Collated nails are a convenient solution for tradies and those dealing with large-scale carpentry and construction projects. These nails come arranged in long strips or coils which can be easily loaded into nail guns for quick and efficient driving. 

Collated nails offer speed and convenience when driving nails into the material as well as when reloading, which is ideal for reducing labour time and saving money. Nail guns themselves are precise and consistent which improves the overall look and efficiency of any project.

Before choosing collated nails, it's important to ensure they’re compatible with your nail gun model as some need straight nails, whilst others need angled nails. You’ll also need to check the head type is suitable for your nail gun. Also, make sure to choose the appropriate nail for your job – you’ll find framing nails for heavy-duty construction, finishing nails for attaching trim or moulding, or coil nails for roofing.

Galvanised nails are coated with zinc and have high resistance to rust and corrosion. As a result, they are ideal for outdoor applications such as for fencing, decking and outdoor furniture where exposure to the elements is a concern.

The primary advantage of galvanised nails lies in their durability and protection against harsh environments. The reduced risk of rust or corrosion makes them a reliable choice for a range of situations where more delicate nails wouldn’t be up to the task.

When using galvanised nails, consider whether smooth or ringed shanks are more suitable for the materials you're working with and the level of grip required – ringed shanks will offer more security and are harder to remove, but smooth shanks are cheaper. Also, galvanised nails, whilst very durable and hardwearing, will eventually rust after many years and will need to be replaced.

Masonry nails have robust shanks made of hardened steel or galvanised carbon which are designed to withstand being hammered into hard masonry materials like concrete and brick. They are essential for applications that need a strong grip on very hard surfaces.

Masonry nails have fluted or grooved shanks, which cause the nail to rotate while it’s been driven into the material so it provides a strong grip. They’re also resistant to corrosion so they can be used outside for years to come without degrading when exposed to the elements.

Consider where you’re using masonry nails, as different shapes are suited to different surfaces. If you’re working with concrete, round nails are best to avoid damage and effectively pierce into the surface. However, if you’re driving nails into brick, you’ll find that square masonry nails will reduce the risk of the brick splitting.

Roofing nails, including felt and clout nails, are tailor-made for roofing applications, securely attaching materials to roofs, such as shingles, felt, or flashing. They’re made from corrosion resistant metals including galvanised steel. You’ll find felt nails have a large head perfect for fixing roofing felt to the timber frame, while clout nails are shorter and have a smaller head, used to attach slate tiles to metal. 

These nails have a relatively short shank and wide head, which provides a secure attachment for roofing materials onto the frame. They are also made from corrosion-resistant materials like galvanised steel to ensure they can withstand the elements over time.

When choosing roofing nails, those with ringed shanks will be harder to pull out and offer more security than smooth shanks. Also, keep in mind which materials you’re working with, as felt nails are better suited to fixing felt to timber, while clout nails are better for fixing slate tiles to metal. Making the right choice from the start will ensure the roof is durable and will last for years to come.

Panel pins are fine nails designed for attaching lightweight materials to heavier ones. They are commonly used in delicate woodworking projects, such as cabinet and joinery work.

These nails offer delicacy and precision, so they’re perfect for concealed fastening in intricate woodworking tasks. Some panel pins feature polymer-headed versions suitable for outdoor use.

To make the most of panel pins, choose the appropriate length and diameter based on the materials you intend to join. Exercise care when driving them to prevent splitting or damaging the wood.

Plastic top nails have a UPVC head, a threaded or ringed shank, and a sharp point. They’re used for fixing fascias, soffits, and window boards to buildings, playing an important role in making sure these elements are securely attached.

Plastic top nails have large plastic heads and the threaded shank means they offer a secure fit. They can be used outdoors as they’re UV stable and won’t degrade in the sun. 

The main consideration with plastic top nails is that they are not concealed when driven into the material due to the large head. Select the right nail length based on the specific application. In general, opt for 65mm nails for fascias, 50mm for cover boards and 40mm for soffits.