Complete reference for nail penny sizes, finish nail gauges, and screw types. Find the right fastener for framing, trim, decking, drywall, and structural connections.
Common nails shown. Sinker nails (vinyl-coated) are the same penny designation but slightly thinner — preferred for pneumatic nailers.
| Penny | Length | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4d | 1½" | Lathing, light trim, small repairs |
| 6d | 2" | Siding, light sheathing, toenailing small stock |
| 8d | 2½" | Sheathing, toenailing studs, joist hangers |
| 10d | 3" | Doubling plates, headers, general framing |
| 12d | 3¼" | Heavy framing, headers, beam connections |
| 16d | 3½" | Wall framing, studs to plates — the standard framing nail |
| 20d | 4" | LVL beams, large headers, ledger boards |
| 30d | 4½" | Large timbers, posts, structural beams |
| 40d | 5" | Heavy structural timber connections |
| 60d | 6" | Joining large timbers, spike applications |
16d row highlighted — the standard framing nail for wall studs and plates.
Finish nails have a small brad head that can be set below the surface and filled. Used for all interior trim and millwork.
| Size | Length | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 2d | 1" | Thin molding, small trim, craft work |
| 4d | 1½" | Base shoe, door stop, thin casing |
| 6d | 2" | Door and window casing, chair rail |
| 8d | 2½" | Baseboard, door and window trim, crown molding |
| 10d | 3" | Heavy baseboard, stair treads, thick casing |
| 16d | 3½" | Heavy interior trim, thick window casing |
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Drywall screw | Drywall to wood studs or metal framing. Not for structural use. |
| Coarse-thread wood screw | General wood-to-wood fastening, furniture, cabinetry |
| Deck screw (coated) | Pressure-treated decking, exterior wood. Corrosion-resistant coating. |
| Deck screw (stainless) | Coastal or high-moisture deck applications. Won't stain hardwood. |
| Structural screw (LedgerLOK, etc.) | Ledger boards, beam connections, post-to-beam. Replaces bolts in many applications. |
| Cabinet screw | Mounting cabinets to wall studs. Washer head spreads load. |
| Sheet metal screw | Metal-to-metal, HVAC ductwork, metal framing |
| Concrete screw (Tapcon) | Anchoring wood, metal, or fixtures to concrete and masonry |
Common IRC nail schedule requirements for residential wood framing. Verify with your local building code.
| Application | Nail |
|---|---|
| Stud to top/bottom plate (face nail) | 16d common or sinker |
| Stud to plate (toenail) | 8d (3 nails per stud) |
| Double top plate | 16d @ 16" OC |
| Header to stud (face nail) | 16d (3 per stud) |
| Jack stud to king stud | 10d @ 12" OC |
| Rim joist to sill plate | 16d @ 6" OC |
| Joist to sill/beam (toenail) | 8d (3 nails) |
| Blocking between joists | 10d (2 per end) |
| Ledger to house rim (structural) | LedgerLOK ½" bolt or 3/8" lag |
| Sheathing to stud (OSB/plywood) | 8d @ 6" edges / 12" field |
Nails for framing, screws for finish work. Nails are faster to install and handle shear loads (sideways forces) better than screws of the same size. Screws have better withdrawal strength (resistance to pulling straight out) and are easier to remove if you need to disassemble work.
Corrosion matters outdoors. Use hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or code-approved coated fasteners anywhere the assembly will be exposed to weather, pressure-treated lumber, or moisture. Standard bright steel fasteners will rust within one season outdoors, staining wood and losing strength.
Never use drywall screws for structural work. Drywall screws are brittle and have no rated shear or withdrawal strength for structural connections. Use approved structural screws (Simpson Strong-Drive, LedgerLOK, etc.) when fastener strength matters.
The penny system (abbreviated "d") originated in medieval England and referred to the cost per 100 nails. Today it's simply a size designation. A 16d nail is 3½ inches long — the standard for framing studs. The "d" stands for denarius, the Roman coin the system is derived from.
16d (3½") sinker nails or 16d common nails for wall framing, top and bottom plates, and general structural connections. Use 8d (2½") nails for toenailing studs and 10d (3") nails for doubling up plates or headers.
Common nails have a flat head and thicker shank — they're the strongest option but harder to drive. Sinker nails (also called vinyl-coated nails) have a slightly thinner shank and a vinyl coating that acts as a lubricant, making them easier to drive and the most popular choice for framing nailers.
The general rule: the screw should penetrate the second piece of material by at least half the screw's total length. For fastening 2× lumber (1½" thick) to another board, a 3" screw gives 1½" of penetration — the minimum. Use 3½" for a stronger connection.
For 5/4 composite or 2× wood deck boards into 2× joists, use #10 × 2½" to 3" deck screws (coated or stainless steel). Stainless steel is required within 1,500 feet of saltwater. Never use drywall screws outdoors — they're not rated for shear loads and will corrode.
Drywall screws have a very sharp point, fine thread, and a bugle head designed to countersink into drywall without tearing the paper. They're brittle in shear — don't use them for structural connections, decking, or anywhere lateral force is applied. Wood screws have a coarser thread, better shear strength, and are designed for wood-to-wood connections.