For nails that are best for use with fencing, look for galvanized or hot dipped nails. These types of nails are designed specifically to work in adverse weather conditions, and will not rust or corrode. They may cost a little more than your average box of nails, but the added lifespan makes them well worth the extra money spent upfront Fences are often made from wood and need nails to fasten them together. There are many different types of nails but certain types work better than others depending on what you want to do. The most common type of fence is the one which is 4 feet high, so it is important that you use the right nail or it could fall down.
When you’re putting up a fence, you can’t just grab any old nails. If they aren’t tough enough, they’ll bend and break under the pressure of holding up your fencing. If they’re too long, they’ll come through on the other side and create sharp protrusions that threaten passersby or grazing livestock. So how do you know which nails to use for your fencing?
The answer is deceptively simple: it depends on what type of fence you’re putting up. That said, there are some universal rules of thumb when it comes to selecting strong, sturdy nails that are also safe for people, animals, and property. There’s also a hierarchy of materials out there, starting with mild steel (which is strong but doesn’t last as long) and moving up to higher-quality materials like stainless steel (which will hold up for years). Here’s what you need to know about picking the best nails for each type of fence—and why quality matters so much.
Galvanized steel nails are the preferred choice of many contractors.
Galvanized steel nails are the preferred choice of many contractors.
Galvanized steel is more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel and thus, it doesn’t rust as much. In addition, galvanized steel is less expensive than stainless steel.
This fastener also has better resistance against extreme conditions – humid areas, saltwater environments and very dry climates – which makes them a good choice for use in your fence installation project.
Since they are so inexpensive, galvanized nails are often used in areas with high humidity that would typically corrode other types of fencing materials like vinyl siding or aluminum fencing panels.
Stainless steel nails also exhibit good corrosion resistance and will work well if you have to replace a fence board in the future.
Stainless steel nails are often the best choice for fencing, but they’re not always available in your area. If you can find them and purchase them at a reasonable price, stainless steel nails will work well for almost every type of fence.
Luckily, there are other options that work just as well and don’t cost much more than galvanized or aluminum nails. The next two types we’ll look at—copper and bronze—are both very similar in price to galvanized nails so you won’t have to pay much more than normal if you choose one of these instead.
Aluminum nails are sometimes acceptable for certain types of wood but not others.
Aluminum nails are sometimes acceptable for certain types of wood but not others.
Aluminum nails are not recommended for use with cedar or redwood because they tend to corrode, and this can contribute to the deterioration of your fence over time. If you choose to use aluminum nails in a cedar fence, you should always pre-drill holes so that corrosion does not occur at the point where the nail meets the wood.
Aluminum nails are also not recommended for use with pressure treated wood, since these types of fences can’t tolerate any moisture or moisture penetration at all—and aluminum is very prone to corrosion when it comes into contact with water (which happens during dew point).
Aluminum nails should also be avoided if your fence is made out of wood that’s prone to rotting (such as pine), since this will accelerate its deterioration due to rot damage caused by corrosive agents such as aluminum metal and moisture getting inside the structure through an improperly sealed joint.
Galvanized or stainless steel is the best choice, but not aluminum.
Galvanized or stainless steel is the best choice, but not aluminum.
Galvanized and stainless nails are generally the same in strength, but galvanized does better in wet conditions. However, aluminum is often used for fencing because it’s cheaper than other types of metal and easy to work with. Aluminum nails are worse than galvanized ones because they can rust and corrode without your knowing it. Copper nails (often soldered onto the fence) are another option that has been used in the past but aren’t recommended due to their weak nature, which makes them more likely to bend or break under stress from snow or ice loads on your fence line.
Plastic-coated screws and other products designed specifically for fencing have been tested by professionals who say these products don’t hold up as well as traditional nail types when it comes time for repairs or upgrades due their inability hold screws properly at high elevations where wind forces against posts become significant enough force cause structural damage.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best nail for your fence is one that is durable, long-lasting and easy to work with. We know it can be difficult to find that perfect combination, but luckily there are a few options out there! With our help you’ll find exactly what you need for your fencing needs at any budget or style preference. Whether it’s galvanized steel nails like the 3 inch galvanized steel box nails from Simpson Strong Tie or stainless steel staples from Grip Rite Prime Guard MAXS62691 rated at 16 gauge (1/16th of an inch), we’re sure there’s something on this list which works well as part of your next project.
