Nails
Nails are one of the most widely used fasteners in construction, providing fast and reliable fixing for timber framing, roofing, flooring, fencing, masonry, and general site carpentry. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of contractor-grade nails including twist nails, masonry nails, ring shank nails, plastic head nails, gas nails for nail guns, and wire nails, covering the nail requirements of site teams and trade professionals across the UK.
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Selecting the correct nail type for the application is as important in construction as selecting the correct screw or bolt. The shank profile, head type, length, gauge, and material of a nail all determine how it performs in a given material and environment. Using a smooth shank wire nail where a ring shank nail is required, or using a bright nail in an external or treated timber application, are both common errors that compromise the durability of the fixing. CMT Group has been supplying nails and fixings to UK construction sites for over 20 years, with a range covering every nail type needed across site trades and carpentry applications.
- ✓ Twist nails for timber framing, joists, and high-withdrawal-resistance structural carpentry
- ✓ Masonry nails for fixing timber, conduit, and brackets directly into concrete and brick
- ✓ Ring shank nails for decking, flooring, and roofing where high pull-out resistance is critical
- ✓ Plastic head nails for roofing felt, underlay, and insulation fixing with a large bearing head
- ✓ Gas nails in collated strips for gas-powered nail guns for high-speed site fixing
- ✓ Wire nails for general timber construction, framing, and site carpentry
- ✓ Bulk supply available in trade box quantities for high-volume site use
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
What Are Construction Nails?
Construction nails are metal fasteners driven into materials using a hammer or nail gun to join components through mechanical friction and shear resistance. Unlike screws, which resist withdrawal through thread engagement, nails resist withdrawal primarily through friction between the nail shank and the material. This means the shank profile is critical: smooth shank nails provide less withdrawal resistance than ring shank or twist shank nails, which grip the surrounding material more aggressively as the shank profile cuts into the fibres during driving.
Nails are the fastest fixing option for high-volume site carpentry and are essential for applications where speed matters more than removability. They are available in a wide range of shank profiles, head types, lengths, gauges, and materials to suit different applications and environments. Bright nails are for internal use only. Galvanised and stainless steel nails are required for external, treated timber, and corrosive environment applications. Gas nails extend this range further by enabling high-speed power driving using gas nail guns, dramatically increasing installation speed on timber framing and boarding tasks.
Nails by Type
Our range covers the nail types required across timber construction, roofing, flooring, masonry fixing, and high-speed power nailing applications.
Choosing the Right Nail
Nail selection depends on the material, the load the fixing must resist, the exposure environment, and the installation method. For the majority of general timber carpentry and site construction tasks, wire nails are the practical and economical choice. Where the fixing must resist withdrawal loads, such as in decking, flooring, and roof boarding, ring shank or twist nails provide significantly higher withdrawal resistance than smooth shank alternatives.
For external applications and any application involving treated timber, bright nails are not suitable and will corrode. Galvanised nails are the minimum standard for external UK construction applications. For coastal environments and high-corrosion-risk situations, stainless steel nails are required. For fixing into masonry, only masonry nails should be used. For high-volume power nailing applications, gas nails in the correct strip format for the nail gun provide the fastest installation and highest consistency on site.
| Application | Nail type | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| General timber framing and site carpentry | Wire nail | Galvanised for external; bright for internal only |
| Decking, flooring, and roof boarding | Ring shank nail | Highest withdrawal resistance; stainless for decking |
| Structural framing and joist hangers | Twist nail | Twisted shank resists dynamic withdrawal loads |
| Roofing felt, DPM, and insulation board | Plastic head nail | Large head prevents pull-through of thin membranes |
| Fixing timber or battens to concrete or brick | Masonry nail | Wear eye protection; hardened steel only |
| High-volume power nailing with nail gun | Gas nail (collated strip) | Match strip format to nail gun make and model |
Construction Nails Supplied Across the UK
Nails are used at every stage of construction, from the first timber sole plate nailed to a concrete floor through to the final boarding and cladding fixed at the completion of a build. The variety of nail types available reflects the wide range of materials, environments, and load requirements found across construction and carpentry applications. Selecting the correct nail type, length, gauge, and finish for each application is the most effective way to ensure the durability of the fixing and avoid common site problems including nail pop, corrosion, and withdrawal under load.
CMT Group has been supplying nails and fixings to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of nail types used across site trades in bulk trade box quantities suited to project-scale purchasing. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ring shank and smooth shank nails?
A smooth shank nail holds in timber through friction between the shank surface and the surrounding wood fibres. Withdrawal resistance is moderate and reduces over time as the wood moves and the fibres around the shank loosen. A ring shank nail has annular rings cut into the shank that mechanically interlock with the wood fibres as the nail is driven in. The rings prevent the nail from being withdrawn without tearing the surrounding timber, giving ring shank nails significantly higher withdrawal resistance than smooth shank nails of the same diameter and length. For applications where the nail must resist sustained or dynamic withdrawal loads, such as decking, flooring, and roof boarding, ring shank nails are the correct choice. For general framing and carpentry where withdrawal resistance is less critical, smooth shank wire nails are more economical and equally effective.
Are gas nails the same as scrail nails?
Gas nails is the general term for collated nails used in gas-powered nail guns. Scrail nails are a specific proprietary product combining a nail shank with a screwthread, fired by a specific type of nail gun that rotates the fastener as it is driven in. Standard gas nails are used in conventional gas-powered framing and first-fix nail guns and are the most widely used power nailing fastener on UK construction sites. The key point for purchasing gas nails is that the strip format, collation angle, and nail diameter must all be matched exactly to the make and model of the nail gun being used. Not all gas nail strips are interchangeable between different nail gun manufacturers.
What nails should I use for treated timber?
Treated timber contains preservative chemicals that are highly corrosive to bright and standard zinc-plated nails. For fixing into treated timber, hot-dip galvanised nails are the minimum standard, as the thicker galvanised coating provides sufficient resistance to the preservative chemicals under normal UK conditions. For the most corrosive preservative treatments and for coastal environments, stainless steel nails are required. Failure to use the correct corrosion-resistant nail in treated timber results in rapid nail deterioration that is often invisible until the fixing fails, which is a particular concern in structural applications such as joist hangers and roof connections.
Can I buy nails in bulk for site use?
Yes. CMT Group supplies nails in bulk trade box quantities for site procurement and trade accounts. Wire nails, ring shank nails, and twist nails are available in large box quantities that reduce cost per unit and ensure sufficient site stock for the duration of the project. Bulk ordering of nails is particularly cost-effective given the high volume of nails consumed on a typical construction project, and reduces the risk of running out of a specific nail size at a critical point in the programme. Contact our team to discuss volume pricing and account options.
Why buy nails from CMT Group?
CMT Group has been supplying nails to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of nail types from bulk wire nails and ring shank nails to specialist masonry nails, plastic head nails, twist nails, and gas nails for power nailing. We supply in bulk trade box quantities with volume pricing for ongoing site accounts. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Wire Nails vs Ring Shank Nails: Which Do You Need?
Wire nails and ring shank nails are both widely used in timber construction, and the choice between them comes down to the withdrawal resistance required by the application. Wire nails have a smooth round shank that holds in timber through friction. They are fast to drive, economical, and suitable for the majority of general framing, site carpentry, and formwork applications where shear resistance is the primary load requirement and withdrawal loads are not a significant factor.
Ring shank nails have annular rings along the shank that mechanically lock into the timber as the nail is driven in. This dramatically increases withdrawal resistance, making ring shank nails the correct choice for decking boards, timber floor decking, roof boarding, and any application where the nail will be subject to repeated cyclic loading, seasonal timber movement, or sustained uplift forces. Ring shank nails are significantly harder to remove than wire nails once driven, which is an advantage in permanent structural applications but a consideration in temporary works. For most general construction carpentry, wire nails are sufficient. For decking, flooring, and roofing, always use ring shank.
Shop Nails by Type
Nails
Nails are one of the most widely used fasteners in construction, providing fast and reliable fixing for timber framing, roofing, flooring, fencing, masonry, and general site carpentry. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of contractor-grade nails including twist nails, masonry nails, ring shank nails, plastic head nails, gas nails for nail guns, and wire nails, covering the nail requirements of site teams and trade professionals across the UK.
Read more Read less
Selecting the correct nail type for the application is as important in construction as selecting the correct screw or bolt. The shank profile, head type, length, gauge, and material of a nail all determine how it performs in a given material and environment. Using a smooth shank wire nail where a ring shank nail is required, or using a bright nail in an external or treated timber application, are both common errors that compromise the durability of the fixing. CMT Group has been supplying nails and fixings to UK construction sites for over 20 years, with a range covering every nail type needed across site trades and carpentry applications.
- ✓ Twist nails for timber framing, joists, and high-withdrawal-resistance structural carpentry
- ✓ Masonry nails for fixing timber, conduit, and brackets directly into concrete and brick
- ✓ Ring shank nails for decking, flooring, and roofing where high pull-out resistance is critical
- ✓ Plastic head nails for roofing felt, underlay, and insulation fixing with a large bearing head
- ✓ Gas nails in collated strips for gas-powered nail guns for high-speed site fixing
- ✓ Wire nails for general timber construction, framing, and site carpentry
- ✓ Bulk supply available in trade box quantities for high-volume site use
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
What Are Construction Nails?
Construction nails are metal fasteners driven into materials using a hammer or nail gun to join components through mechanical friction and shear resistance. Unlike screws, which resist withdrawal through thread engagement, nails resist withdrawal primarily through friction between the nail shank and the material. This means the shank profile is critical: smooth shank nails provide less withdrawal resistance than ring shank or twist shank nails, which grip the surrounding material more aggressively as the shank profile cuts into the fibres during driving.
Nails are the fastest fixing option for high-volume site carpentry and are essential for applications where speed matters more than removability. They are available in a wide range of shank profiles, head types, lengths, gauges, and materials to suit different applications and environments. Bright nails are for internal use only. Galvanised and stainless steel nails are required for external, treated timber, and corrosive environment applications. Gas nails extend this range further by enabling high-speed power driving using gas nail guns, dramatically increasing installation speed on timber framing and boarding tasks.
Nails by Type
Our range covers the nail types required across timber construction, roofing, flooring, masonry fixing, and high-speed power nailing applications.
Choosing the Right Nail
Nail selection depends on the material, the load the fixing must resist, the exposure environment, and the installation method. For the majority of general timber carpentry and site construction tasks, wire nails are the practical and economical choice. Where the fixing must resist withdrawal loads, such as in decking, flooring, and roof boarding, ring shank or twist nails provide significantly higher withdrawal resistance than smooth shank alternatives.
For external applications and any application involving treated timber, bright nails are not suitable and will corrode. Galvanised nails are the minimum standard for external UK construction applications. For coastal environments and high-corrosion-risk situations, stainless steel nails are required. For fixing into masonry, only masonry nails should be used. For high-volume power nailing applications, gas nails in the correct strip format for the nail gun provide the fastest installation and highest consistency on site.
| Application | Nail type | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| General timber framing and site carpentry | Wire nail | Galvanised for external; bright for internal only |
| Decking, flooring, and roof boarding | Ring shank nail | Highest withdrawal resistance; stainless for decking |
| Structural framing and joist hangers | Twist nail | Twisted shank resists dynamic withdrawal loads |
| Roofing felt, DPM, and insulation board | Plastic head nail | Large head prevents pull-through of thin membranes |
| Fixing timber or battens to concrete or brick | Masonry nail | Wear eye protection; hardened steel only |
| High-volume power nailing with nail gun | Gas nail (collated strip) | Match strip format to nail gun make and model |
Construction Nails Supplied Across the UK
Nails are used at every stage of construction, from the first timber sole plate nailed to a concrete floor through to the final boarding and cladding fixed at the completion of a build. The variety of nail types available reflects the wide range of materials, environments, and load requirements found across construction and carpentry applications. Selecting the correct nail type, length, gauge, and finish for each application is the most effective way to ensure the durability of the fixing and avoid common site problems including nail pop, corrosion, and withdrawal under load.
CMT Group has been supplying nails and fixings to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of nail types used across site trades in bulk trade box quantities suited to project-scale purchasing. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ring shank and smooth shank nails?
A smooth shank nail holds in timber through friction between the shank surface and the surrounding wood fibres. Withdrawal resistance is moderate and reduces over time as the wood moves and the fibres around the shank loosen. A ring shank nail has annular rings cut into the shank that mechanically interlock with the wood fibres as the nail is driven in. The rings prevent the nail from being withdrawn without tearing the surrounding timber, giving ring shank nails significantly higher withdrawal resistance than smooth shank nails of the same diameter and length. For applications where the nail must resist sustained or dynamic withdrawal loads, such as decking, flooring, and roof boarding, ring shank nails are the correct choice. For general framing and carpentry where withdrawal resistance is less critical, smooth shank wire nails are more economical and equally effective.
Are gas nails the same as scrail nails?
Gas nails is the general term for collated nails used in gas-powered nail guns. Scrail nails are a specific proprietary product combining a nail shank with a screwthread, fired by a specific type of nail gun that rotates the fastener as it is driven in. Standard gas nails are used in conventional gas-powered framing and first-fix nail guns and are the most widely used power nailing fastener on UK construction sites. The key point for purchasing gas nails is that the strip format, collation angle, and nail diameter must all be matched exactly to the make and model of the nail gun being used. Not all gas nail strips are interchangeable between different nail gun manufacturers.
What nails should I use for treated timber?
Treated timber contains preservative chemicals that are highly corrosive to bright and standard zinc-plated nails. For fixing into treated timber, hot-dip galvanised nails are the minimum standard, as the thicker galvanised coating provides sufficient resistance to the preservative chemicals under normal UK conditions. For the most corrosive preservative treatments and for coastal environments, stainless steel nails are required. Failure to use the correct corrosion-resistant nail in treated timber results in rapid nail deterioration that is often invisible until the fixing fails, which is a particular concern in structural applications such as joist hangers and roof connections.
Can I buy nails in bulk for site use?
Yes. CMT Group supplies nails in bulk trade box quantities for site procurement and trade accounts. Wire nails, ring shank nails, and twist nails are available in large box quantities that reduce cost per unit and ensure sufficient site stock for the duration of the project. Bulk ordering of nails is particularly cost-effective given the high volume of nails consumed on a typical construction project, and reduces the risk of running out of a specific nail size at a critical point in the programme. Contact our team to discuss volume pricing and account options.
Why buy nails from CMT Group?
CMT Group has been supplying nails to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of nail types from bulk wire nails and ring shank nails to specialist masonry nails, plastic head nails, twist nails, and gas nails for power nailing. We supply in bulk trade box quantities with volume pricing for ongoing site accounts. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Wire Nails vs Ring Shank Nails: Which Do You Need?
Wire nails and ring shank nails are both widely used in timber construction, and the choice between them comes down to the withdrawal resistance required by the application. Wire nails have a smooth round shank that holds in timber through friction. They are fast to drive, economical, and suitable for the majority of general framing, site carpentry, and formwork applications where shear resistance is the primary load requirement and withdrawal loads are not a significant factor.
Ring shank nails have annular rings along the shank that mechanically lock into the timber as the nail is driven in. This dramatically increases withdrawal resistance, making ring shank nails the correct choice for decking boards, timber floor decking, roof boarding, and any application where the nail will be subject to repeated cyclic loading, seasonal timber movement, or sustained uplift forces. Ring shank nails are significantly harder to remove than wire nails once driven, which is an advantage in permanent structural applications but a consideration in temporary works. For most general construction carpentry, wire nails are sufficient. For decking, flooring, and roofing, always use ring shank.
