest—crest having two ridges separated by slight
mirror-image of leading flank about line through crest and
depression.
perpendicular to nail axis.
file thread, file-grip thread—large number of fine, closely
**V’’ thread—thread with leading flank of one thread inter-
spaced helical threads, with large or extra large lead angle,
secting with following flank of adjacent thread at thread root.
rolled onto shank. Usually applied to certain aluminum
vertical thread—misnomer for longitudinal thread.
asbestos-shingle face nails.
width—See spacing.
88fish-hook-like’’ thread— See buttess-type thread.
flank, side—surface between root and crest; 88leading’’ flank
MISCELLANEOUS TERMS
being on point side of crest and 88following’’ flank being on
head side of crest. acid-etched—treated in an acid bath, usually phosphoric, to
flattened thread, flat-bottom thread—thread having flat root. provide a rough surface.

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 F 547
aluminized—dipped in molten aluminum for coating purposes sizing of individual elements.
resulting in smooth, continuous, and adherent aluminum deformed—See mechanically deformed.
coating. diameter—length of longest straight line through center of
annealed—heated and subsequently cooled to provide in- cross section of wire from which nail is formed. Diameter of
creased ductility. pointed nail is that immediately below the grip marks.
anodized aluminum—natural-colored or surface-colored alu- Diameter of nail with roll-threaded shank is that of wire or
minum having increased anodic corrosion resistance. nail prior to being threaded. In the case of fluted, roll-
barbed—shank provided with repetitive, shallow or deep, grooved, and twisted nails, formed diameter refers to crest
symmetrical or nonsymmetrical, cross-wise or oblique, di- diameter. Diameter does not include coating except clad-
agonal or perpendicular indentations and ridges, excluding ding. (See thread-crest diameter.)
grip marks. die marks—See grip marks.
barrel-galvanized— See hot-galvanized. dipped—dipped in bath of molten zinc for coating purposes,
blued—heated to result in oxidized bluish surface of steel nail. with excess zinc removed; resulting in coating essentially
bonderized—phosphate coated. (See parkerized.) free from blisters, lumps, gritty areas, acid spots, dross
bright—term applied to nails with natural bare finish resulting warts, and flux.
from cleaning of nails which have not undergone treatments electro-galvanized, electro-zinc plated—See zinc-plated.
affecting finish, such as hardening, bluing, coating, plating, electroplated—surface provided with usually thin electro-
etching, painting, etc. Also applied to polished appearance chemical deposit of brass, cadmium, copper, nickel, tin, zinc,
after plating. etc., as a result of immersion in electrolytic bath.
bright finish—non-coated wire finish. enameled—coated with enamel of desired color and often
bulge—doughnut-like protrusion perpendicular to nail shank baked.
below nail head. etched—cleaned of grease and oil, with slightly dulled, mi-
burr—thin, wing-like ridge protruding from side or edge of croscopically roughened surface, usually by a chemical
point or underside of top of head; defect formed during process.
pointing or heading process and intended to be removed fillet—curved intersection of head and shank, specified by its
during manufacturing process. (See whisker.) radius.
carton—See packaging. fin—See burr.
case-hardened, surface-hardened—surface of steel nail car-
flake-galvanized—See hot-galvanized.
burized and subsequently hardened, by suitable heat treat-
fluted—deformed with continuous, symmetrical, helical, or
ment, leaving a soft core.
longitudinal depressions. Four or five of these flutes are
cement-coated—surface coated by tumbling or immersion in
usually formed onto wire from which fluted nail is made, in
natural resin or shellac to produce a limited temporary bond
contrast to threading where shapes are rolled onto nail shank
between driven nail and surrounding wood, provided coating
in a thread-rolling process. Flutes resulting from this manu-
is not removed during driving, and to reduce rusting during
facturing process extend the full length of the nail shank.
storage.
(See roll-grooved and mechanically deformed.)
clad—surface sheathed.
flutes—continuous symmetrical depressions along nail shank.
cleaned—oil and other foreign matter removed from surface
by tumbling with sawdust or by chemical process. formed—See mechanically deformed.
clearance—plain section of shank between head and shank galvanized—See zinc-coated.
deformation (disregarding gripmarks). gauge, gage—instrument used to measure wire diameter. (See
clinch—point end bent sideways to provide increased holding wire gage.)
power or to eliminate protrusion of point end of excessively grip mark, gripe mark, gripper mark—indentations and
long fastener, or both. ridges along shank, usually near head, made by gripping
coated—covered fully or partially with natural resin or con- devices that hold wire during heading; often used with other
version coating to provide ease of driving, increased holding markings to classify nail manufacturer.
power, or corrosion resistance, or a combination of these. grooved—general term sometimes used to denote threaded,
cohered—fastened together in strip form, usually with adhe- fluted, twisted, knurled, barbed, etc.
sive. (See collated.) gummed—See coated.
collated—fastened next to each other in strip form. (See hardened—heat-treated medium-carbon or medium-high-
cohered.) carbon-steel, with treating process resulting in toughened
colored—See anodized, blued, enameled, lacquered, nail with greater stiffness at high flexural loads. (See
painted. heat-treated.)
coppered, copper-washed—all surfaces chemically plated heat-treated—heated above critical temperature and subse-
with copper, usually by chemical rather than electrolytic quently quenched, which may be followed by tempering for
process. (See electroplated.) the purposes of obtaining certain desirable conditions or
corrosion-resistant—term used to describe a material or properties, such as hardness, toughness, and stiffness at high
treatment designed to inhibit corrosion. (See rustproof.) flexural loads.
count—approximate number of nails per pound influenced by high-carbon steel— See steel grades.

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 F 547
hot-dipped, hot-dip galvanized, hot-dipped zinc-coated—See painted—coated with paint or plastic by dipping or barrel-
dipped. tumbling.
hot-galvanized, barrel-galvanized, flake-galvanized, parkerized—chemically treated to provide iron and steel with
tumbler-galvanized, wean-galvanized—zinc coating ap- dark corrosion-resistant protective coating by boiling in
plied in heated tumbling barrel containing zinc-flakes. solution of manganese dihydrogen phosphate and subse-
identification—See grip mark. quently applying coating of paraffin oil.
japanned—tumble-pointed. peen-coated, peen-galvanized—See mechanically plated.
keg, nail keg—synonymous with 100 lb (45.36 kg) of nails. penny size, penny weight—denoting length of nail, indicated
Round, bulging container for bulk nails, made of wooden by “d” (not indication of diameter). Because of standardiza-
staves, steel hoops, and flat heads, usually holding 100 lb of tion of sizes of common nails, sinkers, and cooler nails,
nails. Terms no longer in common usage. penny weight denotes, in addition to length, the head and
knurled—loose term used to denote threaded, fluted, or shank diameter of these nails. For other nail types, sizes are
grooved parallel or nearly parallel to nail axis with defor- referred to by length and diameter.
mations not passing around body (see thread); also, barbed phosphate-coated, phosphatized—chemically treated to pro-
or deformed in repetitive pattern along surface. vide iron and steel with gray protective ferric-phosphate
lacquer-finished—coated with lacquer and often baked, usu- coating; to provide increased nail holding power by surface
ally in such colors as to match or blend with color of item to roughening.
be fastened. pilot—plain-shank section between point and threaded portion
length—distance measured parallel to shank axis from maxi- of shank.
mum diameter of bearing surface of head to extreme end of plain-shank—term applied to nail without shank deforma-
point; except in case of cement-coated, brad-headed, and tions, disregarding grip-marks.
oval-countersunk-headed nails where measurement includes plain steel—bright steel.
complete head. plastic coated—covered fully or partially with polymer to
Discussion—In evaluating nail performance, length is mea- provide ease of driving, increased holding power, or corro-
sured to and including one third of length of point. sion resistance, or a combination of these.
liquor finish—very thin wire coating produced by wire im- plated—See electro-plated.
mersion in metallic salts, usually copper, offering very polished—See tumbled.
limited corrosion resistance. quench-hardened—See hardened.
low-carbon-steel—See steel grades. resin-coated—covered with natural resin to provide ease of
machine quality—term applied to nails manufactured with driving, increased holding power, or corrosion resistance, or
closer tolerances than usual and selected for close adherence a combination of these.
to specification and freedom from foreign matter. roll-grooved, rolled-grooved—provided with four or more
mechanically deformed—nails with rolthreaded or formed continuous symmetrical, longitudinal or helical flutes; result-
shanks to improve holding power. ing from roll-grooving of round wire prior to heading and
roll-threaded— with helical, annular, or longitudinal deforma- pointing of nail. Flutes resulting from this manufacturing
tions rolled on fastener shank. process extend all the way from head to point (See fluted.)
formed—with barbed, angular, serrated, longitudinally or he- round shank—term applied to nail with shank of circular
lically fluted, longitudinally or helically roll-grooved or cross section, made from round wire.
twisted deformations formed on wire from which nail is rustproof—made of nonferrous material or protectively
made. coated, plated, galvanized or aluminized. (See corrosion-
mechanically plated, peen-coated, peen-galvanized— resistant, rust-resistant.)
covered with coat of zinc through peen-coating, that is, by rust-resistant—term used to describe a material or treatment
tumbling in a container holding powdered zinc and numer- designed to inhibit rusting; not synonymous with rustproof.
ous glass beads. self-clinching—term applied to nail with point or shank
medium-high carbon— See steel grades. designed in such a way that nail clinches automatically while
medium-low carbon— See steel grades. fully driven.
multi-ribbed—See thread, vertical. self-spreading—term applied to nail with split shank designed
oil-tempered—heated above the critical temperature, in such a way that two or more legs penetrate material in
quenched in oil, and tempered. divergent directions.
oxidized—darkened or dulled by surface treatment or by the serrated—See barbed.
natural oxidizing of metal. shank—main body of nail extending from head to point.
packaging—See Practices A 700for Packaging, Marking, and shank, formed or deformed—See barbed, fluted, grooved,
Loading Methods for Steel Products for Domestic Ship- knurled, threaded or twisted.
ment.3 shank diameter— See diameter.
pack-hardened, pack-carburized—See case-hardened. shear-resistant— See threaded shear-resistant nail.
smooth shank— See plain shank.
square shank—term applied to nails with shank of essentially
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 01.05. square cross section with or without longitudinal flutes or

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 F 547
diagonal barbs; usually found on nails made from square whisker—two triangular pieces of metal formed during cutting
wire. Shank-diameter of nails measured across diagonal (see of nail point.
diameter). wire gage—measure used to describe, by system of arbitrary
steel grades—steel classified by carbon content. The following numbers, diameter of shank or wire from which nail is made.
grades are generally used for wire or raw material purchase; Because several systems of gage designations are in use,
but do not restrict nails to specific analysis. When the steel reference to particular gage system should be indicated. (See
grade is referred to in the definition of a nail type, it is Table 1.)
intended only as a general indication of the likely material
zinc coated, galvanized—generic terms covering barrel-
used. Any steel of suitable analysis may be used in nail
galvanized, dipped, electro-galvanized, electro-zinc-plated,
manufacture unless specified otherwise in the product stan-
flake-galvanized, hot-dipped, hot-dip galvanized, hot-dipped
dard.
zinc coated, hot-galvanized, mechanically plated, peen-
low-carbon steel— a grade of steel (see Specification A 510 for
coated, peen galvanized, tumbler-galvanized, and wean-
General Requirements for Wire Rods and Coarse Round
galvanized.
Wire, Carbon Steel)4 wherein the maximum of the carbon
range is up to and including 0.15 %. zinc-plated—surface provided with usually thin electrochemi-
medium low-carbon steel—a grade of steel (Specification cal deposit of zinc as a result of immersion in electrolytic
A 510) wherein the maximum of the carbon range exceeds bath or with mechanical deposit of zinc as a result of peen
0.15 % up to and including 0.23 %. coating.
medium high-carbon steel—a grade of steel (Specification
A 510) wherein the maximum of the carbon range exceeds
0.23 % up to and including 0.44 %. TABLE 1 Steel Wire Gage
high-carbon steel— a grade of steel (Specification A 510)
Decimal Equivalent, Metric Equivalent,
wherein the maximum of the carbon range exceeds 0.44 %. Gage No.
in. mm
stock steel—standard steel of regular or stiff stock. 7/0 0.490 12.45
regular—bright, non-hardened, usually low or medium low- 6/0 0.462 11.73
carbon steel. 5/0 0.430 10.92
4/0 0.394 10.01
stiff—bright, non-hardened, usually medium low or medium 3/0 0.362 9.19
high-carbon steel, having higher hardness, toughness, and 2/0 0.331 8.41
stiffness than regular steel. 1/0 0.306 7.77
1 0.283 7.19
tempered—reheated after hardening to some temperature 11⁄2 0.272 6.91
below the critical range and subsequently cooled to increase 2 0.262 6.65
toughness and ductility. 21⁄2 0.253 6.43
3 0.244 6.20
threaded—annular, helical or longitudinal, symmetrical or 31⁄2 0.234 5.94
nonsymmetrical, flat-bottom or round-bottom deformations 4 0.225 5.72
with single or double crest shoulders and with rounded or flat 41⁄2 0.216 5.49
5 0.207 5.26
flanks; formed onto nail shank after heading by passing 51⁄2 0.200 5.08
through roll-threading dies. (See mechanically deformed, 6 0.192 4.88
knurled, thread.) 61⁄2 0.184 4.67
7 0.177 4.50
tinned—See electroplated, wash-tinned. 71⁄2 0.170 4.32
tolerances—dimensional limitations established by manufac- 8 0.162 4.11
81⁄2 0.155 3.94
turers, customers, associations, and government agencies. 9 0.148 3.76
tumbled—cleaned and polished by agitation in rotating drum 91⁄2 0.142 3.61
containing polishing compound, such as sawdust or other 10 0.135 3.43
101⁄2 0.128 3.25
burnishing media. 11 0.120 3.05
tumbler-galvanized— See hot-galvanized. 111⁄2 0.113 2.87
twisted—provided with four or more continuous, symmetrical, 12 0.106 2.69
121⁄2 0.099 2.51
helical deformations; resulting from twisting of square nail 13 0.092 2.34
wire about its own longitudinal axis prior to heading and 131⁄2 0.086 2.18
pointing of nail. Helical deformations resulting from this 14 0.080 2.03
141⁄2 0.076 1.93
manufacturing process extend all the way from head to 15 0.072 1.83
point, thus preventing inclusion of clearance between head 151⁄2 0.067 1.70
and thread. 16 0.062 1.57
161⁄2 0.058 1.47
water-hardened—quenched in water after heating to critical 17 0.054 1.37
temperature. 171⁄2 0.051 1.30
wean-galvanized—See hot-galvanized. 18 0.048 1.22
181⁄2 0.044 1.12
19 0.041 1.04
191⁄2 0.038 0.97
20 0.035 0.89
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.03.

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 F 547

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. METRIC EQUIVALENTS

X1.1 The metric units listed in Table X1.1 are for

information only and are not intended to be used for ordering
purposes.

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 F 547
TABLE X1.1 Metric Conversions

Nail Length
in. cm in. cm in. cm
⁄
1 32 0.008 1 3⁄8 3.49 3 7.69
1⁄16 0.016 1 1⁄2 3.81 31⁄2 8.89
1⁄4 0.64 15⁄8 4.13 4 10.16
3⁄8 0.95 13⁄4 4.44 41⁄2 11.43
1⁄2 1.27 17⁄8 4.76 5 12.70
5⁄8 1.59 115⁄16 4.92 51⁄4 13.34
11⁄16 1.75 2 5.08 5 3⁄4 14.60
3⁄4 1.90 21⁄8 5.40 57⁄8 14.92
7⁄8 2.22 21⁄4 5.72 6 15.24
1 2.54 2 3⁄8 6.03 7 17.78
1 1⁄8 2.86 21⁄2 6.35 9 22.86
1 1⁄4 3.18 23⁄4 6.98
1 5⁄16 3.33 27⁄8 7.30 16 40.64
Nail Diameter
in. mm in. mm in. mm
0.001 0.025 0.109 2.769 0.165 4.191
0.002 0.051 0.113 2.870 0.166 4.216
0.035 0.889 0.115 2.921 0.173 4.394
0.040 1.016 0.120 3.048 0.177 4.496
0.041 1.041 1⁄8 3.175 0.180 4.572
0.048 1.219 0.128 3.251 0.185 4.699
0.054 1.372 0.131 3.327 3⁄16 4.762
0.058 1.473 0.132 3.353 0.192 4.877
0.062 1.575 0.133 3.378 0.193 4.902
0.065 1.651 0.134 3.404 0.196 4.978
0.067 1.702 0.135 3.429 0.197 5.004
0.072 1.829 0.136 3.454 0.201 5.105
0.076 1.930 0.138 3.505 0.207 5.258
0.080 2.032 0.140 3.556 0.209 5.309
0.083 2.108 0.142 3.607 0.213 5.410
0.086 2.184 0.144 3.658 0.225 5.715
0.092 2.337 0.148 3.759 0.228 5.791
0.095 2.413 0.149 3.785 0.238 6.045
0.098 2.489 0.150 3.810 0.244 6.198
0.099 2.515 0.154 3.912 0.250 6.350
0.101 2.565 0.155 3.937 0.262 6.655
0.102 2.591 0.161 4.089 0.284 7.214
0.105 2.667 0.162 4.115 0.325 8.255
0.106 2.692 0.164 4.166 3⁄8 9.525
Head Diameter
in. mm in. mm in. mm
0.050 1.27 0.177 4.50 ⁄
19 64 7.54
0.080 2.03 0.181 4.60 ⁄
5 16 7.94
3⁄32 2.38 3⁄16 4.76 0.331 8.41
0.109 2.77 0.190 4.83 11⁄32 8.73
7⁄64 2.78 13⁄64 5.16 3⁄8 9.52
0.113 2.87 0.207 5.26 25⁄64 9.92
1⁄8 3.18 7⁄32 5.56 13⁄32 10.32
0.120 3.05 0.219 5.56 7⁄16 10.86
0.128 3.25 0.225 5.72 15⁄32 11.90
9⁄64 3.57 15⁄64 5.95 1⁄2 12.70
0.148 3.76 1⁄4 6.35 17⁄32 13.50
0.155 3.94 0.262 6.66 9⁄16 14.29
5⁄32 3.97 17⁄64 6.75 5⁄8 15.88
11⁄64 4.37 9⁄32 7.14 11⁄16 17.46
3⁄4 19.05

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if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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