Nails Vs. Screws: Which One Should You Use For Your Project?

Nails and screws are a mainstay in many construction projects. You would be hard-pressed to tackle any home improvement task that doesn’t call for one or the other. But how do you know when to use nails or screws for your project?

Screws are ideal for projects that require more holding power and strength, like installing cabinets or shelving. Nails work well when you need a more discreet look. Builders working on larger projects requiring a high number of fasteners (installing a roof) also prefer nails because of their cheaper price point. Nails also provide more shear strength.

If you’re not sure whether to grab the nails or screws for your next DIY home project, it’s best to know the benefits of each. After considering a few key points, you can make a more informed decision on which fastener is the best for your particular project.

Based on their appearance, you can already tell the difference between a nail and a screw. A screw has threads and various heads, like flat, Philips, star, torx, and hex.

Plus, they can be oval, rounded, indented, hexagonal, truss, and other shapes. Screws also come in many different materials, including brass, titanium, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.

Of course, nails come in various sizes and types as well, and some even have threads. But a nail typically has a flat, smooth head atop a thin spike. You can also find nails in a variety of materials, but the most common nails consist of steel or iron.

However, beyond their appearance, what’s the main difference between nails and screws? They’re both fasteners, but that doesn’t mean you can use them interchangeably.

Screws have extremely good holding power, especially in applications where they will need to bear a lot of weight. (Think of things like installing kitchen cabinets, shelving, sub-floors, etc.).

However, nails are cheaper, and ideal for projects when you need to move fast and use a lot of fasteners (think framing, roof installations). Nails are also great when you need the fastener to essentially disappear (trim and finishing work).

When doing finishing work, such as installing trim, molding, and baseboards, nails are a better pick. They’re easy and fast to install and also won’t show as much as screws would.

Nails are also ideal for finishing carpentry and any other projects requiring a subtler, less visible fastener. They also won’t split wood as likely as screws. However, if the job you’re working on requires more strength or holding power, use trim screws. These types of screws have a smaller head than regular screws.

Nails are most often the fasteners of choice for framing projects and other large jobs since you can install them super fast with nail guns. Also, the lower price offers lots of appeal, especially with the higher costs of construction. It’s nice to save money wherever you can, as long as you’re not compromising on quality or safety.

There are pneu­mat­ic drivers that work with screws. These tools can make things easier if you decide to use screws or a combination of nails and screws in your project.

Consider how much pressure and what kind of pressure will be on your fasteners. If the project needs to bear a lot of weight but won’t move side to side (think shelving), screws provide excellent strength. As weight bears down on the shelf, a screw will provide more tensile strength.

This tensile strength comes from the threads helping the screw hold firm. In contrast, as the same weight bears down on a nail, the nail will eventually loosen and pull out of the structure.

But nails offer more shear strength. Therefore, if the project involves materials that will move side to side, nails provide more durability. (For example, your house reacting to heavy winds.) The actual nail is stronger, and when pieces of wood slide against each other, the nails may bend but won’t break.

For most home improvement projects, you’ll likely find you need screws and nails. But answering a few questions can help you decide which fastener to use and when. The most significant consideration is to understand the type of pressure on the fastener. If it’s something that needs to bear a lot of weight, screws provide better holding power.

Alternatively, nails offer more shear strength, are faster to install, and cheaper than screws. Therefore, they’re a top pick for large-scale construction projects. Nails also work well when you want your fasteners less visible.

Think about your materials, tools, and the scope of your project when choosing your fasteners. If you’re still uncertain whether to use nails or screws, consult a professional about your project.

Purchasing high-quality fasteners from a reputable home improvement store is a great first step, since knowledgeable staff can help answer your questions about your specific project.