Have you ever thought of getting yourself any special nails for joining concrete materials for your construction works? If you have, then I am pretty sure you know what concrete nails are—assuming you don’t. Basically, the concrete nail is a specially designed nail that could have been used for both construction and home uses.
If you ever need to fasten two pieces of concrete for any intent, you may apply concrete nails. For these types of nails, the durability and strength are much better than normal nails. Hence, these can impart great holds to the material you’re joining.
However, in this article, I will dissect the topic of how to nail into concrete and will provide you with a clear view. After getting done with the piece, you won’t have any confusion regarding the topic, I believe.
Let’s jump right in, then. What say?
Table of Contents
4 Types of Concrete Nails
If you ever scour around the market to get yourself a pile of concrete nails, you will find many types. All of them are equally durable and strong. But, to make your findings easy, I am elaborating on the most common types of concrete nails. So that the next time you go in the shop, and don’t get confused thinking of which one type to spend your bucks on.
Here it goes:
Common Concrete Nails
These are the most common concrete nails you will find in the market. Most of the common concrete nails have a smooth shank at the top and a sharp tapered point at the bottom. For general construction work, you can use these types of nails. Also, join wood or plywood; this could have been used. It will give durability to woodworks for sure. But, the cost might get a bit higher. Under the same budget, you may do more things if you go for normal nails than these specially designed concrete nails.
Powder-actuated Nails
In terms of industrial uses, you can go for powder-actuated nails over common concrete nails. As these are specially made for industrial uses, both the strength and price are high in this case. Also, the manufacturing technic and working mechanism are different for these types of nails. These are specialized nails that are driven into concrete or steel using a powder-actuated tool. In most cases, these nail lasts longer than you could ever think of they do.
Duplex Nails
Like the two types we just discussed, the following one is slightly different in dimension. Duplex nails have two heads. For this, these are very easy to remove from the structure. Not only that, while you’re removing the nail, it won’t even damage the surrounding material. For temporary construction applications, you can use these very types of nails.
Tapcon Screws
This is the very last type of concrete nail that we will be discussing. Tapcon screws have a unique thread design that allows them to grip the material and provide a strong and secure hold. These nails are specially designed to be used in concrete and masonry.
Apart from these four types, many other types of concrete nails are widely available in the market, including drive pins, cut nails, masonry nails, and many more. But in most cases, the four above are used. So, if you’re up for purchasing, you can go for any of these four.
Concrete Nails VS Common Nails
Generally, nails are designed for fastening two solid objects together. This is the objective of a normal or regular nail. Well, there could have been many types of a nail. On the flip side of the coin, we have concrete nails; and that too is used for the joining of two solid materials. It could be steel, hardwood, masonry, and so on.
Now, you may ask, what’s the point of using concrete nails over common nails? You could have just used common nails and saved some bucks. Why would someone go for concrete nails by spending some extra money? It Seems like a legitimate question, right?
Okay, calm down. It’s because both the nail is entirely different from each other. They have a very identical functional attributes that have separated them apart from each other. You may feel confused. No worries, just read the text out of loud in the below box. You will find your answers.
| Attributes | Concrete Nails | Common Nails |
| Design | Made of a hardened steel body with a fluted shank and a sharp tip. | Made of steel, aluminum, and brass, have a smooth shank and blunt tip. |
| Material | Made of hardened steel. | Made of steel, aluminum, and brass. |
| Intended Use | Specially designed for use on concrete or masonry surfaces. | Used for wood framing and other general construction application. |
| Holding Power | Imparts great holding power. | Less than concrete nails. |
| Installation | Requires a pre-drilled hole in the concrete or masonry surface. | It can be hammered directly into the wood without any pre-drilling. |
| Price | High price. | Low price. |
Now you may see the differences. For all these reasons, concrete nails are totally different and superior to common nails; for their function attributes, to be precise.
Easiest Way to Drive Nails Into Concrete [Step by Step]
As you know about concrete nails now, you may like to jump right into its operation. But before you do so, I would like to let you know that using concrete nails is a bit more difficult than using common nails. You may not even penetrate the nails in an effective manner whenever it comes to the matter of efficiency. In the below portion, I will be showing you a step-by-step guide that you can follow to drive your concrete nails directly into the concrete.
Let’s dive deep:
- Choosing the Right Nails:
Before you start the operation, make sure to pick the appropriate nail based on the project you’re working on. Crosscheck the length, diameter, and thickness of the nails and purchase the best option you could ever have from the market. Only after then you are allowed to start the work. If you don’t follow this very step, you may get done with the operation. But the end result will not be that soothing, and the project won’t last long.
- Marking the Spot:
Assuming you have the best quality concrete nails in your hand and now it’s time to make a change. Take your project in your hand and carefully mark all the places where you want to put your nails. You can use a marker or a pencil to conduct the task. Maintain as much precision as you can while marking the spots.
- Drawing the Pilot Hole:
Now, it’s time to draw a pilot hole onto the surface of the project. Apparently, a pilot hole is a small diameter hole on which you will set the nail up and push using the hammer or nailer. Draw the hole right on the place you marked previously. You can use a drill machine or a rotary hammer to conduct this task. However, the hole should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the nail you’re using.
- Cleaning the Hole:
After drawing the pilot hole, use a brush to clean the insides of the hole. In most cases, dust and debris may form clusters in the hole that refrains the nail from getting into the hole. Due to this, the efficiency relatively becomes less. This is why cleaning the pilot hole is nearly a must.
- Inserting the Nail:
Now as you have cleaned the hole, it’s time to insert the nail into the hole. For this, place the nail in the hole and tap it gently with a hammer to get it started. Make sure the nail is straight and lined up with the hole. Otherwise, the nail may bend on the inside of the hole, and things would get worse.
- Driving the Nail:
It’s time to drive the nail, finally. Use a hammer or a good-grade nailer to drive the nail into the pilot hole. If you want to boost your working efficiency, the nailer is a must. As nailers cost much, you can still use a hammer to save some bucks. But however you push, make sure to put enough effort into driving the nail. Because it’s the most important phase of this process.
- Setting up the Nail:
Once you are done with driving the nails, use a nail to sink the nail head below the surface of the concrete. This will allow you to cover the nail with putty or another filler.
- Filling the Hole:
Last but not least, after getting done with all the mentioned steps above, use concrete putty or any sort of similar filler to cover the hole and the nail head. Wait till the putty dries completely. Once the putty coat is dried, your nailing is done.
Throughout the entire process, some precautions and safety inspections should have been maintained very strictly for good. If you’re doing this with a nailer, the nailer will come with a safety instruction catalog. Read that thing and maintain each and everything while you’re nailing. That’s it, mate. Best of luck!
Things to Look While Buying the Best Concrete Nails
The purchase process looks pretty easy for the concrete nails. Well, yes, but actually, no. It takes a lot of consideration while you’re purchasing concrete nails. In the portion below, I will briefly elaborate on all the key considerations you should go through while getting yourself the best concrete nails.
Here we go again:
Material
If the concrete nail you’re planning to purchase is not made of high-quality hardened steel, I would not recommend you go for that specific one. Having the most strong and durable nails is a bliss if you plan to join two steel or hardwood together. Low-durability nails won’t withstand the pressure the hardwood may create. For this reason, always try to go for the good ones.
Shank Design
Shank design also defines a lot while it is concrete nails. Basically, one that comes in with a fluted shank is better all the way. Shank basically grips the whole project and makes the bond even stronger. So, make sure to check on the shank of the nail before you add the product to your cart. Some nails (duplex nails) even have two shanks. So, consider your operational activity while you’re on purchasing.
Coating
Some concrete nails are coated with anti-corrosion and anti-rust materials. These could do a great help to you if you place the nail somewhere dizzy. To get rid of moisture, these coatings help a lot. So, if you require anything like this, make sure to ask the seller if the nail has coatings or not. Or, carefully read the label.
Length and Size
The length and size matter in most cases. Apparently, it depends on your project. Whether you need which size of the nail depends on you. So, before you jump right into the operation, make sure to choose the right size of the nail and maintain the correct length and dimension, including thickness, diameter, and other dimensional attributes.
Brand Reputation
Lastly, as you have fixed your mind on buying, do it from a trusted and quality manufacturer. To make your purchase efficient, there is no alternative to going for a trusted manufacturer. If you can’t help yourself find anyone trustworthy, you can read customer reviews and then decide. But whatever you do, make sure to make the best use of your money. And that’s all.
If you can maintain all these key considerations, I guess you won’t suffer while purchasing the concrete nails. And even after the purchase, your working efficiency will be on top of the notch for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Strongest Nails For Concrete?
Ans: The strongest nails for concrete are usually made of hardened steel and have a fluted shank on top and, on the bottom, a sharp tapered shape. However, from nail to nail, this specification may vary. As in, in terms of duplex nails, there are two shanks on the top. For this reason, duplex nails are easily removed from the object.
Also, when you’re picking up nails, make sure to consider the requirements of your project. If your project doesn’t require stronger nails, I will suggest you get things done with the lowkey ones. Because, in several cases, investing bucks in stronger nails may not be a wise move.
What Is The Size of Concrete Nails?
Ans: The size of concrete nails can vary depending on the specific type of nail and the job it is intended for. Here are some common sizes of concrete nails:
- Length: Concrete nails typically range in length from 1 iinch to 5 inches or more, with most falling between 1-1/4 inches and 3-1/2 inches.
- Diameter: The diameter of concrete nails can vary depending on the specific type of nail, but most fall between 1/8 inch and 1/2 inch. The diameter of the nail is often matched to the diameter of the pilot hole that needs to be drilled in the concrete.
It’s important to choose the right size of nail for your specific job, based on the thickness of the material you are working with and the load requirements. Using a nail that is too small or too large can compromise the strength and stability of the fastening. Consult with a hardware or construction professional to ensure that you are using the right size of nail for your project.
How Many Concrete Nails Per KG?
Ans: The number of concrete nails per kg can vary depending on the size and type of nail. Here are some approximate numbers of common sizes of concrete nails per kg:
- 1-inch nails: 240 to 250 nails per kg
- 1-1/2-inch nails: 170 to 190 nails per kg
- 2-inch nails: 120 to 140 nails per kg
- 2-1/2-inch nails: 95 to 110 nails per kg
- 3-inch nails: 70 to 80 nails per kg
- 4-inch nails: 40 to 50 nails per kg
These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on the specific type of nail and the manufacturer. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the manufacturer or supplier for the exact number of nails per kg if you need a specific quantity for your project.
What Are Concrete Nails Used For?
Ans: Concrete nails could have been used for framing, woodworking, decking, roofing, fencing, and electrical work. In most cases, concrete nails impart greater durability than you could ever think. However, to work on decorative items, concrete nails could have been used.
But no matter what, always make sure to choose the right type of nail to get a better result. Otherwise, your bucks will be wasted, and your hard work will go in vain.
Conclusion
That’s the end of today’s rant. We have discussed the type of several concrete nails and dissected their different functional attributes. We have gone through a detailed elaborative step that showed us the right procedure for driving nails into the objects. And now, it’s time to say goodbye.
I hope you don’t have any confusion regarding the topic of how to nail concrete. If you still do, kindly read the piece again and observe things clearly. I don’t think, after one more try, you will have any sort of confusion.
That’s it, homie.
All the best for your journey!