Some thoughts on being Period Correct

[G.W. Strong]

Till you use those cut nails you don't realize how well they hold.  Back just before Christmas I was building my new work bench.  The top is three 2 X12's I planed smooth.  On top I put 1/2 chip board to mak it level on top and smooth.  Well the dang #10 screws I tried to put it down with tended at times to strip out and not draw it down.  Made a trip to a local hardware store and got some 1 3/4 inch cut masonary nails and put it down with them, drew it right down and held.  I'd tried a 2 1/2' one I had on hand and it was too long and went all the way through, had a heck of a time getting it back out.

I love the way cut nails hold!

[Professor Marvel]

I love the way cut nails hold!

As I previously mentioned, there were  numerous papers written in the trade describing the very valid superior holding strength of cut nails. Wire nails overshadowed cut nails entirely based on one thing - cheapness. Sounds rather familiar to some of our dilemmas today - "Better" - even "Much Better" does not compete well to "cheap".

yhs
prof marvel

[G.W. Strong]

Professor,
You are right on for that.

In my general utilitarian wood construction over the last decade or so I have used screws pretty close to 100% of the time because they hold so well. However, in my recent box construction projects I have become reaquainted with cut and wire nails and I was surprised to rediscover how well even the cheap wire nails work. The cut ones work even better though. I guess there is a reason that nails were invented...

[Delmonico]

I'm going to order some from these guys payday:

http://www.tremontnail.com/

[G.W. Strong]

I have several different styles I have ordered from Tremont. Those are quality nails! I have also ordered cut and wrought nails from Lehmans http://www.lehmans.com/store/Tools_Farm___Old_Fashioned_Steel_Cut_Nails?Args=