A pallet nail packaged in a coiled strip for pneumatic nail gun feeding.
Detailed Definition
Coil nails are joined side by side with thin wires or plastic strips and wound into a coil that loads into a coil nailer or an automatic nailing machine. Pallet shops use them because a coil holds many nails, which means fewer reloads than stick-collated strips. The collation does not change what the nail is; pallet coil nails still come in different lengths, diameters, head styles and shank types, such as helical (threaded) and annular ring. Nail quality is usually specified by size, shank and wire hardness, often tested with the MIBANT bend test referenced in pallet industry standards.
Coil versus stick collation in pallet work
Stick or strip nails are held in straight rows by paper, plastic or glue and fit strip nailers. Coil nails fit coil nailers and many automated pallet machines. Coil tools hold more fasteners per load, which suits high-volume building and repair, while strip tools can be lighter and slimmer. The choice is mostly about equipment and workflow. Whatever the collation, the tool and nail must be matched: collation angle, wire or plastic type, and nail diameter must be within the tool maker's range.
Specifying pallet nails
- Length suited to the combined thickness of the boards being joined, so the nail holds in the lower member
- Shank type: threaded or ring shanks resist withdrawal better than smooth shanks
- Wire diameter and hardness, which affect bending strength
- Head size and style, which affect pull-through resistance
- Finish, such as bright or galvanized, if pallets face moisture
A pallet's fastener pattern and nail quality strongly influence how well it holds together in service.
Common nailing defects
Overdriven nails cut into the board and reduce holding power, while underdriven nails leave heads standing proud that snag product and wrap. Nails driven too close to a board end can split it, and nails that miss the stringer or block below hold nothing. Regular spot checks of new and repaired pallets catch these problems early.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are coil nails weaker than individually driven nails?
No. Collation is only the packaging that feeds nails into a tool. A coil nail with the same length, diameter, shank and hardness performs like the same nail driven another way. What matters is the nail specification and correct driving: heads should sit flush, not overdriven into the board or left standing proud. Check air pressure and tool depth settings when nails are not seating properly.
What shank type is best for pallet nails?
Threaded shanks, such as helical or annular ring nails, are widely used in pallets because their deformed shanks grip the wood and resist withdrawal when the pallet flexes during handling. Smooth shank nails pull out more easily and are generally used only where withdrawal is not a concern. The best choice depends on the wood species, board thickness and the pallet design, so follow the pallet specification or design software output.