Yep, The plastic Nail

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Maybe this should be posted on the Believe It Or Not show. ha. ha.


In our technical age, many standard construction products have been improved, updated, and enhanced, and the nail is no exception.

Manufacturers have developed plastic composite nails that can be substituted for traditional metal nails for non-structural uses.

They are made from an ultra high-strength plastic composite that does not corrode, rust, or stain wood surfaces when exposed to the weather or harsh environments.

The manufacturer claims the fasteners have greater withdrawal resistance than metal nails and are compatible with some existing pneumatic fastening tools.

The polymer products are ideal for softwood, most plastic, and some aluminum and hardwood applications. They were designed for specialty markets including boat building, casket manufacturing, containers, construction, lumber mills, patio and garden, and woodworking.

The withdrawal resistance of the plastic composite nail is about double that of cement-coated metal nails of the same size and type. As the plastic nail is driven, heat developed by friction softens the shank and causes it to fuse to the wood fibers.

Because its shear strength (resistance force perpendicular to the nail) is about half that of an equivalent metal nail, it is not used in structural walls and floors where shear strength is key to a fastener's performance. However, laboratory results have shown the plastic composite nail's tensile strength, or ability to resist stress in the direction of the nail, is twice that of a metal nail.

Plastic nails do not need to be removed when cutting or shaping wood because they will not damage the cutting tool.

Their resistance to corrosion makes them useful for cedar, redwood, and other wood exterior finishes where stainless or copper nails are specified.
The plastic composite nails are available in colors to match wood tones, and are paintable and stainable. These fasteners are available as finish nails, staples, and brads in various diameters and in lengths ranging from ¼ to 2¼ inches.

I wonder how often we will see this used by homeowners in the wrong places? ha. ha.

Marcel

[mnahrgang]

Seems cool. I wonder how hard it would be to recognize them if they were used in the wrong application. Especially if they have been painted over.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

Seems cool. I wonder how hard it would be to recognize them if they were used in the wrong application. Especially if they have been painted over.

Good question Mark, and the only thing that comes to mind is a magnet.

Marcel

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

Seems cool. I wonder how hard it would be to recognize them if they were used in the wrong application. Especially if they have been painted over.

Magnet for most applications as steel/iron fasteners are used for framing purposes

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

I can not see them being driven via a hammer are they pneumatic driven .
I think you could tell the diference if you took an drove an awl into it
...Cookie

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Hey, Roy;

From this statement in the article, As the plastic nail is driven, heat developed by friction softens the shank and causes it to fuse to the wood fibers.

I would have to say that it is installed with some sort of pneumatic tool.

Haven't found it yet. ha. ha.

Marcel


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[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Hey, Roy;

From this statement in the article, As the plastic nail is driven, heat developed by friction softens the shank and causes it to fuse to the wood fibers.

I would have to say that it is installed with some sort of pneumatic tool.

Haven't found it yet. ha. ha.

Marcel


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Yes we where correct air required .
Cookie

Installation
The list of recommended tools for composite nails are provided in the manufacturer's catalog, and the manufacturer also provides detailed instructions from proper loading of the magazine to tool operation. Because composite fasteners cannot be driven with a hammer, compatible nailing guns must be used, and a special nail gun is required for hardwoods. A compressed air system capable of producing air pressure of 90-100 pounds per square inch (psi) is required for the nails. Although pneumatics work for the staples as well, compression tackers and hammertackers can also be used.
The tool must be held firmly and steadily on the fastening surface before pulling the trigger. It is important that the user not let the nailer bounce off the surface or move laterally during firing. Composite nails are less forgiving of operator error than their metal nail counterparts. They are also much sharper than metal nails -- do not run your finger along the tips of these nails!