No matter what task you have ahead, the right materials are going to make or break it. In the case of the nails you choose, this could be quite literal! No matter if you're building a deck behind your home or a tool shed for your marina, you're going to want to pay special attention to which nails you're using to hold it all together.
Stainless steel is made by adding chromium to molten steel. It is unusually strong and resistant to rusting caused by contact with water, even salt water. There are several benefits to choosing stainless steel nails. Stainless steel nails will hold up in harsh corrosive environments. As well, they will last longer than other options. Stainless steel nails are resistant to extreme cold and hot temperatures. While stainless steel nails may cost a little bit more to buy, they have lasting value. Because they will last longer than other options, it makes them more affordable over the long-term.
Galvanized nails are the most commonly used nails. They are covered with a zinc coating as a protective barrier to avoid rust and corrosion. This is actually how they get their name, from a process they undergo called galvanization. This process is used to make nuts, bolts, screws, and nails resistant to degradation when they are exposed to the weather. The zinc corrodes first, sparing the steel. Eventually, even galvanized nails rust, but the process takes much longer. Galvanized nails are used mainly in construction, specifically roofing.
The answer to this depends on several factors. In general, galvanized steel is more ductile, and easier to work than stainless steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel. You see, they both have their benefits.
Galvanized steel is about the same price as untreated structural steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, costs quite a bit more than galvanized steel and untreated structural steel. As briefly stated above, shopping for fasteners by price alone is risky. If you're working in a harsh environment when your nails are likely to corrode, the extra expense of stainless steel will be worth it in the long run.
As industry experts, we are always here for you to reach out to us and ask us questions. Customers just like you often want to know which is better, galvanized steel or stainless steel? Which is more expensive? Which holds up better against the elements? The simple fact is that neither kind of nail is always the better choice in every situation. It all depends on your exact project!
Nail sizes are based on two measurements: diameter and length. A nail's "gauge" is a measurement of its diameter and is seen mostly on finishing nails. The higher the number, the thinner the nail is. A nail's length is measured from the head to the tip of the point. Nail length is indicated by the letter "d." Below are common nail sizes and their corresponding lengths:
Tip: Nails 6 inches or longer are often referred to as spikes.