What are Collated Nails?
Collated nails are pre-assembled in strips or coils to feed nail guns quickly. They’re used for framing, roofing, siding, sheathing, and finish carpentry. We stock coil (15°) and stick strips (common 21°, 28°, 30–34°) in stainless or galvanized finishes with smooth, ring, or screw shanks.
How to choose collated nails
Stick vs coil at a glance: Strip or “stick” nails come in straight or angled strips for magazine nailers, and coil nails are wound in a spiral for high-capacity coil nailers. We carry both, so match the collation and angle to your tool.
- Match your nailer angle: 15° for coils; 21°, 28°, 30–34° for strips.
- Head style: Full round is widely accepted; clipped/offset fits more nails per strip. Follow local code and job spec.
- Material & finish: 304 stainless for general exterior; 316 for coastal/salt; hot-dip/electro-galvanized for standard exterior; bright for interior.
- Shank type: Ring or screw for high holding power; smooth for faster driving and easy removal.
- Diameter/length: Framing commonly .113–.131" at 2"–3-1/4"; roofing ~.120" at 1"–1-3/4"; finish 15–16 gauge.
Angle & application quick guide
| Angle / Form | Collation | Typical Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° coil | Wire-weld | Roofing, siding, sheathing, framing | High capacity, compact nose for tight spaces |
| 21° stick | Plastic strip | Framing, decking | Full round head, widely accepted |
| 28° stick | Wire strip | Framing | Often offset round/clipped head |
| 30–34° stick | Paper tape | Framing, trusses | Higher strip capacity; check head style vs code |
| 15-ga angled (≈34°) | Paper strip | Trim, casing | Angled magazine reaches corners |
| 16-ga straight/angled | Glue/paper | Trim, light carpentry | Smaller holes than 15-ga |
Common sizes, materials & finishes
- Framing: .113–.131" dia, 2"–3-1/4" length, full round or clipped/offset; galvanized or stainless outdoors.
- Roofing coil: ~.120" dia, 1"–1-3/4" length, full round head, often ring shank for better hold.
- Finish/trim: 15-ga angled 1-1/4"–2-1/2", 16-ga straight/angled 1"–2-1/2".
Typical applications & industries
- Residential & commercial framing, sheathing, and decking
- Roofing shingles and underlayment (coil)
- Siding and exterior trim (ring/screw shank)
- Interior trim, casing, baseboard, cabinetry (finish nails)
- Pallet, crate, and light industrial assembly
Installation & best practices
- Confirm nailer angle and fastener spec before loading.
- Set drive depth to seat heads flush without crushing the surface.
- Use ring/screw shank for softwood, wet wood, or high-wind zones.
- Select 316 stainless for coastal decks, docks, or salt-spray exposure.
- Store strips/coils dry; keep paper tape and wire-weld collation out of moisture.
Troubleshooting & pro tips
- Double feeds/jams: Verify angle and head style match your magazine; inspect driver blade and feed pawls.
- Nails backing out: Switch to ring or screw shank; verify length/penetration and substrate.
- Rust staining outdoors: Move from galvanized to 304 or 316 stainless; avoid dissimilar-metal contact.
- Inspection issues: If clipped heads aren’t allowed locally, use full round head at the required angle.
Why buy Collated Nails from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Broad selection across coil and stick angles with stainless and galvanized options
- Ring, screw, and smooth shank choices for the holding power you need
- Fast shipping and bulk pricing for contractors and shops
FAQs
What angle collated nails do I need?
Use the angle your nailer is designed for. Framing tools are commonly 15° coil or 21°/28°/30–34° strip. Finish nailers are typically 15-ga angled or 16-ga straight/angled.
Are full round head nails better than clipped?
Both hold well when installed correctly. Full round heads are broadly accepted by inspectors; some jurisdictions restrict clipped/offset heads. Check local code and plans.
When should I choose 316 stainless?
Choose 316 for coastal, marine, or salt-spray locations. Use 304 for general exterior and galvanized for standard outdoor work.
Ring shank vs smooth shank — which holds better?
Ring and screw shanks provide greater withdrawal resistance than smooth shanks, especially in softwoods or vibration-prone assemblies.
What size nails for roofing shingles?
Most roofing coil nails are 1"–1-3/4" long, around .120" diameter, with full round heads. Ring shank improves wind resistance.
Can I mix nail angles between tools?
No. Nail angle and collation must match the nailer’s specification. Using the wrong angle causes misfeeds and jams.