Galvanized Nails

We all are familiar with nails, which are pin-shaped, sharp objects made of metal or alloy and are commonly used as a fastener in woodwork, construction and engineering. The history of nails can be dated back to 3500 BC, when bronze nails were used by the ancient Egyptians. Even the Bible has references to nails, the most important one being the crucifixion of the Christ. From that time, till date, various types of nails were made and used by humans. At present, galvanized nails are the most commonly used one.

History of Nails

Nowadays, nails are easily available in thousands of varieties, but, earlier, nails were scarcely available and were valued so much. Before the invention of nail making machines, people used to make wrought iron handmade nails. In fact, nails were so scarce, that every house had a nail making unit, where the family members used to make nails for their use as well as for sale. Nails were among one of the important commodities during that time and were used for barter too. It was so much valued that people used to burn down their houses, as they move from one place to another, so as to retrieve the nails for reuse. It was during the 1600s, the first nail making machine was invented. This machine did not bring any significant changes in nail making industry, as nails were made one at a time.

During the early 1800s, a partially automated nail-making machine was invented in the United States, that made the process simple. With time, fully automated nail making machines were invented and this facilitated the commercial production of nails in huge numbers and different varieties. Now, nails are made of iron, high-carbon and low-carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper. One of the popular types of nails is galvanized nails.

What are Galvanized Nails

As nails made of iron or steel are prone to corrosion, there was a need for some coating to prevent rust. There are various grades of steel and some of them can fall prey to corrosion when exposed to natural elements. The method of galvanization was invented by an Italian called Luigi Galvani. This method involves coating the surface of iron or steel with zinc. Earlier, the nails were dipped in molten zinc or were coated with galvanic paint. There are three types of galvanization - electro-galvanization, mechanical galvanization and hot-dip galvanization. Nowadays, hot-dip galvanization is mostly used, so as to ensure protection to iron and steel surfaces from corrosion. In short, galvanized nails are nothing other than those steel or iron nails, that are coated with zinc, so as to prevent corrosion. In hot-dip galvanization, the steel is passed through molten zinc, which is at a temperature of 460° C (860°F). This coating, when exposed, forms a layer of zinc oxide and zinc carbonate, that prevents the steel or iron from getting exposed to atmospheric elements that cause corrosion. This applies to galvanized nails too and they are more durable than their counterparts.

These nails can also be galvanized through electroplating, but, such nails are not found to be that effective (in fighting corrosion) as those, which are subjected to hot-dip galvanization. In case of electroplating galvanization, only a thin layer of zinc is coated on the nails, that may corrode, in case of continuous exposure to corrosive elements. Hot-dip galvanization is always preferred, because, it creates a thicker layer of zinc, that is much effective in preventing corrosion for a longer time. While electroplated galvanized nails are often found to be smooth and shiny, hot-dipped ones are rough in appearance. Electroplated ones are commonly used for indoor purposes, whereas hot-dipped ones are preferred for outdoor use. However, electroplated galvanized nails are not used in redwood, cedar, or treated lumber, because the chemicals in the wood may cause corrosion of the nails. Galvanized nail sizes are described by their dimensions in millimeters. In the U.S., the sizes are described in 'pennies' too.

In short, galvanized nails are preferred to other types, due to their durability, as they have a zinc coating to fight corrosion.