The first instance of men using nails as a form of fastener was more than 3,000 years ago. We have used them for construction in so many forms ever since. Fencing, framing, siding, and the list goes on and on. However, it is their diversified forms that baffle minds.
This article is our thorough guide to finding the best nails for fencing. We carefully picked top-notch items like Metabo HPT Siding Nails and Hitachi 13363. Find more on why we recommend them in this quick read.
Our Recommended Best Nails for Fencing
Here are the top 5 nails for your fencing works that we consider worthy. Check out what they bring to the table.
1. B&C Eagle a238x113/22 Round Head 2-3/8-Inch X .113 X 22 Degree Bright Smooth Shank Plastic Collated Framing Nails (500 per Box) – Best For Compatibility
B&C Eagle A238X113/22 nails are among the best nails for framing and fencing in budget. Although ring shank nails like Metabo HPT can provide better holding power, smooth shank ones should get the job done. Besides, their full round heads should be able to meet the deficit.
Moreover, all the nails feature a bright finish, which is not the best for rust or corrosion prevention. The finish can offer a better look and feel for fencing in less humid environments, however. So, you better use them in shady areas.
Other than that, the B&C Eagle A238X113/22 nails are compatible with a wide range of nail guns. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about compatibility. If you have got a 20-to-22-degree plastic collation framing Nailer, these will be the ideal fit.
On to pitfalls, these nails come with cheaper plastic strips, unlike the latter on this list. The thing with plastic strips is that they turn fragile in the cold and often leave a clutter of plastic around the site. Finally, the absence of rust-free coating makes them susceptible to corrosion, especially in highly humid areas.
Pros
- Good enough holding power.
- Full round head.
- Widely compatible with nail guns.
- Bright finish for better aesthetics.
Cons
- Comes with a plastic strip.
- No rust or corrosion prevention whatsoever.
2. Metabo Hpt Siding Nails, 2-Inch X .092-Inch, Collated Wire Coil, Full Round Head, Ring Shank, Hot-Dipped Galvanized, 3600 Count (13365hhpt) – Best For Humid Environments
As straight as it goes, Metabo HPT siding nails are a better buy than B&C Eagle A238X113/22. Why? They’ve got this Hot Dipped Galvanized (HDG) finish that protects them from corrosion. A layer of Zinc coating is what makes this material best suitable for outdoor applications like fencing.
On top of that, these nails come with a superior wire weld collation. It is a thin piece of wire that runs lengthwise, often better than plastic strips. So, they are less prone to damage from water and cold weather than nails like B&C Eagle A238X113/22 or Grip Rite Prime Guard Max MAXC62878.
Furthermore, Metabo HPT sliding nails belong to the ring shank category. Thus, they provide a much greater holding power for siding, sheathing, and especially fencing. Besides, a full round head adds up to the holding power as well. Given a chance, we would any day pick these over smooth shank nails.
Anyhow, not everything about them is all plain sailing. For instance, compatibility is not good here, as these nails are compatible with Metabo HPT NV65AH2. Unless you’ve got that particular model, chances are you might have to deal in elbow grease.
Pros
- Hot Dipped Galvanizing protects from corrosion.
- Wire weld collation.
- Above-average holding power with ring shank style.
- Full round heads.
Cons
- Compatibility with nail guns is more on the lower side.
3. Hitachi 13363 1-3/4-Inch X 0.092-Inch Full Round-Head Ring Shank Hot-Dipped Galvanized Wire Coil Siding Nails, 3600-Pack – Best For Holding Power
Hitachi 13363 nails set is one hell of a deal, be it for either the holding power or the longevity. Firstly, these nails have a Hot Dipped Galvanized (HDG) fiber cement, as discussed before. As you already know, HDG coating allows for top-notch corrosion protection in all pressure-treated lumber.
And since these are ring-shank nails, you can rest assured of the immense holding power. Especially if you’ve opted for softer woods where splitting is no issue, these aren’t backing out any soon. Besides, the fact that they have a full round head means they can hold your fencing even better.
A cherry on top is their wire weld collation. It not only helps achieve rough nailing for sheathing but also makes them suitable for fencing. Moreover, these nails are more compatible than Metabo HPT. That is because they are adaptable to nailers such as Hitachi NV65AH and NV75AG.
One tiny drawback is their inability to fit with more popular Makita or Dewalt nailers. As a result, you might end up searching for return policies. Also, the wire collation might leave sharp pieces of metal around the site.
Pros
- Admirable rust prevention coating.
- Longer lasting than nails with a bright finish.
- Can hold joints exceptionally well.
- Full round head for added grip.
- Held strongly with wire weld collation.
Cons
- Incompatible with many nail guns.
4. Grip Rite Prime Guard maxc62875 15-Degree Wire Coil 1-3/4-Inch by .09-Inch Ring Shank, Stainless Steel Siding Nails, 1200 per Box – Best Value for Money
As far as gripping power is concerned, Grip Rite Prime Guard MAXC62875 secures a place in the top 3. Unlike others, a healthy portion of their length comprises the ring shanks. As a result, not many nails can match the gripping power they deliver.
Another differentiating factor is their build quality. The material used here is stainless steel, the best you can get at this price. That is because stainless steel fasteners offer the best-in-class corrosion prevention. So, your fences will stay together as they are unlikely to lose strength no matter the weather.
Aside from that, these nails come collated with wire weld. It is, however, pretty rare for 15-degree nails as they usually come with plastic strips. Anyhow, it deserves a welcome since you’re going to experience better nailing in rough conditions. All this and still 1200 nails per box at this price is a great deal, eh?
With that out of the way, compatibility with nail guns might be a concern. For example, these 15-degree siding nails require a particularly angled nailer. Either you purchase or borrow any such or hammer is your only friend.
Pros
- Superior gripping capability.
- Very durable stainless-steel construction.
- Top-notch rust or corrosion prevention.
- Eliminates the hassles from plastic strips.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons
- Low compatibility score.
5. Grip Rite Prime Guard Max maxc62878 2-Inch by .113-Inch 21-Degree Plastic Strip 304 Ring Shank, Stainless Steel, 1000-Pack – Most Durable
The Prime Guard MAXC62878 is yet another affordable offering from Grip Rite. With ring shanks and a stainless-steel build, the value for money proposition is pretty high with this set. Although this product includes plastic strips, it is a better alternative to B&C Eagle A238X113/22.
While the B&C Eagle had a bright finish, these nails feature 304 stainless steel. As stated earlier, stainless steel nails tend to last longer thanks to their ability to prevent corrosion. Hence, you can count on them to hold your fencing together in the years to come.
Speaking of holding together, B&C Eagle also lags behind the MAXC62878. Instead of smooth shanks, this pack of 1000 has ring shanks. Consequently, there will be utmost friction and zero compromises regarding grip.
For downsides, you know it already, the plastic strip it is. The plastic strip collation of these nails can become brittle at low temperatures. Apart from that, your workplace can also become pretty messy as they leave pieces of plastic behind.
Pros
- Rigorous build featuring 304 stainless steel.
- Less prone to corrosion.
- Excellent gripping power.
- Somewhat inexpensive.
Cons
- Cheap plastic strip collation.
- Makes the workplace messy.
Route to Best Nails for Fencing
Some factors worth double-checking before a purchase decision are as follows.
Material
Most fasteners feature a steel construction more or less. However, stainless steel fasteners are the best when it comes to corrosion protection. So, you should keep an eye out for 304 or 316 stainless steel for exterior and interior use, respectively.
Nail Heads
Flat Round Heads
Nails with flat round heads suit best for fencing. Their heads will stay visible while they rest on a nailed surface. Besides, a flat round head will have a significantly larger striking surface along with added holding power.
Checkered Flat Heads
These come with a grid-like pattern on the head. It helps eradicate any slippage whatsoever while hammering from different angles.
Countersunk Heads
Countersunk head nails have a conical design so that you can push them below the surface and out of sight. Since they make the surface look presentable, they are among the best nails for framing.
Nail Shanks
Smooth Shank
Nails with smooth shanks offer moderate holding power. If you’re looking for the best nails for hanging pictures, they would be the go-to solution. However, they are not the best when it comes to fencing.
Ring Shank
Unlike smooth shank nails, ring shank nails provide excellent holding power. They won’t back out over time as the rings can hold the wood in between crevasses. So, they will do just fine for soft or medium-dense wood with no issues of splitting.
Screw Shank
These fasteners spin like screws while being driven. Thus, it creates a cramped groove, which will then prevent the wood from splitting. Screw shank nails are less likely to come out and so are ideal for hardwood.
Annular Thread Shank
Ring shank and annular thread shank are identical. That applies except for the fact that annular thread shanks have externally beveled rings. That helps these nails stick into wood or sheetrock. If you’re short on ring-shank nails, you can use these for fencing.
Nail Coatings
Bright Finish
Bright fasteners won’t usually have any anti-corrosion coating. As a result, they are prone to corrosion when in contact with humidity or water. So, we don’t recommend using them for exterior uses like fencing. They will, however, have a place in the list of best nails for trim.
Hot Dipped Galvanized (HDG)
For protecting the steel from corrosion, Hot Dipped Galvanized fasteners have Zinc layer coating. These fasteners can withhold corrosion for years, although the coating might wear over time. So, you can use these for fencing without giving a second thought.
Electro Galvanized (EG)
Electro Galvanized fasteners are better for roofing jobs. They consist of a thin layer of Zinc for corrosion prevention. However, they are not as corrosion-resistant as Hot Dipped Galvanized ones. So, it’s better not to use them in areas with salty water or excessive rainfall.
Collated Nails
For nail guns, fasteners usually have a strip or coil that holds them together. The strip or coil can be of plastic, paper tape, or wire.
Paper Tape Collation
30 through 34-degree framing nails usually feature paper tape collation. It is a paper strip with glue to hold them together. This type of collation offers a cleaner job site, though they are not ideal for working under moist conditions.
Plastic Strip Collation
Plastic strip collation generally applies to 20 through 22-degree framing nails and 15-degree coil nails. The plastic holds the nails only to break apart while firing with a nail gun. Such collation will offer you a cheaper deal in exchange for a messy workplace.
Wire Weld Collation
You can find it in 28-degree framing nails and 15-degree coil nails. Wire collation is not as susceptible to water or moisture as paper tape or plastic strips. However, you might have to clean pieces of wire from the site after working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should I nail or screw fence boards?
Installing nails is a lot faster as compared to screws. It means nails can reduce the amount of labor needed or perhaps the cost of a builder. However, screws will secure the fence boards better and allow easy rework.
2. Which nails to use for feather edge fencing?
Go for 50mm galvanized nails and use each nail per pale per rail. We don’t recommend using two or more together.
Final Words
So, we reviewed the best nails for fencing thoroughly for you. If you live near the coast or encounter heavy rainfall, we recommend skipping the B&C Eagle bright fasteners. Instead, pick Metabo HPT Siding Nails for they provide better corrosion prevention. Or take Grip-Rite MAXC62875 if you’re on a tight budget.
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