How strong your fence will depend on the nails you use to build the fence. For this, choosing the best nails for the fence with the right nail gun means half the work is done.
Since nails are an integral part, you must use good quality nails of appropriate size. Imagine that the fence starts to break down because you used the wrong size of nails. Or, the nails you used have started to rust and damage your expensive fence picket. Horrible!
To avoid such tragic situations, you need to choose the right nails or screws for the fence. Here we will discuss nails for fencing and the top 10 nail deal for fences in 2022.
Current Best Selling Fence Nails Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Different Types of Nails
There are different types of fencing nails or screws are available. Let’s know about them:
1. Nails with ridges
Similar to wood fence screws, some nails have rings on the body. The rings on the nails can hold onto the lumber for a long time and provide a powerful grip. If you had to choose the perfect nail for fencing, then galvanized ring shank nails would be the best choice. Several types of nails have rings; some of them are as follows.
a. Ring Shank Nails
These types of nails are best for fencing. It can also be used as an alternative to screws. Ring shank nails have ridges from top to bottom, which provides incredible gripping power.
b. Siding Nails
Siding nails are also suitable for fencing. Suppose you own a wire coil nailer, then you can opt for siding nails. They are not as textured as ring shanks. Still, they do have enough ridges to hold onto lumber effectively. Siding nails have ridges mainly on the top part of the nail body.
c. Common Nails
Common nails are nails that you see everywhere in construction work. These nails are commonly used for any type of woodwork. Similar to siding nails, they have texture on the top part and have a smoother lower part.
Although, the ridges might not be as sharp as siding or ring shank nails. However, common nails have a sharp and pointed tip that powerfully slits through lumber. That can sometimes cause damage to the wood. That is why woodworkers sometimes make to tip dull before inserting it into the wood.
Current Best Deals on Nails for Wood Fence
- Durable, lightweight (4.9 lbs.) aluminum housing. Smooth rubber foot aids...
- Coil siding and fencing mailer with tool-free adjustable exhaust
- Easy to use
Last update on 2023-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Nails without ridges
Smoother nails don’t have the best holding power for fence pickets. That’s why these might not be the best nails for wood fence choices for building up a fence. However, these can be used for finishing work. If some area needs extra support, then you can use these nails. Let’s see different nail types without ridges:
a. Round Wire Nails
Round wire nails provide excellent strength for woodwork. However, if you are concerned about appearance, then these are not a great option. These nails have a smooth surface but can hold onto lumber quite effectively. These work better for interior use.
b. Box Nails
Box nails are similar to common nails with less texture. They have some rings on the body, but they are not deep enough to provide support. They are suitable for thinner wood. If you have some more delicate pieces in your fence or need extra support, then you can go for box nails.
c. Brad Nails
Brad nailers are used mostly for finishing projects. These nails are very smooth and shiny. Similar to round wire nails but has a small head that is not unpleasing like round wire nails. You can use a brad nailer for finishing touches.
Otherwise, these nails might not provide the expected support for a fence.
What Types of Nails is Best for Fence Pickets?
Fences are made of different kinds of goods. Firstly, these woods come from different types of trees. Then they are processed differently, resulting in a wide variety of fence woods. However, you can’t expect certain nail types to work for all types of lumbar.
a. Pine Wood Fences Nail
Untreated pine woods are a common choice for fencing. Although, pinewood pickets tend to warp or curl. However, nail options for pinewoods are pretty wide. Pinewood does not contain much moisture and is less corrosive.
Galvanized screws are the best option to use for untreated pinewood fence pickets. You should also opt for ring shank nails to provide a better grip.
b. Nails for Treated Pine Wood Fences
Treat pinewood is infused with chemicals. These chemicals prevent the lumber from getting rotted or infected by insects. It tends to be more durable than untreated pinewoods.
However, for this lumber, you need to be careful while choosing nails. The chemicals used in the wood can damage nails. Usually, steel or aluminum nails face corrosion if used in treated pinewoods. Therefore, hot-dipped galvanized nails are the best for treated pinewood pickets. Although, stainless steel screw would be even better.
c. Cedar Wood Fence Nail
Another popular wood choice for fencing is cedarwood, as they look better than pinewood fences. This added beauty does come with more cost.
Yet they are popular, and you need to choose the proper fencing nails for this wood. Ceder contains acids that can cause corrosion in nails. Even if you use a galvanized screw, that can also damage the fences as they tend to leave marks or stains on cedarwood. All these things considered, the appropriate option for cedarwood fences is stainless steel wood. Stainless steel screws with ring shanks can protect rust or corrosion and provide strength and durability for the fences.
10 Best Nails for Fencing
Here are the 10 best nails that you can get your hands on. We have combined different types of nails to easily find one that matches your requirements. They are suitable for most nail guns we can find in the market these days.
1. Paslode 650385 Framing Nails
This nail is from the brand Paslode. It is suitable for different types of nailers from Paslode, like their battery-powered cordless pneumatic framing nailers.
The nails come in a 30-degree angle, suitable for most Paslode nailers and some other nailer brands.
- Efficiency - 10% more nails per collated strip means less reloading
- Durability - Offers high corrosion resistance in LVL, including ACQ and MCQ
- Low Maintenance - Polymer coating on round nailhead reduces staining and...
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The length of the nails is 3 inches, and they are 0.120 gauge.
Having a high percentage of nails in a magazine takes less reloading compared to other brad nail guns.
Important Features
- A box includes a total of 2000 nails
- The nails are galvanized and great for exterior use
- The ring shank, round-headed nails are corrosion-free and has incredible strength (holding power)
- The nails are gathered using a paper strip which decreases the chance of making a mess due to the nail strips
- The Paslode nails are IRC R319.3 code approved, which means they can be used for pressure-treated lumber or laminated veneer lumber
2. Metabo HPT 13365HHPT Siding Nails
The second on our list is a fencing nail from the brand Metabo HPT. The nail is 2 inches in length, and the thickness is 0.092 inches. A single box of these nails comes with 3600 pins.
- TYPE: Full Round Head Hot Dipped Galvanized Ring Shank Wire Coil Siding...
- APPLICATION: Provides excellent holding power for siding, sheathing,...
- COUNT: 3,600 per box
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These round-headed, ring-shank nails have incredible strength and holding power.
Important Features
- Suitable for both exterior and interior use,
- The nails are perfect for a sign, fencing, decking, and sheathing,
- These are come in a wire coil form and are very easy to load into nail guns,
- One coil contains 300 nails, and a box contains 12 coils,
- The nail on the coils is about 15 degrees angeled,
- These are compatible with different Metabo HPT nail guns.
3. Grip Rite Prime Guard MAXC62818
The next wire coil is from the brand Grip-Rite, and it is their Prime Guard wires. The nails are angled at 15-degrees and are suitable for many nailers like Bostitch, Hitachi, Makita, Senco, etc.
- Item Weight: 15.0 lb
- Country of Origin: China
- Brand name: Grip Rite Prime Guard
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- 1.75 inches long and 0.09 inches thick
- The nails are made of stainless steel
- These nails are perfect for siding or fencing
- Being ring shank, it is one of the ideal nails for fence pickets
- Each box of Grip-Rite nails come with 3600 nails
- The pins are made in China
4. Grip Rite Prime Guard GR04HG1M
Another best nail to use for wood fence from the brand Grip-Rite. This is also from their Prime Guard series like the previous one. The angle for these nails is 21-degrees.
- For best results, use with Grip-Rite GRTFR83 and/or GRTRH350 21 degree...
- Compatible with most 21 degree round head framing nailers including:...
- Hot Dipped Galvanized to meet or exceed ASTMA 153 Class D.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- The nails come with plastic strips and are easy to use in many regular nail guns
- The size of the nails is 2X0.113 inches
- These are made of steel and are galvanized
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects
- Round-headed, ring shank nails provides fantastic grip and resistance
5. NailPro 2 Inch Full Head Nails
NailPro nails are 2 inches in length and have a thickness of 0.113 inches. These are made of stainless steel and suitable for both wood fences.
- 2" x .113 Plastic Strip Nails
- Type 304 Stainless Steel - Ring Shank
- 9/32" Full Round Head Diameter
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- Full head, ring shanks nails work incredibly as fence screws
- The nails come in a 21-degree magazine, but they are flexible and can fit between 20-to-22-degree angled nailers
- The nails are connected with a plastic strip
- Each box contains 1000 pieces of nails
- These nails can fit into different types of nail guns, like Hitachi, Bostitch, etc.
6. Hitachi Nails – 20171S
Hitachi or newly renamed as Metabo HPT, produces some tremendous power tools and their accessories. These nails are also part of it.
These nails can be used in Hitachi or Metabo HPT nail guns and also with other nailer brands.
- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great tools, with only...
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- These are full-length 2 inches nails with 0.113 gauges thickness
- The nails in the magazine are attached with plastic
- The ring shank nails have a better holding capacity
- Being galvanized, they are suitable for fencing
- Each nail strip comes with 25 nails, and an entire box contains a total of 1000 nails
7. B&C Eagle A238X113
The next nails for fence pickets are from B&C Eagle and can be used in many cordless nail guns.
These are round-headed, smooth shank nails and can be used only on non-treated lumber.
- Compatible with a variety of nail guns
- Full round head
- Available in a 500 count
Last update on 2023-02-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- These are appropriate when long nails are needed as these nails are 2-3/8 inches long
- The gauge or thickness of these nails is 0.113 inches
- Although these nails come in a 22-degree magazine, they are suitable for nailers having 20 to 22 degrees angle
- These are bright nails, more ideal for indoor use. However, exterior coating or paint can be used to cover them for external use
- The pins in the strap are connected with plastic
- Each box of nails contains a total of 500 nails
8. DEWALT Finish Nails DCA16200
Dewalt Finish nails are suitable for Dewalt cordless or electric nail guns. The nails are less likely to be affected by rust or moisture.
- Two-inch, 16-gauge, 20-degree angled finish nails
- Cold-worked carbon steel and galvinized in hot-dip process
- Nails resist rust and moisture
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- These are 2 inches long and 16-gauge nails
- The nails on the nail’s strips are 20-degree angled
- The pins are made of cold-worked carbon steel
- Galvanized in the hot-dip process makes these nails suitable for outdoor use
- An entire box of these Dewalt’s nails comes with 2500 nails
9. BOOTOP Siding Nails
The next fencing nail on our list is from the brand Bootop, and it comes as a wire coil. These corrosion-free nails are suitable for pressure lumbers. These are full round heads and ring shank nails.
- 1-1/2-Inch x 0.092-Inch Collated Wire Coil Siding Nails,Wire coil, full...
- These .092-inch wire collated nails are 1-1/2-inch (38mm) long. Package...
- Corrosion Protection: Hot dipped galvanized fiber cement material offers...
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- Nails are 1.25X0.092 inches in size
- They are collated in 15 degrees and can be used with different branded siding nailers
- Being galvanized by hot dipping, they can be used for exterior projects like fencing, plywood sheathing, etc.
- Each coil has 400 nails which decrease loading time and hassle
- A single box contains 4 rolls of wire coils
- The ring shank holds onto the lumber and provides strength
10. BOSTITCH Siding Nails C8R90BDG
Bostitch makes some powerful nailers, and these nails are most suitable for their cordless or pneumatic siding nail gun.
- NAIL,COL,090,RNG,2-1
- NAIL,COL,090,RNG,2-1
- NAIL,COL,090,RNG,2-1
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features
- The nails are 2.5 inches long and about 0.091 inches thick
- These nails have a thick coat of galvanized and heat-treated finish
- 15-degree angle nails are suitable for most siding nailers
- Each box of these nails contains 3600 nails
What to Look for Before Buying Nails for Fencing?
Based on your fence, you need to choose suitable wood fence screws or fencing nails. Choosing the right nail is pretty straightforward.
You should check for the appropriate size with a protective coating. Below is an elaborated guide to help you with buying the most suited nails for your fence.
a. Consider Type of Nails
Although several types of nails are available, the best outcome you will get is from ring shank nails. Ring shank nails have ridges throughout the nail and provide better grip.
The textured surface can hold the lumbers in place for a more extended period, hence increasing longevity. Other smoother nails can be used as well. However, they might not last as long as the ring shank nails.
On the other hand, full round-headed nails can hold onto the surface better. They might be visible from afar, but they work better.
Note: You should always use a nail hole filler to camouflage nail holes and finish it off with a perfect look.
b. Length and Gauge of Nails
Depending on the fence picket’s thickness, you should choose the nails. 2 inches long nails are commonly used for most fence pickets. However, you can also try nails that slightly varies from 2 inches.
Then again, the thickness of the nail itself is also essential. Thick nails can tear apart the lumber, and too thin nails might not even get through the surface. 15-to-18-gauge nailers are preferable for fences. In the case of nailers, framing nailers or siding nailers are suitable for fastening nails on fences.
c. Protection from Rust and Corrosion
Fences are usually located outside, where they often contact direct sunlight, rain, snow, dirt, dust, and whatnot. All these environmental elements can cause damage, rust, corrosion to the nails, and damaged fences.
Therefore, good quality nails are a must to make your fences durable. When it comes to protection from rust or moisture in the environment, you need to consider the protective coating of the nails. There are three options you will find.
a. Bright Nails
Bright nails are simply nailing with no extra coating or protection. They are prone to rust and corrosion. Therefore, they are not the ideal nails to use outdoors. Bright nails are preferable for interior projects and home renovations.
b. Galvanized Nails
The next best thing to use for fencing or outdoor projects is nails are galvanized. They are regular steel nails that are hot-dipped in zinc. The zinc layer on the nails protects them from corrosion or rust.
It works as a barrier between the steel and the environmental elements. Even though they are suitable for exterior usage like fencing, they might not have the most grip or strength. As layering zinc can clog and become hard to create sharp ridges, galvanized screws are somewhat on the smooth side.
c. Stainless Steel Nails
The best option to use for fencing will be stainless steel nails. Stainless steel screws are made of steel and chromium. They are melted together and then shaped for nails.
Stainless steel is a lot stronger and shinier. They can also hold textures and ridges better.
Moreover, they offer better protection for nails, even in coastal areas. However, the drawback of stainless-steel nails is that they are expensive.
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Conclusion
There is no denial that nails play an essential part in building a fence. If you do not want to repair your fences every once in a while, you should invest some time in finding the perfect nails for fencing. Otherwise, you will notice rusting or corrosion within a small time frame, and your fence will fall apart.
It is a tedious job, and doing it often can be tiresome. Therefore, it is best to do it correctly the first time, and it will be good as new for a while.
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