The head sits on top of the nail, its primary purpose is to prevent the two materials that are being nailed together from coming apart. The head also acts as a target for the hammer. It also acts as a target for the hammer. The shape of the nail head best suited for a particular installation varies depending on the purpose of the nail.
| Shape |
Features |
Uses |
 |
Flat with Flat Bottom |
The strongest type of nail head, it sits slightly above the substrate surface. The shape and strength of this type of head make it the easiest to remove on temporary jobs. |
Use to hold two materials together with maximum strength when the head can sit above the surface. Use to install tack strip and metal mouldings, or for temporary jobs such as stay nailing. |
|
Flat with Countersunk Bottom |
Slightly less strong than those with flat bottoms, these nail heads sink flush to the surface of the substrate. |
Use to install subfloors and underlayment when the head must be flush with the surface. |
|
Dome with Flat Bottom |
Designed to combine practical necessity with a decorator's touch, these heads sit above the surface and are made to be seen. |
Use when the nail head will be visible after the installation, such as with aluminum carpet bar or similar edge mouldings. |
|
Dome with Countersunk Bottom |
Designed with the same decorative finish as those with flat bottoms, these heads sit in the hole for a flush finish. |
Use when the nail head will be visible after installation, such as with aluminum carpet bar or metal edge mouldings, when a flush finish is desired. |
|
Cupped |
These heads have almost vertical sides and a cupped surface. This surface allows the use of a nail set to drive the head beneath the surface of the material and to set the nail in the moulding or other materials without slipping. |
Because they provide very low holding power, use cupped heads only when materials are not under stress. Use for attaching all types of moulding (base, door, quarter round, etc.). |
