How to choose the right size nail

Choosing the right size nail to work with your material and product can make a difference in its holding power. When nailing directly on the base material without previous holes, the size of the nail chosen is often dependent on the type of material you will be nailing into.

1. Introducing our collated nail range

XHA premium nails

Premium collated steel nails, designed for use in hard materials such as concrete and steel, as well as softer materials. 

Approvals

Available lengths (mm)

15, 17, 22*, 27*, 32*, 38*
*ETA-approved sizes

Shank/Core diameter (mm)

3

Tip shape

Ballistic

TKA nails

Premium collated steel nails, designed for use in hard materials such as concrete and steel, as well as softer materials. 

Approvals

Available lengths (mm)

15, 19, 25, 30, 40

Shank/Core diameter (mm)

2.7

Tip shape

Conical

For use with the FORCE ONE we recommend using the XHA premium nails:

Ballistic shaped tip

The shape of the tip allows for easy penetration into the material and allows greater ease when shooting into hard materials

Serrations

The serrated surface of the nail improves grip on hard materials such as concrete and steel. 

Ballistic shaped tip

The shape of the tip allows for easy penetration into the material and allows greater ease when shooting into hard materials

Serrations

The serrated surface of the nail improves grip on hard materials such as concrete and steel. 

The XHA comes in collated strips of 10 nails. Each box of nails includes one high-performance gas cartridge for setting at least 800 nails when installing with the FORCE ONE, so you can start using them immediately!

2. Typical applications

The nails are typically used in applications using a gas nailer where multiple fixing points are required. Because the nails come in a variety of lengths the areas of application are very versatile. 

Typical applications: 

- Electrical Installations
- HVAC Sector 
- Drywall construction
- Façades
- Tunnel construction
- Motorways
- Electrical clamps
- Metal clips
- Metal profiles 
- Cable clamps
- Electrical cables
- Pipes

3. What material for each size nail

XHA usage guide based on the underground material

The length of the nail is dependent on the base material. The harder the base material, the shorter the nail should be, to help avoid bending, damaging the integrity of the nail. 

Steel

Recommended:
XHA 15mm

Concrete > C 25/30

Recommended:
XHA 17mm

Concrete 20/25

Recommended:
XHA 22mm
TKA 19mm & 25mm

Concrete block

Recommended:
XHA 27mm & 32mm
TKA 25mm & 30mm

Solid brick

Recommended:
TKA 22mm & 27mm
TKA 19mm & 25mm

Wood

Recommended:
XHA 38mm
TKA 40mm

Steel

Recommended: XHA 15mm

Concrete > C 25/30

Recommended: XHA 17mm

Concrete 20/25

Recommended: XHA 22mm, TKA 19mm, TKA 25mm

Concrete block

Solid brick

Wood

Recommended: XHA 38mm, TKA 40mm

4. Pre-nailing drill bit SDS Plus

The pre-nailing drill bit SDS Plus is a real problem solver for direct attachment using a gas nailer in hard concrete. It is easy to use and fits all rotary hammers thanks to its built in mount. 

  • Nearly 100% success rate: including in hard materials like concrete
  • Visually perfect: Does not chip the concrete, making it the perfect solution for visible installations
  • Time savings: Despite pre-drilling, the system allow much faster work progress compared to traditional methods, since the drill only creates a very small drill hole

5. Application videos

To help you choose and visualise installation applications, we have created this playlist of videos demonstrating which nails you should use with each material 

If you still have any questions about our XHA nails or any of our products then please do not hesitate to contact us