We often get questions about nails, both from do-it-yourselfers and folks who want to know how their new Fence-All fence will be built. Here are the most frequent:
What nails are best for fencing?
We use galvanized Ardox nails for our fences. The galvanizing prevents unsightly rust bleeds from the nail heads, while the Ardox structure means they spiral in and hold tight with minimal disruption to the wood. We use 2″ nails for the fence boards and 3-1/2″ nails for the framing.
We also use 1-3/4″ coil nails in our guns.
What about screws?
We occasionally use screws to fasten rail brackets but we never use them to attach fence boards. If you use screws yourself for fence boards, make sure that you pre-drill the holes otherwise the wood is likely to split. This is especially true if the screws are close to an edge.
Should I use a nail gun?
If you’re doing a smaller job yourself a hammer will do just fine. But for larger projects a nail gun makes sense. We use both.
When not working by hand our crews use pneumatic siding nailers. Some builders prefer heavier duty framing nailers, but we only use the guns to attach fence boards so the lighter siding models are both more appropriate and more comfortable to work with.
More questions?
If you have more questions about nails or other subjects, we’re happy to answer them. Call 613-736-1122 or hit the chat button on the right during business hours.
