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Ask Dr. Steel: “What Are Stainless Steel Rink Shank Nails?”
Recently here at Stainless Steel HQ we came across an article that appeared in the Tampa Tribune about a study done by researchers at Florida International University on using stainless steel rink shank nails . Their study showed that by using stainless steel rink shank nails versus smooth rink shanks nails roofing could withstand winds up to 145mph without damage. This research into the power of stainless steel rink shank nails is changing roofing construction in hurricane-prone areas all along the coast. After this article appeared, a reader wrote in asking us wanting to know just what exactly a stainless steel rink shank nail is.
A stainless steel rink shank nail is a nail that instead of having a smooth shank has a series of concentric circles (rinks) that go the entire length of the nail. These rinks give the nail the same gripping power as a screw. A typical stainless steel rink shank nail can has a bonding power between 50 to 100 percent more than when compared to regular smooth nails.
Besides the obvious benefits, such as using them to secure roofing in high wind areas, they can be used in a wide variety of applications where you want the finished product to stay together despite heavy use. Decking benefits from using a stainless steel rink shank nail to keep boards secured to the joists below for a deck that will last twice as long as one put together with regular smooth nails. The same goes for fencing and stairs assembled with the rink shank nails.
It is nearly impossible to remove a stainless rink shank nail once it is driven in. Even a claw grip cannot pull it loose from its position. While this has many benefits it can prove problematic for some applications. Before deciding to use a rink shank nail you should understand that where the nail ends up at is where it will stay. This is one area where mistakes become a permanent part of the project. For example, if you were using stainless rink shank nails for your backyard deck you should realize that once the plank is installed that if you ever wanted to go back and remove a nail for any reason you would have to pull up the entire plank and reinstall using a new one.
Combined with the power of stainless steel, a rink shank nail is truly built to last well beyond a standard lifetime. The anti-corrosive properties of stainless steel nails combined with the superior staying power of rink shank nails mean that long after you are gone the nail will still be holding strong and firm in place.
Stainless steel rink shank nails are best suited for use with a nail gun due to their design. The rinks along the length of the nail make it a laborious task to try and drive these types of nails in by hand. Sure, you can try, but after you drive in about 2 or 3 you'll be heading out to buy a nail gun – I guarantee it!
If you have a project where you think the wood will undergo rigorous use, or it could be exposed to high winds, stainless steel rink shank nails are your best bet to keep everything in place. Though they tend to be costlier than standard smooth nails their added strength benefit will far outweigh the cost the first time you find your neighbors shingles in your yard and your own still firmly attached to your house.