Nails vs screws: which one for your project?

So you’ve just got your toolbox out, and now you’re scratching your head on which fixing to choose for your DIY project. Sound familiar?

Nails and screws may just sound like the same thing to an untrained ear (especially if you’re not the biggest fan of DIY). When, in fact, they’re both two separate things. Albeit they’re both used to secure materials in place, each one performs differently. 

Picking the right fixings for your project matters, which is why we’re going to help you understand which one, nail or screw, is right for your project. We’ll look at their strengths, weaknesses, and when each one should be brought into play.

Get it right, and your build will stay durable for years. Get it wrong, and you might end up with loose joints, split timber, or a job that simply doesn’t hold together the way it should.

What are screws?

Screws come with a spiral thread that provides extra grip for a powerful hold when working on DIY and construction projects.

Their effective thread design pulls two surfaces together and stops them from being pulled out, which is ideal when long-term stability is vital. Most screws are driven with a drill driver or screwdriver, meaning they go in at a controlled pace and can be removed just as easily.

Why is this beneficial? Well, it means they’re not written off once you’ve used them; they can be used again and again (as long as they’re still in great condition). Screws come in a range of heads, including:

• Countersunk
• Pan
• Hex 

They also come with special coatings like zinc-plated, galvanised, or stainless steel screws when working on a project in a particularly challenging location, such as outdoors or moisture-prone areas.

At eFixings, you’ll find everything from multi-purpose woodscrews to heavy-duty structural fixings designed to handle heavy loads.

What are nails?

Typically made from steel, nails are smoother than screws and are partly ribbed. These are hammered or gun-driven into place.

Unlike screws, nails don’t have a thread, meaning they’re terrible at staying in place without a little help. Instead, they rely on friction and the surrounding material to stay put. 

However, they might not have the same pull-out resistance as screws, but they excel at handling sideways pressure (shear forces). For this reason, many people use them for framing, roofing, and large-scale timber work.

They’re also favoured for their quick installation, especially when using a nail gun. While they’re mostly made from steel, you’ll also find aluminium and brass nails.

Quick-pick comparison

Are you just looking for a simple answer? If so, we’ve compiled a quick and easy table so you can make a choice between nails or screws, then dive straight into your project without the extra fussing around.

No overcomplications here!

When to pick nails: common tasks

If you’re still unsure or want to know more, we’ve compiled a list of the best times to use nails over screws.

Nails are typically more popular with home DIYers, as they’re cheaper to get your hands on and, a lot of the time, they’re all you really need for small household tasks.

In fact, in the nails vs screws debate, nails come out on top for jobs that demand speed, flexibility, and the ability to cope with sideways forces

• Framing and structural builds – constructing walls, roof trusses, or stud partitions, as they’re faster and don’t snap under pressure.
• Roofing and sheathing – fixing sheets of plywood, OSB, or roof battens is far quicker with nails.
• Flooring and timber work – fitting subfloors or basic timber assemblies, as they allow for slight movement in hardwood floors.
• Trims, mouldings, and finishing touches – as they’re less noticeable than screws.
• Garden projects – From fencing to sheds, galvanised or stainless steel nails are quicker and more practical when you need to cover a lot of ground quickly.

When screws are the smarter move

Not too long ago, screws were less favoured over nails, as they took much longer to install with a manual screwdriver or spiral-ratcheting screwdriver. 

Now that the cordless drill and impact driver have long been invented, that issue is one of the past.

• Decking and outdoor builds – screws are the go-to for fixing decking boards, pergolas, and garden furniture, as they provide a long hold and come with rust-resistant coatings.
• Flooring and subflooring – screws provide a firmer grip to prevent boards from shifting and squeaking over time, offering better durability than nails.
• Cabinets, shelving, and joinery – When you need a tight, reliable joint for assembling shelves, cabinets, and storage units, screws outperform nails.
• Drywall and plasterboard – drywall screws are designed specifically to bite into timber or metal studs without tearing the paper surface of the board.

Heavy-duty screws can now replace traditional bolts and coach screws for projects with heavy loads. They’re easier to drive in, require fewer tools, and are designed to tackle demanding applications like large timber connections.

Plus, screws can be removed and reused, making them ideal for temporary builds like furniture.

Find the right fixing for you at Efixings 

No matter what project you’re currently working on, we have something that’ll help you get the job done in one smooth process.

From framing a stud wall to building a garden deck, our selection of top-of-the-range screws will make all the difference. We only supply fixings that meet industry standards, giving you the confidence your project will stand the test of time.

Order online with fast UK delivery, and take advantage of bulk deals before they’re gone.