Nails vs. Screws: Which Should I Use?

[@wollins2]

There's a big difference between "knowing" and knowing how to teach. You my friend ... know ... AND more importantly (for us) know how to teach!

[@seejanedrill]

thank you so much!

[@Setapartroad]

I fully agree, you have a fantastic delivery with your teaching and you pull us in with it.

[@millionhp]

I'm a self proclaimed know-it-all who regularly uses both nails and screws in my business. I love your videos! Once again, you've taught me how much I don't know. Being a fellow Seattlite, I hope to bump into you sometime so I can sing my praises in person. Thanks again!

[@Dudecifer]

Stephen Bolanos I own a construction business and always find Leah teaching me some of the basics I should know! These basics sometimes no one teaches us along the way until we seejanedrill!

[@philliptoone]

I love your ability to teach the basics without being demeaning. I like how you introduced the viewer to the concepts of shear and tensile strength. I think you should have also included ductile and brittle. Nails are ductile. They bend without breaking. Screws are brittle. They break when deformed. Also nails are tough because they are ductile.

[@Tampon1989]

auuuuuuuuuuu!

[@jason4547]

Ahhhh look at Phillip trying to appear relevant... lol

[@origami_canoe1952]

That's... That's exactly what she explained...

[@humilulo]

thanks for adding that very useful info, Phillip!

[@jw.escape6975]

🤔 she did talk about ductile and brittle, also with a demonstration.

[@albertogarza8300]

Listening to you Leah, is like listening to my high school woodworking teacher. Great videos,very informative and to the point.....

[@CrankyPantss]

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks again, Leah.

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Linda!

[@mattg6262]

Leah your videos are not just informative I find your presentation and voice very soothing to listen to as well. Keep talking, teaching, and doing good work!

[@mikethetuner]

Leah: you have that wonderful gift of teaching the basics, for which there is no substitute. The topics may seem trivial to some, but you have that knack of not only explaining the methods but sharing the reasons behind them. I respect your work and truly enjoy your videos!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

You're a good explainer. And you have to be one of the most approachable for newbies to watch. So many want to leap to using technical jargon that assumes the viewer already knows a lot.

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks Duke

[@CreativeLivingLifestyles]

Thank you so much for this video. I've watched some other videos of yours about sheet-rock but it's been a while. As soon as I heard your voice I thought it was you. I'm glad I came across your channel again. You are an amazing teacher and share lots of knowledge. I share decor projects, crafts, and a little furniture diys on my channel. I get asked all the time, "why do I always use screws on my projects and could they use nails?" Some seem to think nails are stronger and they are in one way but for what I make tinsel/bond strength is key. I was looking up a video I could share to help further explain my preference and the strength of bonding two pieces of wood together. Obviously not for structures that would be subject to winds or weather so the need for bending is irrelevant. I'm talking about tables, small cabinets, and using something that would give a superior permanent bond. You went above and beyond. I sincerely thank you! You're super talented, intelligent and easy to understand. Your video is greatly appreciated. I'll be sharing your video in my video. Hats of to you and your greatness.

[@kulvirsingh4332]

Hello, are you a carpenter ?

[@nengunnie9371]

You've got the power to teach! Your explanations are not overwhelming! Big help to people who want to do diy constructions. Thank you!

[@samwimpy2600]

I have watched several of your instructional videos over the years. I must say that you do an excellent job of presenting information in an easy-to-follow way whether it be nail vs screw strength, adding texture to a rough interior wall to hide imperfections, etc...I have now subscribed to your channel!

[@Herr_Scheissemann]

I always think that anyone in wood construction who join woods together with a nail is a mediocre person until I watch this video. Turned out that I AM that mediocre person for not knowing when to use any of those nails or screws. Thank's Leah.

[@mc4kvb]

Great beak down of the difference in a nail and a screw and what they are best used for. You keep us straight Leah. Thanks so much!

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Becky!

[@bluekflo]

I've never done woodwork in my life, and your video gives me the confidence to start haha thank you!

[@ibringthelastwords1358]

I thought before that screw is superior overall until I watched this video. Its amazing and I learned a lot! Thanks 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jimmybryant1128]

I like using screws over nails because of the friction they cause when they are tightened in. The friction is a huge part in things not moving. Screws create a tighter and stronger bond because of the friction from the tight bond. I believe that the tighter the bond, the less the chance of movement. I think this is what Leah might be hinting at when she said something about "other factors". I've seen some structures that had linear movement because of the type of nails that were used and caused the structure to severely deform or outright fail and collapse. The wrong type of screw can and has caused the same effect. I remember back about 20 years ago when a crane crew was erecting a metal com tower and were hoisting it up when a puff of smoke appeared at the screw type u-brackets. The crew fell to their deaths along with the tower part. The puff of smoke came from the screw's threads being sheared off because the wrong type and size were used.

[@tom1tomek1]

I have seen many of your videos, But this one literally blew my mind. Your knowledge And experience Is probably greatest On KZbin. Tank you very much again and Merry Christmas.

[@tankmeltedargon8831]

Your video's keep getting better and better Leah, you have a fantastic teaching style. Thank you ☺

[@elained2448]

Great information Ms Leah! You have made it easy to understand why framers use nails, and commercial roofers use screws. And why I should probably use nails for the frame of a ramp for my shed and screws for the decking of the ramp.

[@seejanedrill]

yep, that's right, Elaine!!

[@rocketrider1405]

Essential viewing for everyone, thanks again Leah.

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Rocket Rider!

[@preppersagittariuswoman143]

This is a great video for beginners and I am a beginner. You make it sound so easy.

[@pualanic4023]

Thanks for the informative video! Always enjoy em! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge keep me coming! ❤️

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@kulvirsingh4332]

Are you a carpenter?

[@niji8310]

Very clear explanation! Thanks! :)

[@ya00007]

You're a great teacher. Please explain what tensile strength is. Many thanks for your tutorials.

[@balel1975]

Thanks for this...Soooo much knowledge and wisdom from this channel. Thanks again!

[@franl5585]

Good information, Leah. Thanks for simplifying the difference. Now it makes sense when to use a nail and when to use a screw. Cool!

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Fran!

[@norvillerodgersspeaks]

Amazing explanation of sheer strength vs tensile strength.

[@carolmenton8670]

I have always trusted screws-thinking the ridges add strength. Now I have never built anything from scratch. I have always been the assembler and admired one of my brother in law who was a carpenter. I love knowledge. These crazy tools were just that till I found your videos. At 70 I am not going to set up shop, but never say never for that must have project. Maybe I will borrow the tools. At least I am getting some understanding of what their names are and what they do. Thanks for another great video

[@seejanedrill]

Thank you so much, Carol, and thanks for watching!!

[@brennancumberbatch1571]

Good evening You my dear are a knowledge person..who also knows how to teach. Keep up the fantastic work, I continue to learn. God bless

[@leebarnhart9725]

In some earthquake zones building codes do not allow screws. Great video, you cover things others don't. Practice your hammering skills on that like button folks!

[@randomness4336]

Thank you very much for this educational video. Good explanation! You spoke in simple words without fancy jargons. Now I know the difference between nails and screws.

[@kjack8299]

I knew this info intuitively, but I couldn't have explained it this well. Thanx for solidifying the thought process!

[@kennethsilverwind7575]

You’re teaching discipline is amazing! Thank you for what you do !

[@howardbaxter2514]

I was always curious about when I should use screws versus nails. This video clears that up significantly for me.

[@bwghall1]

I used screws on the frames of fencing 10x4. the reason being the frames 2x2 timber so that I can take apart easy again and use timber for other products. and the tensile and strength did not matter to much. I knew about screws snapping and nails bending Leah but never put the two together to make any sense out of it, now thanks to you I have the full knowledge.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@humilulo]

thanks for showing nails vs. screws. i didn't know that. but the other two, a construction screw and a drive pin were just not explained like at all. i have no idea what they are for nor their advantages. all i know is their disadvantages. but now i kan just do an easy search to learn what they are for. ☺️ So no big deal that you didn't explain what they are for. 👍 Your videos are all rather useful, in my opinion, even if this one only raises questions about these two specialty cases. the explanation of screw vs. nail was as superb as every video that i've seen of yours!

[@youtubingal]

Another informative video Leah, thank you! It is a bit overwhelming when standing in the nail/screw aisle of a big box store trying to find and decide what to choose. I still have A LOT to learn but at least I have more knowledge than I did 5 minutes ago.

[@dmo848]

I Kno that feeling. Every time I go down that aisle. I smh

[@cbmech2563]

Same idea on a rock crusher screen. They use grade 3 or less bolts so that they will deform instead of snapping. Great video as usual Leah, thanks for the info.

[@FranciscoMartinez-of3gr]

Leah ,it only took me to watch one of your videos [actually 2 , this video and the one about the tool on how to cut tiles] to convince me that you have one of the best channels out there, I am subscribing to your channel right now, I am glad I found some one like you, keep up all the best explanation on your videos.

[@deeramos9416]

You are a true Craftsman. We have new home and how to find studs in the walls ? We have a few shelves to hang. Thanks for all your tips

[@mymidgetbae184]

You're a great teacher. Thanks for the demonstrations

[@paulappleton1529]

Thanks for the info Leah. I have never given the screw/nail usage much thought. I normally use the screw because of the ease of driving and extraction. Now you have me thinking.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@luisbernardez7627]

love this lady.the best teacher on the Internet.

[@seejanedrill]

very nice of you to say 🙂

[@RadioactiveOwl1]

Oh Leah.... Another great video and all you did was talk nails and screws. Thanks :)

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@marksinger4415]

Extremely knowledgeable and an EXCELLENT teacher. I’m glad I found your channel.

[@kathyb3619]

Another great video, Leah. I learn something each time!

[@apwilliams508]

Love these videos so many things I thought I’d “ have a go at “ and got horribly wrong ! Now I know how ! Thanks Leah

[@joelnagy8291]

You do have a great channel and you are very smart. I have learned quite a bit from you.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@drewuapicture]

This was an awesome video! Told me exactly what I wanted to know. Subscribed 👍🏻

[@RetiredTony]

Thank you Leah!

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Tony!

[@ramabagri9947]

Very nice 👍🏻 explanation... Thanks 😊🙏🏻... superb 👍🏻explanation

[@bobd5119]

The point on many nails is not square; its cross section is a diamond. The sharper edges are intended to cut wood grain. Place your nail with the longer dimension of the diamond at right angles to the wood grain before hammering. This helps reduce splitting. If you place the nail with the diamond parallel to the grain, the nail tries to separate the wood fibers, instead of cutting them. (I learned that in 1958 in junior high shop class, pretty much the most - or only - worthwhile class I ever took.)

[@seejanedrill]

HI Bob, thanks for sharing your personal experience!

[@sdjnwhyNZ]

Thanks a lot. Will double check my curvy stud straightened with screws and fish plates tomorrow. May need to put in some nails in case the movement damage the screws I put in.

[@cielitolindo1979]

I love her videos. Learning new things.

[@mikebland4935]

Really really great one here. I'm impressed. Thank you!

[@JL_Loki]

This is just in time as I am going to make a shelf soon. Thank you for making it easy to understand.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@calvenwilliams3373]

Your an amazing teacher, very digestible

[@Anon.5216]

Brilliant teaching. So clear.

[@ynotjf]

Thanks Leah, you’re teaching an old guy how to listen to a woman. You have a unique ability to explain simply & clearly.

[@seejanedrill]

thanks

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

I took a guess before watching: nailed it!

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@BenjaminPPP]

Sooo informative and you made it so easy to understand. I just subscribed to your channel. I am new to the whole DIY stuff. As a matter of fact, it's just last week that I ordered some powertools online. Waiting for them to get here this week. Thanks so much for your channel!

[@rwind656]

Great video; sent it to a friend. I am SO impressed. You make it SO CLEAR. After many years working, some of this stuff we know but don't have words to explain to others. ( It's like the words we acquire from observation as children, but when asked for an actual definition, we can't put it into words. Experience and intuition built on experience is one teacher. And then there are manufacturing specs and building codes. But I bet you would have a great way to teach more on this subject.) I hope you read this even though I am late commenting. I am wishing for a follow-up part 2 to this video where you take a few projects and go thru the applied decision-making for fastener choices. I think it would help people. Also, I am hoping for another companion video (haven't looked to see it) on when to go to a bolt or lag screw. And how about "How many fasteners of what SIZE to use in a project?" ( I'm sure I'm not the only one who pulled something apart to find a very amusing collection of fasteners with a piece so shot thru, it's lost all strength. My first builder house was like that, lol. Probably why I got so interested in building things. )

[@edmundmb]

Thanks Leah Enjoy your teachings.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Great visual demonstration of what we need to know.

[@chrisinedison]

Now I understand why the nails I was using were popping back out...I should’ve used screws! Thanks for the education Leah! By the way, you’re hair looks nice. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@wongyokeseong]

Very helpful info. Thanks very much!

[@ru.m.6119]

Thank you for this info.... now I know why I should use a screw for my crate table.

[@rhettguillory45]

Great video very informative and well taught!

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

Thank you! I learned something today about nails and screws.

[@JomDoIt]

Thanx. Been looking for it. Hard to make a decision when i have a very limit tools. Thanx again.

[@rolandmetayer7210]

Very interesting ! Thank you very much. Cheers from Canada,snow country.

[@FOR8YESHUA]

A great video introduction. Thanks for sharing.

[@seejanedrill]

you're very welcome!

[@MemerDad]

Amazing, very important lessons thanks

[@snoot6629]

really great and clear explanation , thanks!

[@tonythebiz]

Leah, that sign off is EVERYTHING!

[@AWBuilder]

Very nice info. What I don't like about nails is that you generally force them into wood, potentially creating splitting along the grain. So it would be interesting to see a video about drilling pilot holes for nails where ultimate structural strength is needed and maybe mention glue at the same time.

[@Perspectologist]

Great explanation.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@vicmarc4984]

VERY educational and great demos. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@chuckmckee2741]

I have always wondered what the difference is between screws and nails . I see to many folks use screws because of ease. But I find driving nails is really simple . Thank you

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Today I built a small stand for my shop using pocket hole screws and plywood. It is my understanding that pocket holes screws are sturdier than screws driven conventionally (at right angles). Can you tell me if the angle improves the shear problem? I know toenailing is also supposed to be stronger. Does this overcome some of the problem with tensile strength? Great video! Thank you Leah!

[@fred_derf]

Great video, I didn't learn anything but the information was well presented. The only thing I would have liked to have seen was a longer primer on what shear and tension (and compression) forces are. One further note that torsion (twisting) is a shearing force which is why it's so easy to break the heads off drywall screws if you're screwing them into harder material.

[@rlund3]

We call the "hard knife" a wonder bar here in Michigan. Nice Job!

[@seejanedrill]

interesting, thanks!

[@rwind656]

We have some Wonder Bars. Invaluable. You just made me reaize it's a brand name for a mostly flat pry bar, gentle curve, and hooked end -- by Stanley? We have both the ones of that brand (which is where we learned the name) and others we've picked up thru the years, including a miniature look-alike that is cool to have. And there's one with an extra hump in the middle. Google "Stanley wonder bar images." Gotta love these tool inventors! Do you have a video on various pry bars and wrecking bars? I'll go look. :) We have an antique nail-pulling tool that is just amazing. I see Highland still has it. Pulled ring shank nails out of our whole house of bad siding. www.highlandwoodworking.com/crescentimpactnailpuller.aspx

[@gergemall]

Another great lesson Leah

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@andreachinaglia5804]

Just a couple of things about tensile strength and nails, what you say is true, but there are ways to overcome it, the first one is to use a nail with a large head and longer then the thickness of the 2 pieces of wood you want to join, then you bend back into the wood the pointy part of the nail and suddenly your nail joint has gained a lot of tensile strength while retaining its shear one. The second way is to use the nails in couple driving them into the wood at an angle, not perpendicular, so they form a V, again the tensile strength of the joint is augmented. Nothing new here, those are traditional ways to use the nails and many people knows them, but maybe some beginner don't so it is worth to mention it. Last things, very important, is that if a nail joint fails usually gives a clue while it happens because it bends, the screw snaps suddenly when the load or even the fatigue due to seasonal wood movement overcomes its strength and both the nails and screws must not be used in some situations, i.e. for building or repairing chairs as the metal is much harder then the wood and in a very short time will chew into the wood and cause a damage usually much worst then the one that was there before the chair restoration, a good woodworker knows when to use screws or nails, but also know when not to use them but use other joinery techniques.

[@marknaiman4430]

as always: short and to the point. Amazing

[@mikefa5891]

Even though the nails are more ductile, the screws are much better fasteners and much more useful because with the very demostration you gave, you can pry apart those pieces of wood held together by the nail but you can't do the same tith the ones held by the screw. Additionally, if the screws are screwed in tightly, that will add friction between wood surfaces making it even more strong and more difficult to move laterally.

[@crazyg74]

fabulous explanation of shear vs tensile forces. I already knew this, but I've not seen anyone else do a video even close to as useful as this for those who don't. Well done. :-) oh, and I agree: we all can do this! :-)

[@jessesimmons4682]

Thank you I really enjoy watching your videos you have a true talent for teaching I have some knowledge of carpentry and wood working and you have a way of getting the basics covered and still show something (to me) new and informative. Thank you very much for your time and advice.

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks Jesse for taking the time to comment

[@markharrisllb]

What a brilliant video, thank you.

[@dindon5131]

Hola Leah, you rock!! Cheers!!! Sincerely Din Don Saigon, Vietnam

[@noyesharrigan6217]

Excellent demo.

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

I never never knew that thanks leah great job.

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Joe, and thanks!

[@GG-sp1cq]

the most intuitive explanation!

[@dannymurphy1779]

Such a good video! Thanks Leah.

[@seejanedrill]

you're welcome, Danny, and thanks!

[@blackstone1776]

Your video content is excellent, very informative & easy to understand. 👍

[@SeanJConnolly]

Thanks for the very useful and informative video. Helped out for my pallet project.

[@TheGaurangga]

Best explanation. Thanks

[@imherehello117]

This is why I often use both screws and nails. Screws at the edges of a board to help prevent curling and nails in the middle for shear strength. Mostly on rim joists of decks where they tend to pull away. I’m not really sure if that’s the best solution though.

[@TeroPajunen]

You feed us with know how and confidence!

[@goldassayer93555]

Not all screws are made of the same metal alloy. i use stainless steel deck screws to hold wood construction together. these screw are soft, that is, they bend without breaking. screws have the advantage that i can use them to pull the pieces of wood together with great precision with a variable speed drill and a screwdriver tip. you are right that screws like drywall screws are brittle and will always snap in sheer load. but they are designed to hold drywall to a ceiling or wall in tension load. on the wall the drywall panel is resting on the floor or a piece of drywall which is supported by the floor. So the load is only in tension. So test your screw to see if it breaks when held in a vise and hit by a hammer. Then use it for the purpose for which it is best.