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Nail and screw size chart
Penny sizes for common nails with their lengths and diameters, the four finish nailer gauges and what each is used for, and drill sizes for wood screw clearance and pilot holes in hardwood and softwood.
Box and sinker nails of the same penny are thinner than common nails, and sinkers a bit shorter. Drill sizes are typical: test on a scrap first.
Verify with your local code and AHJ. Reference only, no warranty.
Penny size → length
| Length | Dia. | |
|---|---|---|
| 2d | 1″ | — |
| 3d | 1 1/4″ | — |
| 4d | 1 1/2″ | — |
| 5d | 1 3/4″ | — |
| 6d | 2″ | .113 |
| 7d | 2 1/4″ | — |
| 8d | 2 1/2″ | .131 |
| 9d | 2 3/4″ | — |
| 10d | 3″ | .148 |
| 12d | 3 1/4″ | .148 |
| 16d | 3 1/2″ | .162 |
| 20d | 4″ | .192 |
| 30d | 4 1/2″ | — |
| 40d | 5″ | — |
| 50d | 5 1/2″ | — |
| 60d | 6″ | — |
Common nails. Box and sinker nails of the same penny are thinner, sinkers a bit shorter.
Finish nailer gauges
| Dia. | |
|---|---|
| 15 ga — Jambs, casing, base | .072″ |
| 16 ga — Base, casing, crown | .0625″ |
| 18 ga — Small trim, stops | .0475″ |
| 23 ga — Pins, delicate trim | .025″ |
Wood screw holes
| Clearance | Pilot, hard | Pilot, soft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | 1/8 | 1/16 | 3/64 |
| #6 | 9/64 | 5/64 | 1/16 |
| #8 | 11/64 | 3/32 | 5/64 |
| #10 | 3/16 | 7/64 | 3/32 |
| #12 | 7/32 | 1/8 | 7/64 |
| #14 | 1/4 | 9/64 | 1/8 |
Typical drill sizes, inches. Test on a scrap first.
Open this sheet in the toolkitQuestions
How long is a 16d nail?
3 1/2″ for a common nail, .162″ in diameter.
How long is an 8d nail?
An 8d common nail is 2 1/2″ long and .131″ in diameter.
What does the d in nail sizes mean?
It stands for penny, an old English unit. Higher penny means a longer nail; it is a name, not a measurement.
What pilot hole for a #8 screw?
Typically 3/32″ in hardwood and 5/64″ in softwood, with a 11/64″ clearance hole.