Collated Nails

About Collated Nails

Collated nails are pre-assembled strips or coils of nails designed specifically for use with nail guns and nailers, offering tradespeople a fast and efficient alternative to traditional hammer-driven fixings. Each nail is held together in sequence by plastic, paper or wire collation, allowing rapid-fire fastening that dramatically increases productivity on site. Available in various collation angles (21°, 28°, 34° or coil format), lengths and finishes, collated nails at MyToolShed.co.uk are compatible with leading nail gun brands including DeWalt, Paslode, Bostitch, Makita and Bosch Professional.

The range covers virtually every fastening requirement, from first fix framing and roofing to flooring and concrete applications. Nail finishes include bright steel for interior work, galvanised for moderate weather protection, hot-dipped galvanised for maximum corrosion resistance, and stainless steel for demanding exterior or marine environments. Shank designs vary from smooth shank nails for clean penetration to ring shank nails offering superior holding power for structural applications.

Applications

• Carpenters and Joiners: Framing, stud work, floor joist installation and general construction fastening
• Roofers: Securing roofing felt, battens and shingles with galvanised or stainless steel coil nails
• Flooring Specialists: Installing tongue-and-groove flooring, hardwood and engineered wood floors
• Fencers and Decking Installers: Fastening rails, posts and decking boards with corrosion-resistant nails
• Timber Frame Builders: Structural assembly requiring high-volume fastening
• Formwork Contractors: Quick assembly and dismantling of concrete formwork on construction sites
• Maintenance Teams: General repair and construction work across facilities and estates

Choosing The Right Collated Nails

Match Your Nail Gun: The most critical factor is ensuring compatibility with your specific nail gun model. Check your tool's manual for the correct collation angle (21°, 28°, 34° or coil), nail length range, gauge specification and head type. Using incorrect nails can cause jamming, misfiring or tool damage.

Select the Right Finish: Bright steel nails are economical for interior work. Galvanised nails provide moderate corrosion protection for semi-exposed applications. Hot-dipped galvanised (HDG) nails offer superior rust resistance for exterior work, whilst stainless steel nails are the premium choice for coastal environments or treated timber.

Consider Shank Type: Smooth shank nails penetrate cleanly for non-structural applications. Ring shank nails provide up to 40% greater withdrawal resistance and should be specified for structural framing, decking and any application where fixings will be under stress.

Length and Head Configuration: Nail length should be approximately three times the thickness of the material you're fixing. Full round head nails offer maximum holding power for structural work, whilst clipped head nails allow tighter nail spacing and increased productivity.

Safety Information

Collated nails are designed for use in powered nail guns classified as power-actuated tools under HSE guidance. Always wear safety glasses to protect against flying debris and hearing protection due to noise generated. Only use collated nails that match your specific nail gun model and are in good condition – damaged or corroded nails can cause dangerous misfires or tool jams. Never bypass safety features or point a nail gun at yourself or others. Store nails in a dry environment to prevent rust and deterioration of collation material. When working at height, secure your nail gun with a lanyard to prevent drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any brand of collated nails in my nail gun?

Not necessarily. Whilst many nails are compatible across brands if they share the same collation angle and specifications, always check your nail gun's manual. The collation angle (21°, 28°, 34°), nail gauge, length range and head type must all match your gun's specifications. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks compatible nails from DeWalt, Paslode, Firmahold, Bostitch and other leading manufacturers.

What's the difference between galvanised and hot-dipped galvanised nails?

Standard galvanised (electroplated) nails have a thin zinc coating suitable for interior use or minimal moisture exposure. Hot-dipped galvanised (HDG) nails are immersed in molten zinc, creating a much thicker, more durable coating that provides superior corrosion protection for exterior applications. For decking, fencing or any work exposed to the elements, HDG or stainless steel nails are the better choice.

Do ring shank nails work out more expensive than smooth shank?

Ring shank nails typically cost 10-20% more than equivalent smooth shank nails, but this premium is usually worthwhile for structural applications or anywhere withdrawal resistance is important. The superior holding power means you may need fewer fixings or use slightly shorter nails, potentially offsetting the cost difference.