Hoosir's Woodworking Diary

Are there general rules as to when to use nails or screws?

I built a small stand to hold a folded up stroller. I made it using pine wood and nails. It works fine, but isn’t entirely sturdy. I’m rebuilding it (with a better design) with screws to make it more stable. That got me to thinking, are there general rules as to when to use nails vs screws for wordworking?
So if screws are so much stronger, why are nails used in building houses, where stability is extremely important? Is it cost issue? Time issue?

There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to small projects. These are some of the things I do, with each fastener.

Nails: Framing, trim, underlayment (ring shank nails or staples), hanging small decorations on a wall.

Screws: Installing cabinets, deck boards, drywall, some small projects, cement board under tile.

For woodworking, I seldom use screws. I usually use finish nails (in a gun, of course) or biscuits, both with wood glue. This makes for an incredibly strong joint. I don’t bother with Gorilla Glue either, just basic carpenters wood glue. It’s a lot cheaper, and does practically the same thing. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. Good luck.

EDIT: Screws are NOT stronger. A 16D sinker nail, which is the size used for framing your house, has a shear strength of 300 lbs. Nails go in much faster, since just about all contractors use nail guns when framing (when trimming too). The threads resist pulling out of the wood, but ring shank nails will hold tightly as well. Joist hanger nails have an even greater shear strength and resistance to pull out. It all comes down to using the correct fastener for the job at hand. Screws have their place, as do nails. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Cannibal Corpse – Five Nails through the Neck (Live in Toronto 2008)

Dr. G’s Clear Nail Antimicrobial Solution Cuticle Care Products Buy Dr. G’s Nail & Cuticle Treatments – Dr. G’s Clear Nail Antimicrobial Solution 18ml/0.6oz. How-to-Use: Apply 2-3 drops twice daily around the entire nail, under the free edge (tip), and over the cuticle. For infections on or between the toes, allow to dry before putting on socks. Application to the adjacent finger or toe area is recommended to prevent the spread of the infection….

Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil 2 oz. $2.84 Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil is a natural preventative, for mild cases of Anhydrosis (dry skin), its natural ingredients are widely believed to have healing and restorative properties. For treatment of toe or finger nails mix tea tree oil with warm water and soak for five minutes. Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil has vitamin E and aloe vera that will leave your skin, scalp and nails soft and clean….

Country Harvest Bath Spa and Shower Wooden Bucket Loofah Scrub, Brush & Puff Gift Set $11.95 We are Featuring a Soothing and Relaxing Personal Use, Family or Gift Giving Decor Accent Bath, Spa and Shower Skin Invigorating Country Rustic Wooden Bucket Gift Set. Quickly Whip up Your Favorite Refreshing Scented Body Wash or Shower Gel into a Creamy Microscrubbing Lather using our Deluxe Nylon Spa Salon Resort Quality 4″ { Soap on a Rope Style} Facial & Soft Skin Scrub Puff. Enjoy The Gre…

Arrow Fastener T50 Heavy Duty Staple Gun $17.68 The Arrow fastener heavy-duty staple gun has a durable chrome finish and an all-steel construction. It features long lasting hardened steel working parts, a visual refill window and the patented jam-proof mechanism….

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Pound-A-Peg $5.59 Incredible value and superior craftsmanship make this toy a childhood favorite. Brightly colored, smooth-sanded pieces help build early shape, color and size differentiation skills. Pound the eight wooden pegs into the wooden bench, then flip it over to repeat again and again! Wooden hammer included. Measures 11″ x 5″ x 3.5″….

Suretrack Clips $8.79 Build your train track anywhere – even on carpet – with the amazing Suretrack. Compatible with both BRIO and Thomas and Friends brands, it will hold your track securely and won’t come apart during play. It eliminates the need to frequently rebuild your track during play. Provides the opportunity for new, exciting layouts. Suretrack is specifically engineered to secure all straight, curved and swit…

Real Construction Deluxe Tool Workshop $18.95 Fun and safe, the Real Construction Deluxe Workshop allows kids to design and build their own toys. The set includes all the kid-friendly plastic tools, nails, and other materials a beginning carpenter needs to create a helicopter, race car, or other object. Designed to mimic the look of real wood, the foam construction material allows children to get creative without the mess. This construction …