In engineering, carpentry, and construction, nails are pointed, hard metal (usually steel) used to fasten wood and other materials. Iron nails are a common type, characterized by a flat head at one end and a pointed head at the other, primarily used for fixing or connecting. Hammers are used to drive nails into objects, and electric nail guns and gas nail guns are also available. Nails secure objects by their own deformation, which allows them to hook onto the object, and by friction.
Nails come in various shapes due to their diverse uses. The most common type is called a "wire nail," and other common names include pins, thumbtacks, and swivel nails. Nails have a wide range of uses and are used in many situations.
