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Copper Common Nails are often used with Copper Burrs, also known as copper washers, to create a traditional copper rivet, similar to clinch or clench nailing. Copper rivets are often utilized in classic planked wooden boat construction.
See the "Burr Size Selector" chart below for burr and nail assembly suggestions.
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$559.00
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Penny Size
Nail Gauge (#)
Length (inches)
Shank Diameter (inch)
Head Diameter (inch)
Count/Lb (approx)
Item Number
2d
15
1"
0.072
5/32"
685
NCC15X1
3d
14
1-1/4"
0.083
13/64"
424
NCC14X11/4
4d
12
1-1/2"
0.109
1/4"
205
NCC12X11/2
5d
12
1-3/4"
0.109
1/4"
165
NCC12X13/4
6d
11
2"
0.120
1/4"
133
NCC11X2
8d
10
2-1/2"
0.134
9/32"
86
NCC10X21/2
10d
9
3"
0.148
5/16"
55
NCC9X3
16d
8
3-1/2"
0.165
11/32"
40
NCC8X31/2
20d
6
4"
0.203
7/16"
23
NCC6X4
40d
4
5"
0.238
15/32"
14
NCC4X5
Burr Size Selector
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Nail Penny Size
Nail Gauge (#)
Nail Shank Dia (inch)
Burr Loose Fit (#)
Burr ID Loose Fit (inch)
Burr Tight Fit (#)
Burr ID Tight Fit (inch)
2d
15
0.072
-
-
-
-
3d
14
0.083
14
0.093
-
-
4d
12
0.109
12
0.124
13
0.100
5d
12
0.109
12
0.124
13
0.100
6d
11
0.120
12
0.124
-
-
8d
10
0.134
10
0.138
12
0.124
10d
9
0.148
8
0.166
9
0.146
16d
8
0.165
7
0.176
8
0.166
20d
6
0.203
6
0.206
-
-
40d
4
0.238
-
-
-
-
MET / STD:
Standard
Metal:
Copper
Type:
Nails
Questions & Answers about Copper Common Nails:
2013-04-08MICHAEL BROWN asked: Are these copper nails case hardened? Hardened in any way? our just soft copper?
+Expand Answers
2013-04-12JAMES DOHERTY: They are just soft copper. I used them for rivets and they worked great.
2013-04-12EMMETT RANSONE: My guess is they are hardened to some level. I purchased either the 2d or 3d nails to install cedar screen molding over bronze screen and had no problems with them bending or deforming. The framing material was redwood so don't know how they'd do in hardwood.
2013-04-12ROBERT BROTEN: Just Copper.
2013-04-12DAVE GILLETTE: Michael
As far as I can tell from my own usage, they are just pure copper, no heat treating. I use them for riveting, and pre-drill holes that are a tight fit when the nails are driven.
They readily peen over, rather than fracture, like might be the case with any hardening.
Dave
2013-04-12EDWIN FULLER: Hi,
They are not dead soft. I would say that they are half hard(work hardend)I us them to nail Walnut and I pre drill holes .020 under size and do not have any trouble with the copper nails bending.
Hope this will help.
Ed
2013-04-12PHIL JANS: For riveting, they seem to be about the right hardness.
They are harder than dead soft, annealed copper. You can drive them fine as long as you pre-drill a snug hole, but they're still soft enough to head up nicely. So maybe the metal guys would call them half-hard?
If you need them softer, you can heat with a propane torch to red hot, then quench in water and they'll be super soft. The only way that I know of to make them harder is to beat on them so they work harden.
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.
2013-04-12DICK RASMUSSEN: In my opinion copper can not be hardened in the pure form. The nails would only get stiffer from working/bending. Heating copper makes it softer and more pliable
So the answer would be technically no but they might be a little stiffer from the forming process.
2013-04-13MICHAEL CHIARELLA: I don't know if they are hardened, but in use they are very similar to regular wire nails. You just need to be more careful as they are less forgiving.
2013-04-13ERIC MASCIANTONIO: The nails are not hardened, just soft copper. You will need to drill pilot holes for each nail prior to install.
2013-04-14JACOB GLICK: They seemed to be soft copper as they bent fairly easily. I had to pre-drill holes into oak prior to driving them. I used them as a decorative fastener.
2012-06-12A shopper asked: Are these nails 100% copper or just copper plated? I am curious about the size. Can you explain in detail the size 20d 6X4?
+Expand Answers
2012-06-12JOHN WITHERSPOON: All the copper nails I have ordered and received from jamestown have been solid copper.
As it states the 20d common nail (which is more like a spike to me)
is almost a 1/4 inch in diameter nail with a 7/16" diameter head on it and is 4 inches in length
2012-06-13KEVIN COBB: I can only answer part of your question. A 20d copper nail is about 4" long. 20 is a reference for the size and "d" stands for a denarius which is a unit of Roman money that was converted to a penny in the UK around the 1500's which is, in the U.S. one cent. You've probably heard the term "penny" nail.
They are solid copper.
Hope this was helpful
2012-05-07MARK VORIES asked: I will be using the nails for an indoor application - a decorative finish for some trim work on stairs. Will the nails tarnish? I'd like a clean copper look to last. If necessary I could cover them with a light coat of Bona Traffic, a clear semi-gloss wood finish.
+Expand Answers
2012-05-07RUSSELL ALLEN: Yes they will tarnish with time, but the clear finish will stop that process.
2012-05-07KEVIN COBB: Mark,
The nails will tarnish or turn dark when exposed to humidity and green if left in contact with water. If you cover them with a clear varnish like you suggest the darkening will be minor and virtually unnoticeable. But keep in mind that if the nails are to be in a foot traffic area and the finish gets scratched those places will darken if left uncovered.
Hope this information was helpful. Sounds like a beautiful stairway to me!
2012-05-08MICHAEL ANDERSON: I think this should keep the tops of the nails looking new but as the wood goes through weather changes the may turn from form the back side out. If you have the time try a test on a board and leave it in the weather to see what happens then mack your mind if or not you want to use the nails.
2012-05-10DAVID BURCHFIELD JR: They would tarnish indoors but not as quick as outside. The wax may work but would probably need to be reapplied eventually. However a dab of automotive clear coat from one of those touch up brush from a bottle may last longer.
2012-05-07CRYSTAL MARTIN asked: what is the penny size and gage for. How do I know what penny size or gauge I need?
+Expand Answers
2012-05-07D BALINK: Penny size relates to the length of the nail(higher number, longer nail). Gauge relates to the diameter of the nail(lower number, thicker nail). Choose the size nail specific for your given application. Jamestown has a chart of 'tech specs' that translates gauge and penny size into inch measurements. Hope this helps.
2012-05-07MILLARD TRAMMELL: Crystal,
The penny size refers to the length of the nail less the thickness of the head. The gage is the diameter of the nail.
Knowing the proper size nail depends on what one is fastening together. The rule of thumb is that the nail length is 3 times the thickness of the material being affixed to the substrate gage is a function of nail length.
I could be more specific if I knew what you were doing.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Millard Trammell
2012-05-08WILLIAM VOSS: The size ( or gage) depends on what you want to build. I use them for. Making tools, not for nailing. Take them to a Home Depot, hardware store, or
Lumber yard nd compare with labeled sizes. Or ask the store to size or gage them. They will probably be happy to help. Sorry I cannot be more informative.
You might be able to find pictures on line with sizes listed.
2012-05-08EDWIN FULLER: penny size is the diameter of the shank(gauge) and length of the nail. The larger the penny size the thicker the wood
2012-05-08GARY MEARS: The size of a nail in regards to penny, is the length of the overall nail. As a general rule in construction a nail should be at least 1 1/2 times the thickness of what you are holding down. The gauge is the thickness of the nail. You would want a thicker nail as the sheer load on the fastener increases. Instead of gauge, nails are sometimes classified as common, sinker , or box. Think of this as common is the thickest, or strongest. Box nails are thinner, as for nailing together thin material in a wooden box. Sinkers fall generally in between as in an all around size. Use the thickest nail you can to do the job without fracturing the wood structure.
2012-04-05SID FRATKIN asked: Can copper nails kill the roots of large trees?
+Expand Answers
2012-04-06RUSSELL ALLEN: I don't believe so...I know iron nails will over time, bu to my knowledge, copper won't.
2012-03-14A shopper asked: Are these nails Copper or Copper Plated?
+Expand Answers
2012-03-15Ryan L: These are copper.
2012-01-14PERRY JENNINGS asked: I life on the beach in NC and I am building an outdoor pergola out of western red cedar. I would like to use copper nails (instead of stainless steel) on all the finish trim. Is this a good choice?
+Expand Answers
2012-01-17JEFF MAKHOLM: Copper and stainless steel nails will outlast both the wood you're using and you, yourself. But the copper will discolor in a salt-air environment, making either green spot on your white paint or black spots on unpainted wood. Copper nails are popular because they're soft (in boatbuilding for traditional planking, where rivets are hand-hammered) or hidden (on slate roofs, where those throwback building materials go well together). If you're worried about corrosion, I'd stick to stainless steel on buildings. Good luck.
2012-01-17RUSSELL ALLEN: They would work just fine, actually they would blend in nicely with the western red cedar, better than SS !
2012-01-17JOHN WITHERSPOON: Overtime they will tarnish and likely stain your trim. Depends on the look you are going for. Also copper is a lot softer material than stainless steel and will bend a lot easier.
2012-01-20MICHAEL ANDERSON: I have not used them this way but it should be fine. Also i have not use cotton nail in a salt inverement so I think you would want some type of coating over them like paint. Also keep in mind that these nails should be used for any thing that will have a load on them, I do not know what the shear of these nails are but I do not think they are as strong as stanless. I hope this help and good luck with your project.
2012-01-27WILLIAM GARDNER: Copper nails are commonly used in the boatbuilding trades and while they will last a very long time, they are not particularly strong. For your application I would use stainless steel.
2011-12-16JUANITA RUCKER asked: will your copper nails kill a tree?
+Expand Answers
2011-12-16RUSSELL ALLEN: I don't believe so...I know iron nails can...
2011-12-16WILLIAM GARDNER: No, the tree will eventually grow around the nail.
2011-12-16JUHANI PALONIEMI: If the tree is part of a boat, the copper nails won't harm it... :-)
2011-12-16ROBERT L JUNGAS: It is extremely unlikely, as small amounts of copper are actually required by certain enzymes in the tree. The only time I have heard of anyone killing a tree by using copper nails, they used a large number of nails completely girding the tree with nails only an inch or so apart. That may have caused so much mechanical damage that the tree was compromised quite apart from the use of copper! So a few nails copper nails will not be a problem.
2011-12-17JACQUELINE MCREE: Yes, copper nails do kill trees. Put the nails around the base of the tree.
Thanks
Jacqueline
2012-06-12Jun I: Yes, copper nails will kill a tree for sure but it's not going to happem right away. It will take months. Put big nails around the base of the tree about 1 1/2 to 2 inch apart. Water the base regularly so the nails can release the chemical in them that will eventually kill the tree. You can use copper pipes too. Just drill a hole around the base and hammer the pipes inside the holes. Please do not do this to your nieghbor's tree, just because the tree is bothering you. That is illegal!
2011-12-05DONNA BARNES asked: Can I buy copper nails in smaller quanties...like 5 lbs ? Or do I have to buy a whole box
+Expand Answers
2011-12-05Ryan L: Most of them you can buy by the pound. Certain ones are special ordered and are only available in 50lb quantities. They will be noted.
2011-11-29GARY MEISNER asked: Do you carry #18 by 1/4 length ?
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
Copper Nails combined with copper roves make great rivets when joining two pieces of wood for outdoor use. Makes a decorative and weather resistant joint. I used them when building outdoor benches of Alaskan Yellow Cedar attaching both the seat and back rail parts.
Primary use:
Personal
5/27/2010
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
Good quality nails
By NCmountainman
from Cashiers, NC
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Durable
Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
Home
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
I was worried that these nails would bend too easily when driven into hard material, but they held up very well under my pounding.
Primary use:
Personal
5/18/2010
(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
4.0
copper nails
By JSK
from oHIo
Pros
Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
Killing Mulberry trees
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
cut down the trees and hammered the nails in and now the trees are dead or dieing.
Primary use:
Personal
3/13/2010
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Hobby use
By LAWALTERS
from New Mexico
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Exactly what I needed
Cons
Best Uses
Home
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
I was very pleased with the handling of my order. I was concerned about ordering a small quantity, no need to worry! Excellent customer service.
2/23/2010
5.0
used for installing wood paneling
By charliesboatworks
from frenchboro maine
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Easy To Install
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
looks good on my walls with pine
Primary use:
Personal
12/12/2009
5.0
great price hard to find in this area
By dirty plumber
from decatur illinois
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Durable
Great Fit
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
very good tensil strenght and a lot stronger than twisted copper wire for flint knapping
Primary use:
Personal
11/2/2009
5.0
Finally found a distributor
By Dave
from Monroeville, NJ
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
I used these nails for attaching lead pad weights to hand-carved decoys. Worked great and are perfect length.
Primary use:
Personal
8/3/2009
5.0
GREAT NAILS
By GLEN
from JAY, ME
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
I USED 4D COPPER NAILS TO INSTALL A COPPER CEILING. [...]
Primary use:
Personal
4/12/2009
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Works as promised
By Tom
from Largo, FL
About Me Tech Savvy
Pros
Durable
Easy To Install
Sharp and strong
Cons
Best Uses
Artwork
Comments about Jamestown Distributors Copper Common Nails:
Price Match Promise:
If you find a lower delivered price on a new identical item in stock and available for purchase from an authorized U.S. merchant.
- email us at pricematch@jamestowndistributors.com. This offer does not include special coupons or other promotional offers.
Special order items are not stocked and are ordered direct from the manufacturer. They are non-returnable, may take 2-4 weeks, price and shipping charges subject to change.
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