Nails

Nails are smooth or ringed metal pins driven with a hammer to join timber and fix sheet materials, and they remain the quickest fastener for many first-fix and roofing tasks. This small range covers two trade staples: capping nails in 2.5 x 25mm, supplied 100 per pack, and a 2kg Megabucket of 40mm galvanised clout nails.

Both are useful to keep on the van for fixing felt, boards and battens. Add them to a trade order before 5pm and they will arrive next working day anywhere in NI or ROI.

MTNC In-Stock

Megabucket 2KG 40mm Galv Clout Nails

£13.20 inc. VAT

CP25 In-Stock

Capping Nails 2.5X25mm (100 per pack)

£7.20 inc. VAT

How to choose the right nails

Nails look simple, but the head shape, shank and finish all affect how well they hold and how long they last. Picking the right one avoids split timber, pulled-through felt and rust stains later on.

Clout nails and capping nails

Galvanised clout nails have a large flat head that spreads the load, so they are used for roofing felt, slates, plasterboard and fixing thin sheet to timber. The galvanised coating helps resist corrosion outdoors.
Capping nails are short nails, typically fitted with a plastic or metal cap, used to hold membranes, felt, insulation boards and similar sheet materials without tearing them.

What to check before you buy

Length is the main consideration: as a rule of thumb, a nail should be around two and a half times the thickness of the material being fixed so that most of it is in the base timber. Diameter matters too, because a thicker shank holds better but is more likely to split thin or dry timber. For anything exposed to weather or damp, use a galvanised or otherwise corrosion-resistant finish.

When to use a screw or fixing instead

Nails are fast but have lower pull-out resistance than screws. For electrical equipment, consumer units, containment or anything that may need removing, a screw is normally the better choice. Browse woodscrews and concrete screws for timber and masonry, or anchors and heavy-duty fixings where loads are higher. You can also see the wider screws and fixings range.

Ordering nails from Meteor

Meteor Electrical has been supplying the trade for over 40 years from its Cookstown head office, with depots in Cashel and Saggart. Orders of £30 or €35 ex VAT and above ship free, and trade account customers benefit from trade pricing on every order.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What are Nails?: Nails are thin metal shaft with a pointed one end and a flattened other end that is used to attach two or more objects together.
What can Nails be used for?: Nails are most typically used to join wood pieces, although they can also be found in plastic, drywall, masonry, and concrete.
What are capping nails?: Capping nails come with a washer to provide a larger head and a more secure fastening during installation.
What are Galvanized Clout Nails used for?: Galvanized coated nail with extremely large head are typically used for felt fabrics like shed roofs.
What length of nail should I use?: A common guide is to choose a nail about two and a half times the thickness of the material you are fixing, so most of the shank grips the base timber. For thin felt or membranes a short capping or clout nail is enough, while battens and boards need longer nails. Always check the material manufacturer's fixing guidance for roofing and cladding work.
Why use galvanised nails outdoors?: Galvanised nails have a zinc coating that slows rusting, which matters in roofing, fencing and any damp location. Uncoated steel nails can corrode quickly outside, weakening the joint and leaving rust streaks on surrounding materials. For particularly aggressive environments, such as coastal sites or treated timber, check the timber or product manufacturer's recommendations on fastener finish.
Can I use nails to fix electrical boxes or equipment?: Screws are generally the better choice for electrical equipment, back boxes and containment because they hold more securely and can be removed for maintenance without damage. Hammering near installed cables also risks damaging insulation. Follow the equipment manufacturer's fixing instructions and use appropriate screws, plugs or anchors for the wall or ceiling material.