Nails are among the most commonly purchased types of hardware. Modern nails can serve as affordable and reliable fasteners if you take the time to select the right nail for the task at hand.

Many factors will come into play when determining which nail you should use to complete your project. One of these factors is the shank pattern of the nail itself.

Learn more below about four common shank patterns so that you will be prepared to utilize the right nails for your future projects.

1. Common Shanks

Nails with common shanks are your standard, utilitarian nails. A common shank has no frills and is characterized by a smooth finish.

You will find common shanks in nails of all lengths and diameters. These standard nails can be pounded into the wall by hand, or you can pair them with a pneumatic nail gun to simplify the fastening process.

Anytime you need a good all-around nail, reach for one with a common shank pattern.

2. Coated Shanks

Nails with coated shanks are often referred to as sinkers.

Sinkers are treated with a specialized coating along the shaft of the nail that allows them to eliminate any type of friction when being driven into a wood surface. This same coating can also act like glue once it has cooled.

If you are working with a particularly tough type of wood, using sinker nails could be a simple way to make driving nails a little easier.

3. Ring Shanks

Nails with ring shanks fall somewhere between common nails and screws. A screw is used when a particular object must be fastened securely in place.

Ringed nails also have the ability to provide added protection for large or unwieldy objects. Contractors will often use ring shanks to secure siding or roofing in place.

Ring shanks can help these construction materials resist any lifting caused by the wind over time.

4. Spiral Shanks

Spiral-shank nails perform in a very unique way. Instead of remaining static while being driven into a piece of wood, a spiral shank nail will spin. This spinning motion helps to give the nail additional holding power that other nails may not achieve.

Nails with spiral shanks are perfect for use with hardwood materials because the spinning motion will help prevent the wood from splitting.

The key to having your projects withstand the test of time is using the right type of nails.

To find nails in your area, visit a local general hardware store.