Apr 7, 2026 — Clifton

Nails

You're reading a framing schedule and it calls out 16d common, 10d box, and 8d sinker — three different nails with three different lengths, gauges, and head types that all use the same medieval penny notation. This configurator draws every standard nail type at scale with its actual dimensions so you can finally see what a penny number means in physical terms. Use it when you're specifying fasteners or checking a nailing schedule.

Purpose: maps penny size to real dimensions and shows how shank pattern, head type, and material vary across the four standard nail categories.
length
gauge
head dia.
nails/lb

General notes: select nails to avoid galvanic action between the nail and the nailed material. Nails with serrated or helically threaded shanks have increased holding power but are difficult to remove without destroying the surrounding material. Where nails are exposed to moisture, use nonferrous (aluminum or zinc-coated) nails. Choose nails for automatic nailing equipment specifically for the equipment used.

Next improvement: The likeliest next improvement is adding withdrawal and shear values per NDS Table 12.3 — so each nail shows not just its geometry but its structural capacity in the species you're fastening.

Future: Screw Selector — wood screws, lag screws, and structural screws with thread length, pilot hole diameter, and allowable loads, from NDS Chapter 12 and ICC-ES ESR reports.

Future: Structural Connector Configurator — joist hangers, hurricane ties, and hold-downs sized to load, from Simpson Strong-Tie and USP catalogs cross-referenced to NDS.