When it comes to construction and DIY projects, screws and nails are absolutely essential. They serve the common purpose of joining materials, but each possesses unique characteristics that make them better suited for specific applications. In this article, I’ll discuss when and why you should use each, along with an in-depth look at their pros and cons.
SCREWS
Screws are threaded fasteners with spiral ridges, which provide exceptional grip and holding power. They come in various shapes and sizes, including wood screws, concrete screws, plasterboard screws, and many more. There’s a screw type for every job!
Properties of Screws:
- Strength and Durability: Screws offer a level of strength and durability way better than nails. They are the preferred choice for load-bearing structures, where the joined materials must withstand significant tension or forces.
- Precision: One of the best things about screws is the level of precision they allow. You have precise control over the depth and tightness of the connection, preventing over-tightening and potential damage to the materials.
- Removability: Screws are easily removable without damaging the materials, making them an excellent choice for projects that may require alterations or repairs in the future.
- Versatility: There really is a screw for every job!. There are screws designed for specific tasks, including plasterboard screws, deck screws, and masonry screws, which makes them incredibly versatile.
- Discrete: Screws can be ‘countersunk’, meaning they go deeper than the material’s surface. The extra space above the screw can be filled using relevant filler material and painted to hide it. Screws are, therefore, perfect for furniture making and application of plasterboard.
Benefits of Screws:
- Secure Hold: Screws tightly grip the materials, preventing movement or separation.
- Adjustability: They allow for fine adjustments and can be easily disassembled.
- Wide Range: Again, there really is a type of screw for every job!
Downsides of Screws:
- Slower Installation: Screws generally require more installation time than nails, especially in large-scale projects. Often you also need to pre-drill screw holes which slows the project down, especially if you only have one drill that does both screwing and drilling.
- Cost: They can be more expensive than nails, which may affect a project’s overall budget. Better-quality screws are pricey.
- Removal: If the screw head is worn out to the point where the screw bit won’t grip it, screws can be very difficult to remove.
When to Use Screws:
Use screws in all structural applications such as plasterboard fitting and structural furniture building. In addition, use them in projects that will take little force, but you may need to take apart in the future. I use screws in almost all my wood projects, from building of wardrobes to creating vegetable planters.
NAILS
Nails are slender metal pins with a pointed end and a head. They, too, come in various types, including common nails, finishing nails, pins, and more.
Properties of Nails:
- Speed: Nails are renowned for their quick installation. They are an excellent choice for large-scale projects or jobs where speed is of the essence. You can also get a nail gun that fires nails at speed, making the process even faster.
- Shear Force: When materials experience little force, such as attaching decorative panels and mouldings or securing roofing materials, nails can be a great option.
- Budget Projects: Nails are typically cheaper, making them ideal for simpler projects without extreme precision or strength.
Benefits of Nails:
- Speed: Nails are super quick to fit, making them a go-to choice for time-sensitive projects.
- Cost-Efficiency: Nails are cheap, which can significantly impact the overall cost of a project.
Downsides of Nails:
- Limited Holding Power: Nails don’t grip materials as tightly as screws, which can result in a less secure connection.
- Lack of Adjustability: Once driven in, nails are challenging to remove without causing damage to the materials.
- Less Precision: Nails can split wood or other materials if not correctly placed.
When to Use Nails:
Use nails in decorative projects such as fitting mouldings to decorate furniture. In addition, nails are a good choice for exterior non-structural builds, such as attaching roofing felt to a shed. I use nails when I need to use lots of fixtures and I know I won’t take the item apart, such as when I built this zig-zag trellis.
SUMMARY
In summary, screws and nails are incredibly useful, and your choice between them should be based on the specific requirements of your project.
