By User:LPNalini @timeAndDate(1274299241)
Framing nails are your fairly typical, flat-headed woodworking nails. They are called framing nails because, logically, they are commonly used for framing walls in construction. These nails are usually 16 penny (the box will be marked with a 16d) and strong enough to bear a good load. The length of a 16d nail will always be 3.5 inches.
In many cases, when framing, you will be working with treated lumber or you may be placing your finished frame in a place where there are pipes, temperature gradients, or other good reasons for moisture to form. In these situations it is advisable to use a galvanized nail which will resist corrosion better than a standard nail.
A note on framing nail shopping: overbuy. I'm not just saying that because ShopWiki pays my bills, neither. When you're at the workswing and run to the hardware store.
Framing Nail Guns
Collated framing nails are, of course, manufactured for use with a nail gun. Collated nails are glued together and sold as a cartridge that will be accommodated in an appropriate nail gun. When framing, using a nail gun is highly advisable: it will save you a lot of time and help preserve the studs during construction. Using a hammer may lead you to improperly place a nail or to deliver undue shock to the lumber, which could cause stress, fracture, and, in worst cases, failure.
Typical framing nail guns will be pneumatic (compressed air power) although electrical ones may also be available. In general, opt for a pneumatic gun whenever possible as compressed air will deliver better power and consistency. However, a pneumatic gun will require you to have an air compressor on hand to attach to; consider renting a gun and compressor if you don't intend to become a career contractor.
Electric nail guns are generally not as powerful or dependable as pneumatic guns and should be avoided for critical, load-bearing situations such as framing.
Here are some things to think about when choosing a nail gun:
* '''Adaptability'''
** Some nail guns will accept a wide range of different size nails, while others only a very narrow range. Having multi is your best bet.
* '''Ease of Handling'''
** Typically, jobs like framing tend to take all day and require you to place nails in difficult places at odd angles. Having a light, comfortable nail gun will not only improve the flow of your work, but also will help you get the job done in tight corners and angles. A good nail gun, especially for framing, will allow you to adjust the angle at which nails are driven, allowing you to "toenailing" will be important in framing.
* '''Adjustability'''
** Swiveling pneumatic or electrical cords will help you to stay mobile at the work-site. A good nail gun will also allow you to adjust its power, which will determine the depth to which nails are driven.
As a final note on framing, no matter how good your technology is, always bring a hammer along anyway. There's a thousand ways a nail gun might get jammed or stop working, but a good, old fashioned hammer can never stop mid-swing and say, "does not compute".
Top Sellers
Here are some of the top selling collated framing nails on the market today:
