Dimensions Guide

Although nail sizes vary, the following size guide should make it easier to determine their length. Note: the letter ?d? next to nails denotes ?penny?. That is, a 12d nail means a 12 penny nail.

Nail Measurement Guide: 2d to 12d

A 2d nail is equal to 1.00 inch or 2.540 centimeters. The 3d nail is equivalent to 1.25 in or 3.175 cm. 4d nails measure 1.50 in or 3.810 cm. A 5d nail measures 1.75 inches or 4.445 cm. A 6d nail is 2.00 inches long or 5.080 cm. The 7d nail is 2.25 inches or 5.715 cm.

The 8d nail is equivalent to 2.50 inches or 6.350 cm. Nail size 9d is equal to 2.75 inches / 6.985 cm. 10d nails measure 3.00 inches or 7.620 cm. 12d nails measure 3.25 inches or 8.255 cm.

Nail Measurement Guide: 16d to 100d

Nail 16d is 3.50 or 8.890 cm. 20d nails measure 4.00 inches (10.160 cm), while 30d nails measure 4.50 inches or 11.430 cm. 40d nails are 5.00 inches long, which is 12.700 cm. The 50d nails are 5.50 inches or 13.970 cm. The 60d nails measures 6.00 inches or 15.240 cm.

70d nails measure 7.00 inches or 17.780 cm. The 80d is 8.00 inches long or 20.320 cm. The 90d nails are 9.00 inches or 22.860 cm. The 100d nail size is equal to 10.00 inches, equal to 25.400 cm.

Using Nails on Plywood

If the plywood is 3/4" thick, the nail to use is the 6d. The type can be either casing or finishing. For 5/8" thick plywood, 6d to 8d finishing is more suited. For 1/2" thick plywood, 6d – 8d nails (finishing) are ideal. The 4d – 6d nails (finishing) are suitable if the plywood is 3/8" thick.

The 3/4" – 1" is most suitable for 1/4" thick plywood. The 3/4" – 1" nail type should be brads. Other nails you can use for 1/4" thick plywood are the 3d (finishing) and the 1? (lath).

This is only a general guideline for nail sizes and usage; making a few variations to the sizes given may be necessary in some cases.

Tips

If you?re having trouble deciding what nail to use, a good idea is to pick a nail three times as long as the wood you?re going to nail. If you?re driving the nail from a thin wood to a thicker, one, hold the nail up. Place it against the thinner wood.

Gauge the size and make sure it is 3 times thicker than the wood. When you?ve chosen the nail, pick the right casing. Use the guide referred to earlier as a guide.

If you?re working with concrete, special nails need to be used. There are also special nails called ring nails. These are used for specific nailing projects.

Warnings

Exercise caution when using nails. Ensure you don?t hit your finger with a hammer.
 
Do your best to remember the various nail sizes. Or you can carry one with you to the hardware store. This will help you to get the right size.