Distinguish Penny Size from Nail Gauge or Type

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What happens here

This step clarifies a crucial aspect of nail sizing: the 'penny' size *only* indicates the nail's length and does not convey information about its gauge (thickness) or specific type (e.g., common, finishing, roofing, annular ring, etc.). This is visually illustrated by comparing a 5-penny common nail with a 5-penny finishing nail; both have the same length (1 3/4 inches), but the finishing nail is significantly thinner. The video explicitly states that this principle applies across various nail types, including sheathing nails, which can come in different gauges for the same penny size.

Goal: Understand that nail length (penny size) is independent of thickness (gauge) and type.

Tools and materials

5-penny common nail — Demonstrating a typical nail
5-penny finishing nail — Demonstrating a thinner nail of the same length
Sheathing nails — As another example of varied nail types within the same application
Wooden board with markings — Visual aid for nail sizes and lengths

What they say

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a 2 penny nail, and that's 1 in. Every consecutive nail, you add a quarter inch. So, if someone says he wants sheathing nailed with an 8 penny nail, that means you're going to do a 2 and 1/2 in nail. So, even though it's consistent, penny doesn't mean the gauge or the type of nail is the same. You see here, this is a 5 penny nail, but it's a finish nail. Nails come in different styles and gauge, but it's still the same penny. After a 10 penny nail, this is where it gets confusing for most people. When you jump to a 12 penny and a 16 penny, you still only add a quarter, but the numbers jump higher.

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