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Calculate the exact number of nails needed for your construction project. Estimate nail quantities, weights, and costs based on application type, spacing, and nail specifications.
Weight = (Nails ÷ 1000) × Weight per 1000
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Thick, strong nails with a large head. Best for framing and heavy construction. Lower shear strength but excellent for rough work.
Thinner than common nails, reducing splitting in lumber. Good for general construction, siding, and where wood splitting is a concern.
Small head and thin body, ideal for trim, molding, and finishing work. Nails can be countersunk and filled for invisible fastening.
Large, flat head with special barbs. Designed for securing roofing materials and shingles with excellent weather resistance.
Very small, thin nails for delicate trim and fine woodworking. Nearly invisible when fastened.
The "penny" system (d) is used to denote nail sizes. Higher numbers indicate longer, thicker nails.
| Penny Size | Length (inches) | Gauge | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6d | 2.00" | 11.50 | Various |
| 8d | 2.50" | 10.25 | Light framing |
| 10d | 3.00" | 9.25 | Sheathing |
| 12d | 3.25" | 9.00 | Various |
| 16d | 3.50" | 8.00 | General framing |
| 20d | 4.00" | 6.00 | Various |
| 32d | 4.50" | 5.00 | Various |
| 40d | 5.00" | 4.00 | Various |
6" OC (On Center)
Close spacing for heavy loads or curved surfaces
8" OC (On Center)
Standard for sheathing and light fastening
12" OC (On Center)
General framing and standard construction
16" OC (On Center)
Wide spacing for framing studs and joists
| Size | Common | Box | Finish | Roofing | Brad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6d | 1.87 | 1.40 | 0.87 | 1.80 | 0.25 |
| 8d | 2.50 | 1.80 | 1.12 | 2.40 | 0.35 |
| 10d | 3.12 | 2.20 | 1.40 | 3.00 | 0.45 |
| 16d | 5.00 | 3.75 | 2.20 | 5.00 | 0.75 |
| 20d | 6.87 | 5.00 | 3.00 | - | 1.00 |
The "d" stands for "penny," a historical unit. 16d nails are 3.5 inches long. The penny number doesn't directly correspond to size but is a traditional classification system.
This depends on spacing: 6" OC = 4 nails/sq ft, 8" OC = 2.25 nails/sq ft, 12" OC = 1 nail/sq ft, 16" OC = 0.56 nails/sq ft. The calculator automatically determines this based on your settings.
No, you should use roofing nails specifically. Roofing nails have a large, flat head that distributes pressure better on thin shingles and won't pull through.
Common nails are thicker and stronger, used for heavy framing. Box nails are thinner and less likely to split lumber, better for general construction and siding.
Yes, add 10-15% extra for waste from bending, breaking, mistakes, and miscalculations. For large projects, you might want 15-20% extra.
For 2x4 framing, 16d (3.5") common or framing nails are standard. For lighter work, 10d (3") nails work. Always follow building codes for your region.
Simply measure the total length of material you're fastening. For example, 4 walls of 16 feet each = 64 linear feet. Use the linear feet option in the calculator.
Galvanized nails have a zinc coating for corrosion resistance. They're essential for outdoor work, roofing, siding, and any wet environment applications.
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