Plain-shank nail
A plain-shank nail is a smooth nail with no threads or rings. Its fastener withdrawal characteristic is 1.0, below the Uniform Standard minimums of 1.5 (single-use) and 1.9 (reusable), so pallets mainly use smooth nails where they are clinched, as in block-pallet deck mats.
Also called smooth shank nail, smooth nail, bright nail
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Why smooth nails fall short in deck joints
Withdrawal resistance in the Uniform Standard is the basic nail value multiplied by the fastener withdrawal characteristic. A plain shank scores 1.0, while threaded pallet nails score about 2.6 to 3.7, so a threaded nail of the same size resists pull-out more than twice as well.
Smooth nails also suffer when moisture changes. If a smooth nail is driven into green wood that later dries (or the reverse), the Uniform Standard cuts its withdrawal value to one quarter. Threaded nails are not penalized this way.
Where smooth nails are used
Smooth nails work well when they are clinched: driven through the stack and bent over, so they hold by the clinch rather than by friction. Block-pallet deck mats commonly use 1-5/8 in smooth mat nails for this reason.
Nail types compared
| Nail | FWC | Typical pallet use |
|---|---|---|
| Plain shank | 1.00 | clinched mat nails |
| Helical | about 2.6 to 3.7 | deck-to-stringer joints, hardwood |
| Annular | about 2.6 to 3.7 | softwood, block pallets |
See pallet nails.
Questions
- Can I build pallets with smooth nails?
- Not for standard deck-to-stringer joints if the pallet is to meet the Uniform Standard. Use threaded nails there; smooth nails are fine when clinched.
Related
- Clinched nailA clinched nail is driven through the boards and bent over on the far side. Uniform Standard: it must be at least 1/4 in longer than the stack it joins.
- Fastener withdrawal characteristicThe fastener withdrawal characteristic (FWC, Cw) rates how well a nail's threads resist pull-out. Plain nails score 1.0; reusable pallets need at least 1.9.
- Helical nailA helical nail has a spiral thread on its shank that turns as it is driven, resisting pull-out. It is the standard pallet nail for medium and dense hardwoods.
- Pallet nails: types, sizes and how manyPallet nails are usually 2 to 3 in helical or annular threaded nails, 11 to 12-1/2 gauge. A GMA 48 x 40 uses 84 nails: 2 or 3 per joint by board width.
- Reusable palletA reusable (multiple-use) pallet is built for many trips, with higher lumber and nail standards. Uniform Standard minimum nail withdrawal characteristic: 1.9.
- ReversibleA reversible pallet is a double-face pallet with identical top and bottom decks, so either side can carry the load. It uses more wood than non-reversible.
Sources
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition