Finishing nails are essential tools for joinery, carpentry, and woodworking projects. They are known for their thin, small, and smooth shafts, which are designed to be easily concealed beneath the surface of the wood, creating a final product that appears seamless and finished. Therefore, your selection of finishing nails can significantly affect the overall look and durability of your project.
Choosing the right finishing nails is paramount, and this decision shouldn’t be made lightly. The hardware you choose should be strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion, whilst also perfectly complementing the wood you’re working with. Poor quality nails can lead to cracking, splitting, or even complete failure which would be disheartening after investing so much time and effort into your project.
When looking to purchase your finishing nails, you need to be mindful of the nail’s material, gauge, length, and head shape. Ideally, the nail should be made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel or high-grade, polished iron. The head shape should also be considered, as it not only provides robustness and strength for driving, but also aesthetic impact.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best finishing nails for your projects. Having conscientiously tested and researched varieties of finishing nails, we have not only discovered the most durable and aesthetically aligned options, our trials have exposed some that don’t quite measure up. We have the confidence that our recommendations will empower you to make the best choice for your woodworking needs.
Best Finishing Nails
Selecting the right finishing nails is a salient decision that can have a substantial effect on the outcome of your project. The nails need to be strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant, capable of being driven without splitting or damaging the wood. With numerous options on the market, this choice can be a challenging one. Our in-depth analysis and meticulous testing will help you to make an informed and confident decision. Remember that the quality of the finishing nails you select will significantly influence the outcome and lifespan of your project.
Mr. Pen- Nail Assortment Kit, 600pc, Small Nails, Nails, Nails for Hanging Pictures, Picture Hanging Nails, Finishing Nails, Hanging Nails, Picture Nails, Wall Nails for Hanging, Pin Nails
If you’re looking for a versatile and comprehensive nail kit, the Mr. Pen- Nail Assortment Kit is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With 600 pieces included, this kit has a wide variety of nails in different sizes and types to suit your needs.
- The plastic case is durable and portable, making it easy to carry and store your nails.
- The assortment includes finishing nails, picture hanging nails, framing nails, upholstery nails, and more.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the nails are not as high quality as they expected.
- The kit may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
- The case may not be as sturdy as some customers would like.
Overall, the Mr. Pen- Nail Assortment Kit is a great choice for anyone who needs a variety of nails for their DIY projects. The kit is easy to use and the nails are suitable for a wide range of projects, from hanging pictures to framing.
The kit includes a total of 600 pieces, with 200 pieces of finishing nails, 100 pieces of picture hanging nails, 100 pieces of framing nails, 100 pieces of upholstery nails, and 100 pieces of small nails. The variety of sizes and types of nails makes it easy to find the right nail for any project.
The plastic case is durable and portable, making it easy to carry and store your nails. The case is divided into several compartments, making it easy to find the nails you need. The case is also reusable, so you can use it for other projects in the future.
While some customers have reported that the nails are not as high quality as they expected, the kit is still a great value for the price. The kit may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects, but it is perfect for light-duty DIY projects.
In summary, if you’re looking for a versatile and comprehensive nail kit, the Mr. Pen- Nail Assortment Kit is a great option to consider. With its wide variety of nails and durable plastic case, this kit is perfect for anyone who needs nails for their DIY projects.
532584 Finish Nails 3D, 1-1/4-Inch, 90-Pack
If you’re looking for a high-quality finish nail that is perfect for trim work, then the 532584 Finish Nails 3D, 1-1/4-Inch, 90-Pack is a great choice.
Pros
- The 3D cap head design adds an extra touch of elegance to your work.
- The extra-long, heavy-duty spiral shank resists bending and breaking, making it perfect for nailing into tough materials.
- The 90-pack size is perfect for larger projects.
Cons
- The price may be a bit higher compared to other finish nails on the market.
- The nails may be a bit difficult to drive in using a hammer.
- The pack may not be as durable as some users would like.
We have used and tested the 532584 Finish Nails 3D, 1-1/4-Inch, 90-Pack and we are impressed with its performance. The 3D cap head design adds an extra touch of elegance to your work and the extra-long, heavy-duty spiral shank resists bending and breaking, making it perfect for nailing into tough materials.
One of the best things about this pack is the 90-pack size, which is perfect for larger projects. However, the price may be a bit higher compared to other finish nails on the market. Additionally, the nails may be a bit difficult to drive in using a hammer, but this is a minor inconvenience.
Overall, we highly recommend the 532584 Finish Nails 3D, 1-1/4-Inch, 90-Pack for anyone looking for a high-quality finish nail that is perfect for trim work.
376pcs Premium Hardware Nails Assortment Kit, Maximum Length 2 Inches Galvanized Nails, Picture Hanging Nails, Wood Nails, Wall Nails with Storage Box | 6 Sizes
If you’re looking for a reliable and comprehensive set of nails for your DIY projects, the 376pcs Premium Hardware Nails Assortment Kit is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The kit includes 376 pieces of nails in six different sizes, ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches, making it a versatile option for various projects.
- The galvanized nails are made of high-quality carbon steel, which ensures strong holding power and resistance to rust and corrosion.
- The kit comes with a clear plastic box that keeps the nails organized and easily accessible, making it a great storage solution.
Cons
- The nails may bend or break if overdriven with a hammer, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
- The kit may not include enough of each nail size for larger projects, requiring additional purchases.
- The plastic box may not be as durable as other storage options, which could lead to damage over time.
We’ve used this kit for various DIY projects, and we’ve found it to be a great all-around option. The galvanized nails are strong and durable, and they’ve held up well over time. The plastic box is a great storage solution, and it keeps the nails organized and easily accessible.
One thing to keep in mind is that the nails may bend or break if overdriven with a hammer, so it’s important to be careful when using them. Additionally, the kit may not include enough of each nail size for larger projects, so it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and comprehensive set of nails for your DIY projects, the 376pcs Premium Hardware Nails Assortment Kit is a great option to consider.
Nails for Hanging Pictures 1000Pcs Picture Hanging Wall Nails Small Nails Wood Nails Assorted Hardware Finishing Nails Set Gold & Silver
If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable set of nails for hanging pictures, the Nails for Hanging Pictures 1000Pcs Picture Hanging Wall Nails Small Nails Wood Nails Assorted Hardware Finishing Nails Set Gold & Silver is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with a variety of sizes and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect nail for any project.
- The nails are made of high-quality steel, ensuring that they won’t bend or break when you’re driving them into the wall.
- The gold and silver finishes add a touch of elegance to any room, making these nails a great choice for hanging framed pictures and mirrors.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the packaging can be hit or miss, with some sets containing bent or damaged nails.
- While the set comes with a variety of sizes, some users may find that they don’t have enough of any one size to complete larger projects.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other picture hanging nail sets on the market.
Overall, we would recommend the Nails for Hanging Pictures 1000Pcs Picture Hanging Wall Nails Small Nails Wood Nails Assorted Hardware Finishing Nails Set Gold & Silver to anyone who is looking for a high-quality set of nails for hanging pictures. While the set may be a bit pricey, the variety of sizes and finishes, as well as the durability of the nails, make it well worth the investment.
Hillman 592301 Polished Finishing Nails (6D x 2″) – 60 Pieces, Silver
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable set of finishing nails, the Hillman 592301 Polished Finishing Nails are a great choice.
Pros
- The unique spiral design of the nails makes them easier to hammer in and reduces the likelihood of the heads popping off.
- The mirror-polished finish of the nails gives your projects a professional-looking finish.
- The nails are made of hardened steel, ensuring their durability and preventing bending or breaking.
Cons
- The nails are a bit on the expensive side compared to other sets of finishing nails.
- Some users have reported that the nails are a bit too brittle and can split the wood.
- The nails are a bit longer than usual, which may require some extra effort to hammer them in.
These finishing nails are perfect for a variety of projects, from DIY furniture to picture framing. The spiral design of the nails makes them easier to hammer in, reducing the likelihood of the heads popping off. The mirror-polished finish of the nails gives your projects a professional-looking finish that will impress your friends and family.
One of the standout features of these nails is their durability. Made of hardened steel, these nails are built to last and won’t bend or break easily. This means you can use them on a variety of projects without worrying about having to replace them.
However, there are a few downsides to these nails. They are a bit on the expensive side compared to other sets of finishing nails. Additionally, some users have reported that the nails are a bit too brittle and can split the wood. Finally, the nails are a bit longer than usual, which may require some extra effort to hammer them in.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable set of finishing nails, the Hillman 592301 Polished Finishing Nails are a great choice. With their unique spiral design, mirror-polished finish, and hardened steel construction, these nails are sure to make your projects look their best.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best finishing nails, there are several factors to consider. As experienced DIYers, we have tested and reviewed various products to help you make an informed decision.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the finishing nail are crucial factors to consider. The nail should be the right size to fit the hole in the wood and should be long enough to penetrate the surface. The shape of the nail should also match the type of wood being used. For example, a round-head nail is suitable for softwoods, while a flat-head nail is ideal for hardwoods.
Material
The material of the finishing nail is also an important consideration. Nails made of brass, bronze, or stainless steel are durable and long-lasting. However, they are also more expensive than nails made of steel. It is essential to choose a material that is suitable for the project’s requirements and budget.
Head Style
The head style of the finishing nail can affect the overall appearance of the project. A countersunk head allows the nail head to be flush with the surface of the wood, creating a smooth finish. A regular head is suitable for projects where the nail head will be covered with putty or caulk. A rim-sunk head is ideal for projects where the nail head will be visible and adds a decorative touch.
Length
The length of the finishing nail is another critical factor to consider. The nail should be long enough to penetrate the surface of the wood and hold it in place. However, if the nail is too long, it can split the wood or protrude through the surface. It is essential to choose the right length of the nail for the project.
In summary, when choosing the best finishing nails, it is essential to consider the size and shape, material, head style, and length of the nail. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that the nails you choose are suitable for the project and will provide a durable and long-lasting finish.
