NAILS vs SCREWS - Which Is BEST For Fence Building?

[@memphisbscc6660]

30 years ago I bought a new house and built my own fence...and I'm not a pro, just a normal DIYer. I attached the treated pine stringers to the post with deck screws, and the cedar fence board to those with deck screws as well. I never had to touch the fence again for the 13 years I lived there, even after a wind storm with 100 MPH winds. That fence is still standing today and is solid. I did the same thing at my current house when I bought it 17 years ago and that fence hasn't needed any maintenance. One side of my property is bordered by a fence the neighbor had installed before I moved in. A local fence company installed it using nails. Every spring I walk the fence to repair nails that have backed out - presumably from vibration from the wind. I pull them and replace them with screws and that solves the problem. I really haven't paid attention to the type of nails that contractor used, so it's quite likely they didn't use ring shank nails. I'm not saying the proper nails aren't an excellent option, just sharing my experience. For a contractor, of course, the cost difference of screws vs nails (both materials and labor) would be a significant difference.

[@ShyRage1]

For me, screws are a must. The two fences on each side of my home were built with nails while the one in back with screws. The one in back is the only one holding it's own

[@dustina6261]

100% agree. Personal experience for me says same as it does for you, the screws hold doesn’t weaken as the board does. It’s really not a discussion of fastener tho, it’s more what the material outside in the elements is doing in relation to the fastener. Nails are stronger than screws for shear in every way, hence why used in home building, but actual bite in a board that is constantly deteriorating nails won’t perform well. Also I notice the boards that are nailed tend to warp a lot more

[@Lumberjack970]

@@dustina6261 Hopefully you'll see this since its such an ld comment. Do you pre drill holes in your planks before screwing them into the cross members

[@dustina6261]

@@Lumberjack970 no, just drive it. Every fence I've used screws on has had minimal to no warping and movement and looks how I left it years ago. Also I've been shortening the reveals at the top and bottom of Pickett to like 8in from rail that way the board is better supported and tops won't warp in and out as easily. The pre made panels I bought from depot 8 years ago were all nailed and every section has had boards come loose and basically fall off their nail and the tops have all warped back and forth

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

I totally disagree. Having demoed fences and decks built with screws and nails theres no comparison. Screws hold better period. Even inconsistently installed. Now the structural difference lies in sheer strength. Nails resist shearing better than screws because they’re softer on average than screws. Here’s another advantage to screws though. A branch falls on your fence and it damages some pickets and maybe a stringer. With nails good luck taking it apart to fix just the damaged portion. With quality screws it’s much easier to facilitate repairs. Another thing he forgot to mention is ballistic screws. Yep, you can fire a coil of screws into your fence pickets or decking. When you need to replace a board or two unscrew them. My guess is as a professional fence builder nails are faster and much less expensive than either ballistic screws or boxes of screws. But better? If that’s the truth why isn’t furniture all made with nails today? It obviously isn’t.

[@bluesdoggg]

In my experience, If you are a non-pro using premade panels from your local home improvement store, then maybe screws are the way to go because Its only a hand full of screws per panel and you WILL need to replace a panel sooner or later, and its so much easier.

[@physics4290]

I had 400 linear feet of 6-foot stockade fence replaced in 2005. The nails started coming out about 10 years later, and I could not hammer them back in, because the holes no longer aligned. The wood was untreated, and the rails basically dissolved in many areas. I am replacing the rails and pickets myself in two weeks, and I am a 68-year-old woman. I bought 830 pressure-treated 1x6x72 pickets and 157 pressure-treated 2x4x96 rails. I am using coated deck screws, 3 inches to attach the rails (which are really only 1.5 inches thick) and 2 inches to attach the pickets from the opposite side, so I don't have to stand in my neighbors' yards to attach all the pickets. They get the good side of the fence, and I have to attach the rails from their side, but that is just a few screws. I want to be able to tighten the pickets from my side as needed. I may add some crown bolts through the posts from my side to add strength to the rails. I will NEVER get a fence that is not pressure treated again. It is a huge waste of money. They expect the homeowner to spray both sides of an untreated product every year. Who can do that!

[@kendalgee5808]

Perhaps i should use screws. Even if i use a self tapping deck screw, I have a feeling i should pre drill a hole to avoid cracking/splitting the wood.

[@heathmurphy3766]

Screws all day every day over nails. I’ve repaired fence after fence where nails are backing out or sections are pulling out. I’m in the southeast and mostly treated pine is used, so that could be the difference. My humble opinion. Great content though!

[@comancheclub3449]

While i dont doubt the quality of your workmanship, i must confess that i use and will continue to use screws on mine as well as my clients projects. SS or quality exterior grade epoxy coated. The reasoning you gave for using nails over screws is kinda lame. Inconsistent torque? Come on man, really? Sure the heads might not exactly be the same depth screw to screw, but unless the operator is a bafoon or the client is literally looking over your shoulder it shouldn't be that hard. The big benefit in using nails is speed. (And they're alot cheaper) A good compressor and a competent worker can burn through an absolute sh*t ton of nails. Yes, they make automatic screw guns, but they are still not nearly as fast as a pneumatic nailer or even 90% of battery nailers for that matter. Truth be told, a quality hot dip galvanized, glue coated, ring shank nail is more than adequate for 99% of folks. BUT a lot of todays wood, at least whats around me (pine),is pretty darn soft. Even a nail as described above will pull out relatively easily if the wood is soft enough, which PT (pressure treated) often is, especially if its wet. Screws: Extreme resistance to pull out More expensive More time consuming to install Nails: Minimal to moderate pull out resistance depending on nail design Cheap(er) Much faster install if using pneumatic/battery nailer. Both are effective fasteners. Not trying to beat you up, just offering my 2c.

[@Jaydayallday]

Couldn’t agree with you any more. Hit it right on the head. Absolutely right. And also most drills out here now a days have settings that can be control to desired torque

[@truthserum969]

You hit the nail in the head (no pun intended)

[@muzaaaaak]

Exactly. Nails are how contractors book revenue. Screws hold better over their lifetime. Thanks for your detailed reply and perspective.

[@brianallen140]

Gotta agree here. If I'm doing my own fence it's screws, a fence for a customer it's screws. High end customer probably screws.

[@rolandthethompsongunner64]

No doubt inconsistent torque? We’re building fences not bridges. You really have to work hard to not put a screw in properly. Or just not put it in. Yes time consuming yes more expensive. But far far easier to repair and even a half planted 1 3/4 screw in a pine picket is going to hold it in place far far longer then a buried a 1/4 deep nail will. If someone doesn’t believe me try ripping a nailed board off a fence after a couple months vs a screw. Video next time.

[@stevo378]

I am replacing 50ft of a 7ft fence used for the perimeter of the neighborhood. I decided to stay with current configuration of 4x4 posts and 1x6 laterals. My problem is that the total stack of the picket and 1x6 is much less than the 2 inch ring shank nails and they will protrude. 2 inch is the smallest ring shank that I've been able to find for a 21 degree nail gun.

[@Nai123100]

Nails are for less work but screw is a little more work to it but it will last a long time. Also it’s easier to take the screws out than nail when replacing some damage panels.

[@louisstone4778]

set your drill to the right number setting You can get exactly how far you want to screw Inside the wood If someone is really that worried about it

[@brandonlewis2916]

I typically use some of both. I like to use engineered screws for the gates and rails then I use ring shank nails for the planks.

[@JerGoes]

Arguing that nails are more consistent than screws based on the torque applied to drive the screws? this seems a bit nonsensical to me, we are talking about wood a natural building material that by it's very nature is inconsistent along any given length. Personally I feel the benefits for using nails is time and expense and they are 'good enough' but to argue they are better than screws? that's a stretch. Fence board fasteners (screw or nail) require primarily good tensile strength which screws excel at, Nails have far better shear strength but that's rarely needed in a fence.

[@gpzjeffrey7974]

Pet peeve of mine is hot dipped galvanized ring shanked nails in cedar fence. Sure it's a good nail and won't typically pull out...and I get a lot of wind in my area. My problem with the galvanized nails is that the zinc reacts to the oil in the cedar and corrodes and leaves a black staining streak down the cedar picket from EVERY... SINGLE ....NAIL.... HEAD.... I absolutley hate that. No stain is going to prevent that, the reaction is between the wood and the zinc. The solution is a bit more costly: stainless steel ring shank nails. Screws will of course work for the pickets, but I wouldn't trust them for the rails at all, they aren't load rated for framing and wind loads. The problem is you're going to be there all day and night driving screws in those pickets while I bang out nails with my gun and get the job done much, much faster.

[@demeaningplebny1363]

For cedar you're supposed to use stainless steel. Yes, they are more expensive. So is cedar.

[@noahdevine915]

Totally agree stainless steel ring shanked nails or double hot dipped galvanized

[@plumbsquared4450]

Stainless or aluminum. I use aluminum ring shank nails on all cedar fences and galvanized on treated pine. The black streaks will still occur on the pine as well the only difference is it is a lower quality material so most homeowners are not as concerned with it. The higher end fences are usually cedar and most times the homeowners are more picky. Also double coated deck screws in cedar will also leave the black streak.

[@tonyg7350]

My Milwaukee impact is adjustable via app. I input the length of the screw and what I'm drilling into. I understand what you're saying though, most do not own a adjustable impact driver.

[@tonyg7350]

@@JoeEverest Its the one key series. But yea, for example if I got a 2" screw, at about 1 3/4 " it'll start to "bottom out" until your flush and then it won't torque no more. Came in handy when installing Vinyl impact windows.

[@Jaydayallday]

Tony G this is exactly what I was thinking.

[@TheRealDealMMA]

Ring shanks can still pull out I just watched a video on it but you can set your torque level on your drill so you make sure it's consistent.

[@travisedwards9983]

Um.. screws can be installed with the exact same torque. most drills/impacts etc have many torque settings. Screws are hands down better, but do take more time and are more costly. Question should be, as a contractor knocking out job after job are screws worth the increased costs in time, and materials. Building my own fence? Its screws, building 5 fences a week? Prob nails unless its high end stuff.

[@samh4333]

Yeah I was thinking just adjust the slip on the chuck?

[@The40Glock1]

Nails bend screws break

[@travisedwards9983]

@@The40Glock1 Not on a fence they don't, pickets weigh next to nothing.

[@crocodile2006]

@@travisedwards9983 Yes and no... my fence kept having the screws pop... but only on the pickets screwed to the metal sliding gate part. Worked out what was happening was when raining the pickets would swell and had enough force to snap the screws. Ended up painting the fence, thereby sealing it from the water and the problem went away. But I would still definately use screws on a new fence, because nails will at some point pull them selves loose.

[@ShyRage1]

If I hire someone, they're going to be using screws

[@heroknaderi]

I always use screws since they have the best holding power. I enjoyed the video. And for another video how do you attach fences to masonry

[@JoeEverest]

Thanks Kevin, we'll add your suggestion to the content ideas list!

[@amanpreetchhina10]

Hi Joe, do u have any recommendations on tools. i am tossing between DEWAULT/ MILWAUKEE and MAKITA to start up a fencing business.Also could you please make a video on what tools are required for this business OR send me a link if u have made one already.i m in Australia. thanks

[@bencamp18]

Goodness, are differently sinking screws that big of an issue? I'm installing my fence and I'm glad to use 1 5/8"s screws the whole way around my 2 acre back yard to attach the pickets. Wood degrades, friction happens, and nails inevitably fail to bite into the softened and shrunken wood around them. I got tired of putting pickets back up and I lost a dog because he snuck out of a fallen panel. No thanks to nails.

[@josharnold4638]

So, I have a construction background, and I know about a number of types of nails, but proper lengths of nails for certain types of jobs I don’t remember. With standard width fence boards, what length nail should be used to nail up fence boards? I know about ribbed shank, Rib shanked galvanized nails, smooth shank ribbed nails etc, but I don’t remember proper lengths for certain types of job materials. That being said, what length nails are appropriate for standard fence boards?

[@naiboz]

I use decking screws here in the UK, a lot more robust 👍🏻

[@myronp243]

2 inch galvanized ardox nails what I have used for years.They never come loose, never never rust and are cheaper to use.Just takes a bit more time

[@jrholmesjr]

Wish you'd thought to tell us what kind of nailer you use.

[@lexelias3452]

what gauge of nailer gun do i need based off your recommended ring shanks?

[@dsuresh7849]

Hello sir, installing fence with pine panels is good or with pine pickets is good? I am in Texas with lots of wind storms and hail storms in my area. I am confused to take correct decision. All i want is to have my fence last longer years so that i wont get financial soar. Your advise is a lot for me. Thank you in advance

[@Bacrenfencing]

I always offer the customer a choice, screws are generally better than ring shank nails but there is a cost to that. Boards with ring shanks can be prised off pretty easily with a bar, but a board fitted with screws is a whole different ballgame - they will not budge ! Gives me an idea for a video 😀😎

[@Bacrenfencing]

@@JoeEverest I might just do that Joe !

[@thornautrey1123]

Screws>nails for fences. Nails>screws for framing (things that might need to move/bend/settle) it just takes longer with screws but the pickets never fall off!

[@Tommy-uc1pu]

Hey joe what’s your fav brand coil nailer ? And have they made a good battery operated coil nailer’s yet ? I seen they have them for roofers , they seem a little heavy . But I’m sure with batteries getting better we will have something soon . That would just be a game changer not needing all the hoses and the compressors . Thank you Joe ! I am new to KZbin but I have been fencing for 30 years and my family’s been doing it for 75 years .

[@elbandito5411]

Screws keep things fastened as long no pressure is put on it laterally. So if you pull on it, it will be hard to come out. Nails slip out after wood expands and can be pulled out. For a fence, I'll go with screws.

[@JoeEverest]

Thanks for weighing in!

[@carabs3823]

Good vid but this does not really help me as a home owner without a nailgun. I CAN set my drill to a specific torque setting, but I can not hit a nail in at a constant pressure. And my current fence was built some time ago with nails. And now almost all the panels have fallen out at some point. Looking to just sure things up and am having trouble knowing what to buy here. I do appreciate your vid.

[@joegarza367]

What nail gun do you prefer for wood fence application?

[@iyeska8948]

Was just debating my business partner about this, thanks, proved me right

[@JoeEverest]

Always happy to help, thanks is for watching!

[@Ziggy405]

The ring shank nail make it a pain to tear down or repair a fence. Screws come right out with my impact. Screws can even be reused most of the time. But to each their own.

[@JoeEverest]

Great point, I appreciate you weighing in!

[@gvanys]

Hi Joe, I have situation contractor used wrong nails. The nails are coated and it got rusty already what can I do with the nails is it too late?

[@rfarevalo]

Shear strength of the typical nail versus screw is superior too. The flexibly of a nail that can bend and still bind wood together after ten years of loading, weathering, ground subsidence, wood twisting, thermal expansion, ice, and winds is very good. Screws are typically more brittle than nails. Screws also hold wood together with greater tensile strength and they are known to snap (torque issue joe mentions). Nails snapping on a fence is an extreme rarity. Cheap economic nails have successfully been holding together roof trusses and framed walls for over a century and in most climates. A fence is no problem (as shown by the fences we have been building for over a century too). Fences fails due to rotting of the wood posts (rot happens with both nails & screws). The fastener application of the nails is not the failure point. If you disagree with my comments and want to waste resources on screws go ahead. Feel free to also make a garden arbor out of steel I-beams and manufacturer disposable soda cans out of titanium too.

[@exiledknight3961]

except screws bind significantly better the nails, which is what you are doing with a fence. Nails also become looser with time and you get floppy boards.

[@kylepeavy]

Then folks should say use nails because the wood will rot before the nails fail. But that's saying that nails are "good enough" so say that instead of saying they are better.

[@clearmist1]

Framing with walls and trusts have a lot of compression forces while fencing has a lot of tension from boards trying to bend due to the sun. I had 40% of my fence bend off the boards they were nailed to. Meanwhile, my neighbor's fence that was screwed in is still holding like no big deal.

[@ChattanoogaDan]

What size nail? Would a 15 gauge finish nail have enough holding power or would you use something along the lines of a framing nailer? During this coronavirus quarantine, I am doing a bunch of things around the house and I have a 6 ft tall Cypress privacy fence that needs some boards replaced and I also need to repair one of the gates. I have a few nailers but the biggest thing I have is a finish nailer. I also have a narrow crown stapler which I've heard can be used effectively as well. In the past I just used screws for the four or five boards I replaced but now I'm going to replace about 25.

[@ChattanoogaDan]

@@JoeEverest thank you, this is the exact answer I was looking for.

[@dduran8807]

Do you have a link of the nails you would get?

[@samh4333]

I was looking for what kind of screw and I got this video. I have a impact and a drill motor that I can set the slip on the chuck. Got to wonder why someone builds fence for a living in the first place...

[@justinsh2129]

What type of nailer/degree do you recommend

[@jeffreywhite7657]

I use screws on the 2x4 runners and ring shank nails on the pickets.

[@gpzjeffrey7974]

Screws are not load rated for framing and wind loads. You really want nails in the rails.

[@caezarlapuc8627]

​@@gpzjeffrey7974good point, even 3 years after

[@jodywhitehead9173]

I saw you reviewing a KZbin video of a young man who was building a 350 ft fence. You generally approved of his technique as regarded strength of construction. What caught my notice was his use of an 18 Guage nailer. In your opinion would 18 Guage ring shank nails hold well on cedar boards. I do a lot of mouldings and my compressor is inadequate for a heavier nail gun and I'm planning a shadow box style fence with cedar posts and treated 2x4 rails and cedar 1x6 boards.

[@leeknivek]

18ga pin nails are too small, you need 2" ring shank nails.

[@drinc21]

I'm getting ready to install a classic picket fence and I wondering is a 16 gage nail is good enough for that or should I use a larger size

[@JoeEverest]

We use 1 1/4” x .090, hope that helps!

[@gvanys]

Do you use nails for the pickets and 2x4's to the post?

[@deweykirkpatrick7353]

@@JoeEverest What diameter hole to you use for the PostMaster? 8 inches? And do you drill pilot holes to keep the end of the rails from splitting with the PostMaster?

[@josharnold4638]

Consistent sink depth is critical. When a mail isn’t sunk into wood, and it sticks up above the material, it’s called a, “Shiner”. Just saying.

[@Wavezone304]

What size ring shanked nail for nail gun going through 1x6 into 2x4? Thanks

[@JoeEverest]

We use 1-7/8”

[@Wavezone304]

@@JoeEverest Can I get away with 2 inch? or is my fence going to look like hell raiser!

[@bmanh2355]

Hey Joe, for securing fence slats, please tell me what type/length of nail and most importantly what gun to shoot them. Not necessarily interested in gun Brand, as I may purchase from Harbor freight. Thx

[@bmanh2355]

Joe Everest would that be considered a coil siding nailer?

[@justinhodnett9093]

@@JoeEverest Thank you for the information. Great help! Clicking the subscribe button now.

[@plumbsquared4450]

Most coil nailers for pickets are called flush nailers or siding nailers. There are usually two different types 0 degree and 15 degree. The 0 degree nailers are eiser to get aluminum nails for, at least where I am. Aluminum or stainless steel nails on cedar to avoid black streaks.

[@alvinsernholt5877]

What’s your thoughts about shooting screws through a framing nailer?

[@alvinsernholt5877]

@@JoeEverest there’s actually a video here on KZbin titled “shooting screws through a framing nailer“. Please check it out. Perhaps some good research for your next video after you have tested them yourself. I look forward to your next video.

[@commentsonthetube14]

Can't you just set the chuck on your drill so that screws are a consistent depth? Isn't that sort of the point of the chuck? I guess then you have to drill instead of impact, which sucks. But still.

[@YippeeKyyay]

What size ring shank nail do you recommend for pickets?

[@JoeEverest]

We use a 2” for finish nailing.

[@YippeeKyyay]

@@JoeEverestthank you

[@jimquantic]

Thank you, any thoughts on nail types that will not streak?

[@rudolphhessian4183]

Hot dipped Galvanized

[@Craig-xr1bw]

Joe is it true that nails also have a grater sheer strength against braking in high winds ?

[@Craig-xr1bw]

@@JoeEverest each to there own I suppose here in Scotland some building regulations state nails must be used instead on screws,

[@rking9604]

Thank you. This was an informative video. Now on to search for a nail gun.

[@jtouneh]

I plan to do a horizontal fence 6 ft tall and 20 ft long. Fence picket is redwood cedar size is 5/8 in, 5.5 in, 8 ft long. Post is 4 in X 4in x 8 ft treated wood. Post spacing is every 4 feet. I plan to use Grip Rite box nail hot galvanize size 6D x 2 in. I plan to stain the fence with dark color oil base stain. Is this type of nails and size good for my fence? Will the nails cause black streaks or bleeding?

[@perezjulio9302]

What size of screws should I use for the pickets?

[@collieer]

I read 1” 1/4 or 1” 3/4. Still figuring it out myself I bought 3” for the 2x4 but there too long for the pickets

[@ume1870]

2in

[@briandaines5228]

What size nails?

[@biglo9889]

i have a couple questions. can a battery charged nail gun shoot a ring shank nail? and also if it can could it shoot hard enough?

[@nsatoday]

Yes, they can to both questions. Just read up on the one you want. Many manufacturers offer different size batteries so you can get a varying amount of nails per battery. Usually, if you got say two 3AH batteries, you can have a light weight package and just swap batteries when you run out.

[@george5697]

What is the standard or recommended PSI on an air compressor when working with pine?

[@PaulGappyNorris]

Screws, all day every day. Takes a bit longer but much more secure over time, and you can remove them much easier.

[@The40Glock1]

Id probably build my own with one but not for work unless requested and I'd charge more 😅 its too time consuming

[@jonienglish3231]

How about Narrow Crown Staples Stainless Steel ???????????

[@briansmith5539]

What if someone uses a drywall style drill so that every screw is sunk the same? I helped build a deck and that guys method seemed to work pretty well.

[@demeaningplebny1363]

Nah, "torque" is a silly argument to use to try to justify saving a dime in time and money with nails. Galv'd ring shank nails are fine, though. If holding power is a concern, screws will be batter--say if strong winds are an issue.

[@Iamtravismiles]

Nails 1 day job screws 2 day at least and more workers as a contractor nails as a home owner screws

[@tonka5]

Ring shank nails. Cool. How long? And Can I use a hammer?

[@rafaelcotto1109]

@@JoeEverest what ga for the nail? Thanks

[@boashna]

-nice nice -what about 2 x 4 treated or not

[@BigHomie030]

I prefer screws if it’s my own fence.

[@josecantu4286]

Is always better to let the wood dry before nail or screw.

[@chrisdascalos7701]

On an old fence, the screws crack and destroy the wood as they are drilled in. The nails enter with less destruction. On new wood I'd use screws.

[@pasz6768]

Ring shank is the way to go :) great content love following you.

[@LOCOSCLAN718]

Screws is the way to go

[@marcocalderon1995]

What did you use to support the backer rails to the poles?

[@12noonclock]

What about Crown-Staples?

[@JoeEverest]

I’d still worry about their ability to hold long-term

[@12noonclock]

@@JoeEverest thanks for the quick response

[@JoeEverest]

@@12noonclock very welcome!

[@iDYPilms]

Nails! They didn’t use screws to mount for cruxifixction

[@clearmist1]

I had to redo my whole fence because all the boards warped and bent off the spot they were nailed.

[@JoeEverest]

Woah!

[@johnQTNZ]

Same! And that's why I'm watching this video 😊

[@chezprior4913]

Hilti cordless collated screw gun w/ galvanized then powder-coated screws.

[@chezprior4913]

According to Bob Vila, screws are stronger than nails. No one questions Vila.

[@markwa9310]

Better yet, give your customers the choice and make everyone happy

[@Pepe-dq2ib]

I use nails and by time they dont hold anymore (15 years or so) its time to replace anyway.

[@JoeEverest]

Agreed!

[@ebglock]

Screws. Period. Cedar does not last and screws will allow replacement. Nails = lazy installer

[@markmillers4491]

I use a hammer and galvanized 6d

[@ibringthelastwords1358]

1:14 that dog is cute 😊

[@JoeEverest]

He’s a good boy!

[@RA-do6et]

Totally disagree that nails are better. Nails come off of the boards and totally split them rendering them not repairable. Screws may come off, but they won't split the boards. I think that fence builders use nails because it is just quick and easy to just keep punching nails 1 a second, whereas screws will take 10-20 seconds each. Screws are way simpler and long-term less expensive for a DIYer.

[@hgsmasterclass3452]

Apples to Oranges

[@albertcho4540]

Do one in staples

[@mykey06]

Hi Joe... do you use galvanized or stainless?

[@mykey06]

@@JoeEverest any disadvantage of using stainless besides higher cost?

[@Luckingsworth]

@@mykey06 Stainless steel is less strong than regular steel side by side. The reason many argue for stainless, is that over time the galvanization will eventually corrode and fail, and the stainless while weaker than pure steel, is stronger than rusty compromised steel. So weighing the benefits is up to you and how long you expect the fence to last with minimal maintenance. No point worrying about stainless if its a cheap 5 year fence 😁

[@jeffbarron5500]

screws( use of a clutch) can be removed without wood damage, nails can't

[@psychosious]

Screws for me

[@joeharris3878]

The assumption is you have a automatic nail driver . I only have a hammer .

[@finallyfriday.]

The project parts should all have the same lifespan. Foolish to build a 20 year fence with 50 year fasteners. Just vanity, I suppose. Personally I nail and I counter the angle of each pair to cancel pull-out. Fast, consistent, durable, clean finish. And affordable- an asset that actually means something good to the client, not "Theses screws are used by NASA!"

[@JoeEverest]

Great points!

[@jayb.8460]

Well i have a drill already.... so i think im just gonna buy screws so i dont have to go out and also buy an air compressor and a nail gun😅 im already doing the labor myself to save money so why not keep saving.😉

[@JoeEverest]

Fair point! Thanks for watching!

[@finallyfriday.]

I hunt deer with a bazooka cuz I get more bang for my buck. Likewise I use screws cuz I can emotionally justify the overkill.

[@JoeEverest]

😂😂😂

[@pacomier5540]

I’m sorry to say this , but there’s no comparison, screws will always last longer than any type of nails, come on man, it does take longer , but you know and I know the difference.

[@pacomier5540]

@@JoeEverest your the pro... Mr. Joe, I’ve only been doing this for 7 years... and on wooden fences I’ve only used screws, and never had a complaint. Only with pine treated pickets. But thank you for your responding and I will take it in consideration for the future! Thank you Sr.!

[@Renrondog]

I've never stubbed my toe on a fence nail

[@GlennJ11]

Come on,, you can set your drill with a depth chuck. If you are going to use nails use ring shank otherwise in a few years you will have nails sticking out everywhere. The reason companies use nails? FASTER

[@PM13R]

Nails are cheaper and faster. Time is money. It's a business decision.

[@jadamlsu]

Yea screws 100%

[@TsunamiDragonEX]

I want to trust you, but are you sure, man?

[@mark222b]

Welp, I see. Using nails means faster install, less labor.

[@JoeEverest]

Certainly one of the main benefits.

[@outdoorluxuries2887]

The wood will rott before nails fail. Screws are just unnecessary

[@JoeEverest]

Agreed!

[@jordanjennette]

The answer is screws… This guy is worried torque on a fence.

[@JoeEverest]

We replace several fences a year that have been installed with screws, heads popped off. Only thing we can come up with is over torquing? Certainly open to suggestions, but we’re not seeing mail heads pop off.

[@kiwolskidatruth2650]

nails are just faster

[@JoeEverest]

💯

[@cybernessful]

Nails are cheaper. That's it. Everything else about them is worse.

[@JoeEverest]

Appreciate you sharing your opinion!