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Nails play a crucial role in framing walls. They’re the holding power that keeps the frame together. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right nails for the job.
Using the wrong nail can be a waste of time and effort. A very long nail would split the wood and a short one won’t hold the frame with enough strength. If you want a job done right, pick the right tools.
Top Nails for Framing Walls
What are the best nails for framing walls? This guide offers you several high-quality nails that are right for the job. They’re efficient and can be used for a variety of other tasks.
Best Overall: Paslode 650836 Framing Nails
A box of Paslode 650836 contains 2500 framing nails. With a length of 3’’ and a smooth shank, these nails can be ideal for wall framing.
These nails are more powerful and precise than typical framing nails because they have reinforced round heads that bond with wood fibers for more holding power. This facilitates driving into the hardest of materials
With a 10% more nail count per strip, Paslode Nails (650836) save time and effort because they require less reloading. They also work faster than most framing nails due to the distinctive feature of flush driving that allows for consistent nailing.
Product Specs
- Length: 3’’ inches
- Degree: 30°
- Weight: 21.9 pounds
- Dimensions are 7.5 x 0.2 x 3 inches
Feature Highlights
- Made of carbon steel
- 2500/box
- Reinforced round heads
- Smooth shank
- Paper collation
However, one drawback to this product is its limited compatibility. Paslode nails are designed to work with Paslode tools; Cordless XP or Powermaster Plus Nailer unlike the other models in this review that work with almost every nail gun with their degree.
Learn more about the top cordless framing nailer in my in depth review.
Trust Paslode 650836 nails for a sturdy long-lasting framing job due to their carbon steel body and optimized head.
Pros
- 10% more nails per strip to save reloading time
- Paper tape collation isn’t messy and doesn’t require protective glasses.
- Driven flush for faster, more powerful and durable nailing.
Cons
- Limited compatibility may limit its use.
- Susceptible to rust and corrosion, so can’t be used for outdoor framing.
Best Budget: Dewalt Framing Nails (DPT-10D120FH)
Every pack of the DPT-10D120FH Dewalt Framing Nails contains 2500 3’’ x .120’’ round head nails that fit a variety of indoor and outdoor jobs.
These nails have a 30° paper tape collation, which makes them compatible with 30-34 degree nailers that are capable of reaching tight spaces. This makes the nails even more versatile and efficient.
With such a degree, the Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH model offers faster framing than the B&C Eagle A312, since it allows you to use guns that can hold up to 200-300 nails together.
With a smooth shank and bright finish, the Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH is ideal for wall framing. They’re strong enough to hold the frame together for a long time.
Product Specs
- Length: 3’’ inches
- Degree: 30°
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Dimensions: 10.69 x 8.41 x 3.19 inches
Feature Highlights
- Made of stainless steel
- Bright finish
- Smooth shank and offset round head
- Complies with the ICC-ES-ESR-1539 code
Moreover, this product is ICC-ES ESR-1539 Code Compliant. Therefore, the tool is widely accepted in different construction sites.
The round head makes those nails ideal for framing and sheathing tasks. They’re mostly used in general carpentry, but mainly in building docks and frames.
The Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH nails are 3’’ long and made of stainless steel. This means that they can endure humidity, moisture, and different weather conditions, which makes them perfect for outdoor tasks.
Pros
- Endures any weather conditions, which makes it perfect for outdoor and indoor use.
- Complies to the ICC-ES-ESR-1539 construction code. This means it’s standard and can be used in different construction applications.
- Has a bright finish for easy nail location
- Compatible with 30-degree nailers that are suitable for reaching tight spaces
Cons
- Weak packaging, which makes them harder to store
- Not galvanized, so, not the best in rainy weather
- Used for non-treated lumber only due to its bright finish
Best for DIYs: B&C Eagle A312 Framing Nails
The B&C Eagle A312 framing nails offer the best value for your money. It’s a set of 500 nails. If you’re looking for a large value pack, this is the product for you.
With a length of 3.5’’, these nails are ideal for wall framing. They provide strength and durability. These nails are longer than the Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH.
Moreover, the full round heads reduce the risk of wood splitting and increase strength with their high holding capacity.
Product Specs
- Length: 3.5’’ inches
- Degree: 22°
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 4 x 8.5 x 3 inches
Feature Highlights
- Smooth shanks that are easy to handle
- Plastic collation to reduce jamming
- 500 Nails per count
- Full round heads for increased holding capacity
This product fits plastic collated framing nailers that work with 20-22 degrees. Therefore, it’s compatible with a variety of nail guns such as Senco SN60, SN65, Makita AN8300, and Bostitch N88RH among others.
Unlike the Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH framing nails, this product can be messy and require protective glasses. This plastic strip that holds these nails together usually breaks during work, therefore you should wear protective glasses and make sure to clean up after work.
This product can be used by DIYs as well as professionals since it comes with an instruction guide and unit. Therefore, whether you’re an expert or still starting, you can’t go wrong with this model.
Pros
- improved packaging to protect the product during shipping, which avoids a disadvantage in the Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH model.
- can be used manually or with battery nail guns, which makes them more versatile and fit for different jobs.
- Low risk of wood splitting due to the full round heads
- Less jamming because of the smooth shank and plastic collation
Cons
- Requires cleaning after work due to the messy plastic collation
- Requires the use of protective glasses, which can be an additional cost
- Used with non-treated lumber only due to its bright finish
- Not for outdoor use because they’re neither galvanized nor made of stainless steel, so the nails may be susceptible to corrosion.
Best for Outdoor Use: Gripe Rite GR08RHG1M Nails for Framing
Every box of Gripe Rite GR08RHG1M Framing Nails contains 1000 round head galvanized nails perfect for a variety of applications.
These nails are galvanized, which makes them ideal for outdoor framing. This coat can help them endure tough weather conditions and humidity. Unlike the B&C Eagle A312, this product isn’t prone to rust or corrosion.
Unlike the other non-galvanized products, this one is tough enough to be used with treated lumber. This galvanized coating makes these nails more durable and stronger than their steel or even stainless steel counterparts. They don’t break or bend over time.
Product Specs
- Length: 2 3/8″ inches
- Degree: 21°
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Dimensions:10.25 x 6.5 x 4.5 inches
Feature Highlights
- Made of galvanized steel
- Coated with proprietary polymer equivalent in performance to galvanization that meets ASTM A153, Class D as tested under ICC-ES AC 257
- Meets or exceeds ASTM F1667 standard nails
- Has 21° round head
- Package includes fasteners
Gripe-Rite GR08RHG1M Framing Nails are compatible with the majority of 21° round head nailers, which makes them more practical and widespread.
This product exceeds the ASTM F1667 standard of nails, which makes them usable in most locations. If you use the Gripe-Rite GR08RHG1M Framing Nails, you can do any framing job with a guarantee of quality long-lasting results.
Pros
- Made of galvanized steel, so you don’t need to worry about rust or corrosion.
- Works with most 21-degree nailers, which makes it practical
- Can be used with treated lumber, unlike most other products
Cons
- Plastic collation can be messy and requires wearing protective glasses.
Best Value: Grip-Rite GRT024
Each box of Grip-Rite GRT024 contains 500 16D nails. The nails are 3.25 inches long, which is ideal for wall framing.
Unlike the Palslode 650836, this product is compatible with almost all types of nailers that work with 21-degree round head framing nails. These include Bostitch, Dealt, Duo-Fast, Hitachi, Makita, Porter Cable, Ridgid, and Senco.
The Grip-Rite GRT024 nails are vinyl coated with a smooth shank full round head. This allows for easier and faster driving into the wood. They can also endure weather conditions.
Product Specs
- Length: 3.25’’ inches
- Weight: 5.9 Pounds
- Degree: 21
- Dimensions:10 x 6.25 x 4.5 inches
Feature Highlights
- Reusable and re-stackable
- Vinyl coated
- 3.25’’ long framing nails
- Compatible with ay 21-degree nailers
However, one downside of this product is that it’s made of iron. This makes these nails less powerful than the Dewalt DPT-10D 120FH nails.
The nails in this product aren’t galvanized as Gripe Rite GR08RHG1M Nails. Therefore, if you’re dealing with treated lumber or you care about rust, you should go with a different choice.
The thing that distinguishes Grip-Rite GRT024 is that it’s resealable and reusable in a stackable plastic tub. Therefore, it’s the most economical choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-use nail that doesn’t require much expertise.
Pros
- Reusable and re-stackable, which makes it suitable for DIY projects as they eliminate the amount of wasted material for non-professionals.
- Vinyl coated for increased durability
- Compatible with almost every nailer gun, which makes it a practical choice
Cons
- Made of iron, which is weaker than other materials.
- Plastic collation can be messy and requires protective glasses
Framing Nails Features to Consider
Nails are among the most important materials for framing walls. Used with a framing nailer, the right nail can hold the wood together for a very long time. Following are some features to consider when choosing nails to frame your walls.
| Material | Length | Degree | Head Shape | Amount (box) | |
| Dewalk | Stainless Steel | 3″ | 30° | Offset Round | 2,500 |
| B&C | Steel | 3.5″ | 22° | Full Round | 1,000 |
| Gripe-Rite | Steel | 2.375″ | 21° | Round | 500 |
| Paslode | Carbon Steel | 3″ | 30° | Reinforced Round | 2,500 |
| Grip-Rite | Iron | 3.25″ | 21° | Round | 500 |
1. Nail Size
Framing nails come in a variety of sizes. However, 16D is of the most popular option commonly used for wall framing.
The length of the nail for framing walls ideally fall between 3’’ and 3.5’ depending on the type of nail.
Moreover, nails come in a variety of angles that determine the holding power of the nails. They range between 20° and 34°. Bigger angles mean steeper and stronger nails. Each angle fits a certain job.
2. Nail Coating
Framing nails can come with hot-dipped galvanized coating, vinyl coating, or a polymer coating for outdoor framing applications.
The vinyl coating makes it easier to drive these nails in with the best framing hammer or nailer.
Coating in general protects the nails from rusting and corrosion. It makes them suitable for treated surfaces and exterior applications.
3. Material
Nails come in different materials and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The weakest material is iron. Iron nails easily rust, and so aren’t typically used for framing walls.
Steel nails are the most common. They’re strong and durable but can rust over time. Don’t use them in environments with a high level of moisture.
Stainless Steel nails are strong and durable. They don’t rust easily, which allows them to endure different weather conditions.
Carbon Steel nails are the most expensive because they’re very durable and sturdy with a minimum chance of rusting.
4. Quantity of the Nails Pack
To get the best value for your money, consider the number of nails in every box. This allows you to be budget-efficient from the beginning. It’s a good idea to get a nail count that covers your needs for the particular job at hand.
5. Head Shape
Framing nails come in three basic head shapes: round, diamond, and clipped.
Round heads are the most popular among framing nails. They allow for smooth driving and don’t cause wood splitting.
Diamond heads are effective, especially with hardwood, but can cause splitting. That’s why they aren’t as popular as the round head.
Clipped heads are ideal if you’ll hide the top part of the nail. They work best for finishing jobs.
FAQs
What Is Unique About Framing Nails?
Framing nails are different from other nail types because they have to be strong enough to hold wall frames together. This means they are made from stronger material like stainless steel. Framing nails are also coated in vinyl to make them easier to drive into the wood.
What Is the Best Nail For Framing Walls?
The best nail to use for framing walls is a 16d nail, which is 3.5″ inches long. Most framing nails range in length from 2 inches to 3.5 inches, but a nail that is at least 3″ inches will suffic.
To Wrap It Up
With framing walls, the size, material, and coating of the nails make all the difference. The ideal size is 16D with a length between 3’’ and 3.5’’.
The best overall nail for framing walls in the market is Paslode 650836 because it is faster and more durable with a reinforced round head that bonds with wood.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, or need a brand that’s compatible with a wider variety of nailer guns, there are several brands to choose from depending on the nature of your project.
