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		Hand Drills


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		Miter Box


		Nails


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		Screwdrivers


		Snips


		Squares


		Utility Knives


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Nails

Every do-it-yourselfer knows that to do the job right you need the right tools. And that rule applies to the nails you use as well. There's a huge difference in nails; each kind having its own specialty. And the shank of the nail (the part that's driven into the wood) determines its holding power. Here's a quick lesson on nails.

The basic plain shanked nail is fine to use if it won't be holding much in place, (i.e. when building a bird feeder or doll rack).
For a bit more staying power use Barbed nails that have horizontal or herringbone indents on the shank.
On tougher jobs you'll need a threaded nail for maximum holding power. There are three kinds of threaded nails and the one you chose depends on the materials in play.
For softwoods, such as plywood or underlayment, or studding, drywall and more, you'd use Annular (or ring shank) threaded nails. These nails separate the wood fibers that lock into the rings to resist removal.
For hardwoods, such as flooring, siding and rafters, use Spiral threaded (or screw) nails that turn as they are driven into the wood.
For masonry and mortar use a Knurled thread nail that have vertical threads to cut the masonry and minimize cracking.