Lost head nails, also known as cut nails, are an old style of nail that was commonly used before modern wire nails became prevalent. They get their name from the fact that the head is not formed on the nail but rather “lost” when the nail is driven into the wood.
What are lost head nails?
Lost head nails are cut from a sheet of iron or steel and have a rectangular shank. The tip is cut at an angle to form a point. When the nail is driven into wood, the head is “lost” as it is driven below the surface. The only part visible is the shank. This allows the nail to sit flush with the wood.
Originally, lost head nails were made by hand by a blacksmith or nailor. The nailor would cut each nail individually from an iron rod using a chisel on an anvil. Later, machines were developed that allowed the nails to be mass produced from sheets of metal.
Here are some key features of lost head nails:
- Made from iron or steel
- Rectangular shank
- Angled tip to form point
- Head is cut off when driven into wood
- Sits flush with the surface
When were lost head nails used?
Lost head nails were the predominant type of nail used from colonial times through the 19th century. Blacksmiths made them by hand until the early 1800s when nail-making machines were invented. They remained popular until the development of wire nails in the late 1800s.
Here is a timeline of when lost head nails were commonly used:
- 1700s to early 1800s – Hand forged by blacksmiths and nailors
- Early 1800s – Cut by machines from iron sheets
- 1800s to late 1800s – Mass produced and widely used
- Late 1800s – wire nails introduced and gained popularity
- 1900s – Wire nails mostly replaced lost head nails
So for over 100 years, from colonial American times through the Victorian era, lost head nails were the predominate fastener used for woodworking and construction.
Why were lost head nails so common?
There are several reasons why lost head nails were used so widely during the 18th and 19th centuries:
- They were relatively cheap and easy to make in large quantities.
- The nails held well in wood when clinched over.
- Their flat shanks provided a greater surface area.
- The lost heads allowed the nails to sit flush with the wood surface.
- They were used for both rough work and finish work.
- They pre-dated industrial manufacture of wire nails.
When used properly, such as in furniture joined with clinched nails, lost head nails made strong and long-lasting joints. The nails were clinched or bent over on the backside of the joint.
Compared to rare and expensive square nails, lost head nails were cheap and abundant. Blacksmiths could make them quickly by hand. And later, factories could stamp them out of iron mechanically by the hundred.
So lost head nails dominated the market because they were economical, held well, and could be mass produced. No other nail type could compete on price or scale of production until wire nails came along in the late 1800s.
How are lost head nails used in woodworking?
Lost head nails have several advantages for traditional woodworking:
- Their rectangular shanks grip better in wood.
- They can be clinched or bent over to make very strong joints.
- The lost heads allow a clean, flush finish.
- They hold well in end grain compared to smooth wire nails.
- The points are angled to aid driving in hard woods.
- They have decorative appeal and historical authenticity.
Some of the common woodworking applications for lost head nails include:
- Furniture joinery – Used for joining chair rails, assembling table frames, attaching tabletops, and securing molding and trim.
- Wooden crates and boxes – Excellent for assembling sturdy crates, boxes, and shipping containers.
- Pallet construction – Used to build wood pallets due to their holding power.
- Wood flooring – Can be used to install solid wood flooring planks.
- Trim and molding – Attaching decorative trim without visible nail heads.
- Gate and fence construction – Hold fence boards firmly to rails and posts.
Overall, lost head nails are valued in woodworking where a strong, long-lasting, and attractive fastening is needed. Many woodworkers still use them today for restoration work or historically accurate reproductions.
Are lost head nails still made today?
Lost head nails are still manufactured today, primarily for restoration, preservation, and historical reproduction purposes. Here are some points on modern lost head nails:
- They are cut from sheets of steel, not forged.
- Machines duplicate the rectangular shank and angled tip.
- They are made in standard sizes commonly used historically.
- Some manufacturers still produce them from wrought iron.
- Galvanization and stainless steel coats are options for corrosion protection.
- They are more expensive than wire nails.
Major brands that make lost head nails today include:
- Tremont Nail Company
- Americana Rustics
- Cerini Coffee & Nail Co.
- Epoch Everlasting Eyebrows
- Rollex Corporation
- Tree Island Steel
These companies offer lost head nails for sale via online retailers or hardware stores. Woodworkers, carpenters, and preservation contractors are the primary market buying them today.
So while no longer used at the scale they once were, lost head nails are still available for heritage work or decorative purposes. Specialty manufacturing keeps this historic fastener around even in modern times.
Conclusion
Lost head nails were the predominant fastener for woodworking and construction from the 1700s through most of the 1800s. They offered an affordable and effective way to assemble wooden objects before the advent of wire nails. Today, lost head nails are still valued for their holding power, decorative appearance, and historical accuracy. Even with modern fasteners available, this traditional nail remains useful for restoration work, sturdy crate building, or reproduction furniture projects.