Overheard a guy at the lumber yard say he always uses a 3-inch nail for the top rail on chain link

He said it sinks in just right and never pulls out, even in high wind. I tried it on a job in Springfield last week and it was way faster than the staples I was using. Anyone else have a go-to fastener trick like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

dylan4132mo agoTop Commenter

Totally stealing that idea. I switched to using deck screws for fence pickets instead of nails, way less splitting when you hit a knot.

bethcarr2mo ago

Wait you were using nails before? I mean I get it for the frame but for every single picket that sounds like a nightmare. The splitting must have been so bad, I can't even imagine hitting a knot with a nail gun on something that thin. Screws are way more forgiving, you can even back them out a little if you see it start to crack. Honestly shocked anyone still nails pickets on, that's a ton of extra work for a worse result.

the_lucas1mo ago

Stealing a fence tip from someone. That's a bold move for a Saturday. Next you'll be telling me you pre-drill your holes and don't just use the force of a cordless drill as a lifestyle choice. My neighbor still nails his pickets on with a hammer and a prayer. He's got a nice rhythm going where every third swing is just him staring at a splintered board and sighing. Makes me feel better about my own questionable DIY decisions.