The most popular nail heads are the round head and clipped head. Most of us assume they are the same and wonder what difference ahead would make. There are quite a few differences between them. Let’s compare Round Head vs Clipped Head Nail in various ways to understand which is better.
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Our Verdict
Both nails work in the same way, but there are different situations to use each of them. For works where you need very few nails at a wide distance, round head is perfect. however, if you want a lot of nails nearby, clipped head nails are the best choice.
Round Head Vs Clipped Head Nail: Comparison Chart
1. Price
The clipping of the nails makes it easier to load more nails in a single magazine. Thus, the clipped nails are cheaper than the round head nails. The collation process while making the nail is easier. The round-headed nails are a bit expensive as they have a bit more work to do in the machine. The plastic collation done is a bit pricey. So if you need to buy on a large scale and budget is the issue, then clipped head nails are better.
2. Quantity Per Mag Or Clip
The round head can make the nails to occupy more space. So the round head nails will not be able to accommodate many nails. This may cause more reloading time and frequency. The clipped head nails have the advantage in this case. The clipping of the head helps it to occupy lesser space. This reduces the delay in the work. If speed is the key to your work, then these are the best options. This is one of the best nailing gun from Dewalt.
3. Risk Of Jamming
The clipped head may have the chance of getting jammed more. This is due to the clipped design, which may sometimes get locked. If the nailer or nail gun used is not right, then jamming can happen anytime. This may also cause unnecessary delay. The round-headed nails are free from this problem. There’s less quantity, and the full rounds will make it tough to get jammed. It will be free of this problem. This is why screw is sometimes good than nails.
4. Strength
The round head nails are a bit stronger than the clipped ones. This is due to the roundheads, which gives more support. This also gives them high holding strength. This is also the reason why they get used in disaster-prone areas. Clipped heads have less holding power than round head nails. The large round head also helps them prevent overriding. That is the case when nail sinks to the wall or wood. This is also the reason why they are in high wind areas.
5. Pulling Out The Nails
Sometimes there may be a need to pull out all the nail. In that case, the roundheads are easier than the clipped head. The nail needs to get pulled out soon and also without damage to the wood or wall. In this case, round heads are easy as the machines can take them out faster. For removing the nails, the nail pullers are the machines used.
Round Head vs Clipped Head Nail: What is It?
Round Head Nails
Anyone will pick these if you ask them at random to get a nail. They have a full round head and are one of the oldest nails. It is very common in houses as we use them to hang various objects. A round head nail is preferable to use in disaster-prone areas. They will have a lot of space between the shanks as they are round-headed. The round head nails have separate nail guns.
Top Round Head Nail Guns:
Here is the list of top round head nail guns.
1. Freeman Pneumatic Nail Gun
- Powerful Tool Set: This kit includes 4 very useful pneumatic nailers to tackle renovation and home improvement needs:...
- Construction Applications: The air powered nail guns in the kit are designed for everything from heavy duty projects...
- Built to Last: All tools have a one piece hardened steel drive blade and anodized aluminum magazine and cylinder,...
They are lightweight and have a good grip, which makes it easy for long use. It has two modes of operation, which is one other feature, which makes it very good. The only problem is it’s a bit expensive than the others.
2. NuMax Pneumatic Nail Gun
- Construction Applications: Designed for trim, furniture trim, rail moulding, crown moulding, window casing, door...
- Compatible Nails: 16 gauge glue collated straight finish nails from 1" – 2-1/2"
- Built to Last: One piece hardened steel drive blade results in a durable pneumatic tool resistant to damage
This is very affordable and is very easy to use. It has a magnesium body that gives the gun more grip and lightweight. The pneumatic style will give a great finish,
3. Dewalt Paper Collated Nail Gun
- DEWALT cordless framing nailer has dual-speed motor optimized to drive a wide range of fasteners for versatility
- Framing nailer gun has tool-free selector switch for sequential or bump-fire modes
- Tool-free depth adjustment for precise nail placement
It has a 55 nail capacity with a great motor to fire at different speeds. The handling of this may need some prior experience. It would be difficult for beginners. Jamming may be an issue at times.
Clipped Head Nails
They are also called the D nails in many places. They have their heads clipped into halves so that more nails are there in the gun. It can occupy less space than the round head nails. They save a lot of time too. There are very few differences, as said, but the strength is almost the same. They also have separate nail guns. The difference between both the nail guns is that these have a higher magazine.
Top Clipped Head Nail Guns
1. Bostitch F28WW
- Patented push button adjustable depth guide of the framing nailer gun sets nail to desired depths quickly and...
- Notched 16-inch layout indicator on magazine helps achieve correct distance between studs in a matter of seconds
- Lightweight magnesium design for durability
It is lightweight and easy to use. The nail gun can control the depth of the nail too. A large magazine and adjustable hook for more durability.
2. Paslode 905600
- Increased Productivity - Drives nails flush in LVL and other hardwoods that remodelers encounter.
- All Season Formula - Works in temperatures down to 14°F.
- Lightweight - 7.2lbs. for better comfort and control while working overhead or in tight spaces.
A rechargeable gun with very little weight. 9000 nails per charge. Very compact design for easier use.
What Is Nail?
A correct day or year is never known for the discovery of the nail. But there are a lot of references in the bible about the nail. Wrought iron nails were famous in ancient times. Then came the cut nails and later the wire nails. The ends of the nails are also called point, and the shafts are called the shank. A nail gun or hammer will help you fix your nails.
They get made by sending the steel wires to the machine. They first get cut, and then the head gets flattened. Then the point gets finished, and some polishing works finish the nail off. This is a speedy process. The machine can produce about 900 nails in a minute. There are many types of nails. Some good examples are-
- common nail
- box nail
- ring nail
- roofing nail
- spiral shank nail
- masonry nail
Round Head Vs Clipped Head Nail: FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on nails-
In this case, clipped head nail guns are better as they are easier to reload and use. The plastic in round head nail guns may make an unwanted mess and result in a delay. The magazine is also prominent in the clipped head nail guns.
The d in the nail length is denarius. Denarius is a penny in Latin. Nails were also known as a penny in ancient times as 100 nails were purchased together.
The nails get arranged in strips or any other way together through paper or plastic. This helps them get loaded to the nail gun magazine faster.
Rust-resistant nails or aluminum nails are better to prevent rust. Stainless steel is also a good option. They won’t stain or destroy the wood.
The nail coating helps in making the nail efficient and even increases the strength. Cement coating gives more strength, and zinc coating provides protection from rust. Even vinyl coatings on nails give more strength and make it easier while working.
While driving the nail, the position of the nail should be at a certain angle to the material it’s getting fixed on. If it’s closer to an edge, it’s better to have a pilot hole to make sure it doesn’t split. This could be followed even while using hammers.
Conclusion
After comparing the factors, it is clear that both the nails have fewer differences. They are the most common nails available around us. The need for the nail is very important in selecting between them. Proper nail guns are also a factor in having a check on. If more holding power or strength is the preference, then round head nails are a perfect choice. If safety is a major concern, round head nails are what you need. Pulling out with less damage will also be an easy task in this.
If you need the work to finish faster, the clipped head is a better choice. They save a lot of time as their nail gun has a bigger magazine. The price is a bit cheaper when compared to round head nails. Paper collation is also an advantage. But if the need is simple or for some hobby, any of the two will go well. If the work is much severe or professional, then you should have a look at the various pros and cons of the nails told above.
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