Fastener Facts and Tool Topics

Simple Solutions to Complex Carpentry Finishing

Written by Brett McCutcheon | Feb 24, 2018 6:06:00 PM

Ask any seasoned carpenter with an appreciation for their craft, and they will tell you that there is an art to carpentry finishing.  It requires a great eye for detail and specific skills that have been honed over years of project work.  Once a reputation for remarkable work and craftsmanship has been established, an experienced finish carpenter can be in high demand.  Knowing which tools and materials to use to achieve a perfectly completed look is an integral part of this master craftsman’s skillset.

With several fastener options on the market, a good carpenter should be very knowledgeable about the choices that are right for the job.  For instance, the use of stainless steel as a construction material is relatively new.  Those 'in-the-know' are beginning to use stainless steel fasteners to achieve a flawless finished look.  These fasteners, including both nails and staples, offer the combined advantages of durability and strength, even in extreme temperatures. 

This is especially important when jobs are exposed to the elements, such as a deck or finished outdoor living space.  When constructing and planning an outdoor project like this, design is important, but so is the quality of the materials that are specified so it can withstand the abuse of harsh weather over many years. The goal is to achieve that perfect lasting result, without compromising quality or durability. 

The experienced craftsman will consider all aspects of the job; the design, the structure, the best wood, paint or stain, and even the type of tools and fasteners to use. For instance, he might consider using stainless steel staples for a roofing project instead of nails.  Stainless steel fasteners that combine the time-saving benefit of nails with the holding power of screws might also be a wise choice, like those in the versatile SCRAIL® family of products.  These fasteners can contribute to achieving a stunning finished look for a project in shorter time, while guaranteeing it lasts.

When it comes to indoor carpentry finishing, a wide variety of materials might be used, including finished wood, plastic trim, and molded polyurethane.  Beautiful cabinetry, crown molding, stairs, and even mantel embellishments require finesse and precision.  Working with the right tools and fasteners is essential on these types of projects.  23-gauge ultra-fine fasteners are commonly used to hold glued materials in place, removing the entire production step of clamping.  Overlays and decorative moldings are additional examples of applications that benefit from the use of micro fasteners.  There are also mini SCRAIL® fasteners that can not only be driven faster with a pneumatic tool versus manual bulk screws or nails, they can also be backed out, so adjustments can be made without damage, saving costly rework.

With a wide variety of sizes and finishes, SCRAIL® FASTENERS can provide superior results across a wide variety of both indoor and outdoor applications. SCRAIL® fasteners are made from austenitic grade stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance, plus they offer added strength without added weight.  In outdoor applications, stainless steel staples, brads/finish nails, nails, or combination fasteners offered by FASCO® A BECK BRAND, which prevents staining and streaking that could necessitate re-painting or re-staining. They are resistant to heat transfer and corrosion, extending the life span of your project. 

The SCRAIL® FASTENERS provide an excellent array of choices for any finished carpentry project.