Suggestions on Concrete Nails

bobwemerMember

Does anyone have suggestions on what concrete nails to buy for measurement marks - i.e. brand, gauge, length, etc.? One post I browsed commented about, I believe, a "PK" on the head. I browsed in our Ace Hardware store this morning and saw nothing with any designation on the head. Before I buy a box I thought it might be wise to find out what works best.

Thanks,
Bob

2/28/111:52 PM

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AdminMember

Bob,

This is what I've used in the past.
http://www.engineersupply.com/...h.aspx?keyword=nails

I got the 1.5" x 0.25" size and they work well on asphalt. I don't think anything will go into concrete unless you drill a hole first.

2/28/114:24 PM

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bobwemerMember

Thanks for the info Mark.

Bob

2/28/114:49 PM

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duanerussellMeasurer

I also use this brand, but I use 1" x 5/32". Cheaper, and they seem to stay in the asphalt a long time. I have used masonry nails in the past, but they break if the asphalt is cold.

3/1/117:55 AM

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bobwemerMember

Thanks Duane,

Bob

3/1/112:12 PM

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jeffjohn 2Member

This thread may be old... but WOW - it has been helpful! My standard nail has been the big PK masonry 2 1/2" x 1/4" inch. I noticed that sometimes the pavement was so hard that my nails bent and broke and or went flying... It became a real problem at times.

I had not considered the obvious: The road material's density increases with falling temperatures such that at 32 deg F or below the big nail has real problems.

I just bought the nails Duane cited above, ChrisNik Mag Nail 1" x 5/32", and WOW! They sail right into the pavement on the formerly toughest of roads. These are now my "cold weather" nails.

Thanks to everyone for sharing these invaluable tips.

12/2/125:48 AM

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brandonwilsonMember

There is a store locally that sells surveyors equipment, it's where I go with questions like this, find one near you, it may be helpful for future reference.

They say "Old school PK" nails are on the way out" I find them sufficient. They can still be purchased most places if they have old stock. The new standard is the MAG nail, a little more rugged and has a larger magnetic signature, it's likely what you'll find mostly in-stock now. Eiter work fine, PK nail, if you can find them are a little cheaper.

12/3/126:57 AM

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nathanporchMember

I use a Ramset gun and load it with 1 1/2" nails. The nails are pre-loaded with a washer. I suggest the #4 load for blacktop and a #5 load for concrete. Yes, the .22 charge sounds like a gun. I co-measured the Baltimore Marathon with Lyman Jordan and there were some pretty seedy parts of town where it drew a little attention. If I'm ever shot in the line of duty, someone better have a 5K in my memory.

7/24/1512:27 PM

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pastmemberMember

Nathan and I learned to be proactive in alerting nearby residents to expect a gunshot sound before Nathan blasted his nail into the pavement. No hammering. A thing of beauty.

We were working in daylight. Probably not suitable for nighttime use in urban areas!

7/27/1612:34 PM

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nathanporchMember

Where's your sense of adventure Lyman?

8/8/168:02 AM

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garybrumleymember

New question on an old post: I bought the 1" x 5/32" MagNail per Duane's recommendation. Any suggestion on what size drill bit to pre-drill the hole with?

3/13/197:12 AM

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jackwerblerMember

I just bang away with a hammer into the asphalt. No pilot holes necessary. I suppose if it’s concrete you will need a pilot hole.

3/13/197:22 AM

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garybrumleymember

Correct Jack. I can get them in asphalt just fine, but need a pilot hole for the concrete. Is there a size of drill bit that is best for pounding it in but keeping it snug enough that it won't pop out?

3/13/197:41 AM

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oscarwagnerMember

For concrete, consider using a cold chisel and hammer to make a 1" long by 1/8" deep groove. Then paint the groove with red fingernail polish. I did a cal course that way last summer and it was still in fine shape last week after a winter of weather. You will want to add an "easy to see while riding" paint stripe.

Oscar

3/25/193:12 AM

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