Find HS Code and trade information for starting nail

Starting Nail

A starting nail, also known as a pilot nail or guide nail, is a type of fastener used in woodworking and construction to initiate and guide the insertion of larger nails or screws, particularly when working with hard or dense woods, or when precise placement is required.

Material

Starting nails are typically made from:

• Steel: The most common material, offering strength and affordability. Often case-hardened for increased durability.
• Brass: Used in applications where corrosion resistance is important, or when a decorative finish is desired.
• Aluminum: Employed in lightweight applications, particularly where compatibility with aluminum materials is needed.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a starting nail is to:

• Prevent Splitting: When driving fasteners into hardwoods, the wood can easily split. A smaller pilot nail creates a channel, reducing the risk of cracking.
• Guide Insertion: Helps to accurately start larger nails or screws, especially in tight spaces or at angles.
• Facilitate Alignment: Ensures correct alignment of subsequent fasteners, maintaining structural integrity.

Function

A starting nail functions by:

1. Initial Penetration: A small nail is driven into the wood at the desired location and angle.
2. Channel Creation: The nail creates a pilot hole, reducing wood resistance.
3. Guiding Subsequent Fasteners: The initial nail acts as a guide for the larger nail or screw, ensuring it follows the correct path.
4. Removal (Optional): The starting nail can be left in place if it doesn't interfere with the final structure, or it can be removed after the larger fastener is secured.

Usage Scenarios

• Hardwood Joinery: Essential when joining hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut.
• Tight Spaces: Useful when fasteners need to be driven close to edges or corners.
• Angled Fastening: Helps to drive fasteners at precise angles, such as in framing or trim work.
• Construction Framing: Used to start nails in dense framing lumber, reducing the chance of bending or damaging the wood.
• Furniture Making: Common in furniture construction where precision and aesthetics are important.

Common Types

• Cut Nails: Traditional, square-shanked nails often used in older construction.
• Common Nails: Round-headed nails suitable for general-purpose use.
• Finishing Nails: Small, slender nails with a small head, often used for trim and molding.
• Brad Nails: Very small, thin nails used with a nail gun for delicate work.
• Screw Nails: Nails with a screw-like thread for increased holding power.

Nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples, and similar articles are categorized under several HS codes depending on their material, construction, and intended use. Here's a breakdown of relevant classifications:

• 7317005519: This code covers nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, and staples made of iron or steel, excluding those under heading 8305. Specifically, these articles are of one-piece construction, made of round wire, with a length of less than 25.4 mm and a diameter of less than 1.65 mm. The total tax rate is 80.0%, comprising a 0.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff applicable after April 2, 2025, plus a 25% additional tariff for steel and aluminum products.
• 7317005560: This HS code also applies to nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, and staples of iron or steel (excluding heading 8305), of one-piece construction. However, these are not coated, plated, or painted. The tax rate is also 80.0%, with the same breakdown as 7317005519 (0.0% base, 25.0% additional, 30.0% additional after April 2, 2025, and 25% for steel/aluminum).
• 7415100000: This code covers nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples, and similar articles made of copper or iron or steel with heads of copper. The total tax rate is 57.5%, consisting of a 2.5% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025.
• 7415390000: This HS code applies to other threaded articles (not specifically nails, but related) made of copper or iron or steel. The total tax rate is 58.0%, with a 3.0% base tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff after April 2, 2025.

It is important to note the distinction based on whether the articles have copper heads, as this significantly impacts the applicable HS code and tax rate.