How do I choose the right nail or screw size?

The selection of the appropriate nail or screw size depends on several factors, including the material you want to join and its thickness, as well as the type of load the connection must withstand.

First, you should consider the material:

• Stone, concrete, metal: Special wall plug and screw systems are used here. The length of the screw should be at least twice the length of the wall plug.
• Wood: For wood, the rule is that the length of the screw or nail should be at least three times the thickness of the thinnest material.

Also note the type of load acting on the connection:

• Shear load (tensile forces): Longer screws or nails offer better durability here than shorter ones. The screw heads should also be large enough to support the material.
• Compressive load: The thickness of the nail or screw is more important here than the length. A thicker screw or a thicker nail offers more resistance to compressive forces.

When selecting the appropriate nail or screw size, it is important to always keep the specific project and its requirements in mind.