3.3.2 Mechanical Fixings for Wood (Nails, Screws)

Panel pin

Small nail made from rigid mild steel wire. usually used with adhesive to hold the joint together while adhesive sets; doesn’t split wood

Pin punch

Used with hammer to drive the head of the pin below the wood surface. The hole then can be filled with wood filler to hide the pin

Round wire nail

• Made from GALVANISED mild STEEL, used for exterior heavy construction.

• Head CANNOT be hidden.

• Nails are usually used without adhesive; relies on friction between nail shaft and wood to hold it in

Oval brad

Shaft (top part) is oval, so less likely to split wood if used good. Can be hidden same way as a pin

What is a claw hammer used for?

For general work and removing headed nails

What is a cross peen hammer used for?

For small nails and pins

What is dovetail pinning?

Pins & nails are driven in at an angle and are less likely to pull out in use

How do you hammer a small pin without hitting your fingers and getting a boo-boo?

Push the pin through a card and hold the card away from the pin. Once the pin is in the card can be torn off

Countersunk head screw

Made from mild steel/brass. Used when the head needs to be level with surface of wood. Either slot-head (flat blade screwdriver) or crosshead (pozidrive screwdriver)

Roundhead screw

Usually brass/mild steel in black lacquer or chromium plate. Used for extra strength and the head sticks out of wood

Chipboard screw

Used on chipboards. Designed with two spirals so it won’t pull out easily. Popular for general use as it takes half the # of turns to tighten

Preparation for using a screw