Nail (fastener)

In <a href="/facts/Woodworking/JSttCtkP">woodworking</a> and <a href="/facts/Construction/58eqDhy9">construction</a>, a nail is a small object made of <a href="/facts/Metal/PT8hNX6R">metal</a> (or wood, called a <a href="/facts/Tree_nail/nKz3oTRw">tree nail</a> or "trunnel") which is used as a <a href="/facts/Fastener/earBwoS6">fastener</a>, as a peg to hang something, or sometimes as a decoration. Generally, nails have a sharp point on one end and a flattened head on the other, but headless nails are available. Nails are made in a great variety of forms for specialized purposes. The most common is a wire nail. Other types of nails include <a href="/facts/Pins/gD2qFvc3">pins</a>, <a href="/facts/Thumbtack/nqpHnSIc">tacks</a>, brads, spikes, and <a href="/facts/Cleat_(shoe)/DL7KvMsC">cleats</a>.
Nails are typically driven into the workpiece by a <a href="/facts/Hammer/bct4q0y4">hammer</a> or <a href="/facts/Nail_gun/VFAujFNd">nail gun</a>. A nail holds materials together by <a href="/facts/Friction/d0108Rpu">friction</a> in the axial direction and <a href="/facts/Shear_stress/aWWnzIhE">shear</a> strength laterally. The point of the nail is also sometimes bent over or clinched after driving to prevent pulling out.

Nail (fastener) open-in-new

Nail (fastener)