Clout Nails

About Clout Nails

Clout nails are short, large-headed fasteners specifically designed for securing roofing felt, bitumen sheets, and other flexible roofing materials. Characterised by their wide, flat heads (typically 10-14mm diameter) and relatively short shanks, these nails provide excellent holding power whilst minimising the risk of tearing through softer materials. The oversized head distributes load across a wider surface area, making clout nails essential for roofing applications where secure fixing is required without damaging membranes or felt.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both galvanised steel and copper clout nails from trusted brands including Forgefix and Timco. Galvanised clout nails offer reliable corrosion protection for most standard roofing applications, whilst copper clout nails deliver superior longevity and natural resistance to oxidation—ideal for premium installations or coastal areas where salt air accelerates corrosion. Available in various lengths from 13mm to 40mm, our range ensures tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts have the right fixings for secure, weather-resistant results.

Applications

Clout nails are essential fixings for various trades and projects, including:

• Roofers and roofing contractors – securing felt underlays, bitumen sheets, and temporary weather protection
• General builders – fixing roofing membranes on extensions, garages, and outbuildings
• Carpenters and joiners – installing shed felts and weather-proofing timber structures
• Property maintenance teams – routine repairs to flat roofs and felt-covered surfaces
• DIY enthusiasts – shed roofs, garden offices, and garage repairs
• Agricultural workers – repairing barn roofs, stable blocks, and farm outbuildings
• Groundskeepers – maintaining garden buildings, shelters, and outdoor structures

Choosing The Right Clout Nails

Material and finish: Galvanised clout nails suit most standard applications with excellent corrosion resistance and value. Choose copper clout nails for superior longevity, coastal locations, or where aesthetics matter—copper won't streak or stain as it ages.

Shank length: Match nail length to your substrate thickness. The shank should penetrate at least 20mm into timber battens beneath the felt. Common lengths include 13mm, 19mm, 25mm, and 40mm. For standard shed felt over 12-19mm battens, 25mm nails provide secure fixing with adequate penetration.

Quantity requirements: Calculate coverage based on recommended spacing—typically 50-75mm from felt edges and 150-200mm centres across the surface. A standard 6x4ft shed roof typically requires 150-200 nails. Purchase 10-15% extra to account for bent nails and future repairs.

Brand quality: Professional brands like Forgefix and Timco manufacture clout nails to consistent specifications, ensuring uniform head size, straight shanks, and reliable finishes for efficient installation.

Safety Information

Personal protective equipment: Always wear safety glasses when hammering nails to protect against flying debris. Steel toe-capped boots prevent injury from dropped tools, whilst work gloves reduce the risk of splinters and cuts from sharp felt edges.

Working at height: Roofing work typically involves ladders or scaffolding. Follow HSE guidance for working at height, ensuring ladders are properly secured and appropriate fall protection measures are in place. Never overreach when fixing—reposition regularly for safe access.

Weather conditions: Avoid roofing work during high winds, rain, or icy conditions. Wet roof surfaces become dangerously slippery, and wind can destabilise both workers and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between galvanised and copper clout nails?

Galvanised clout nails feature a zinc coating over steel, offering good corrosion resistance at an economical price suitable for most roofing felt applications. Copper clout nails are manufactured entirely from copper, providing superior weather resistance and longer lifespan with no risk of rust staining. Copper costs more initially but outlasts galvanised alternatives by many years, particularly in harsh coastal environments.

What size clout nails should I use for roofing felt?

For standard shed felt over 12-19mm timber battens, 25mm galvanised clout nails provide secure fixing with adequate penetration. The nail should penetrate at least 20mm into solid timber beneath the felt for reliable holding power. Measure your felt thickness, add 20-25mm for batten penetration, and select the nearest standard size available at MyToolShed.co.uk.

Will galvanised clout nails rust on my shed roof?

Quality galvanised clout nails from brands like Forgefix and Timco provide reliable corrosion protection for typical UK weather conditions. The zinc coating protects the underlying steel, though over many years extreme weather may gradually degrade the finish. For standard garden sheds, galvanised nails offer excellent durability. Upgrade to copper for coastal properties or where maximum longevity is required.