Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Dec 26, 2008 03:26am | #1

   I give up. What are clout nails?

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
1. 
   driftingcloud | Dec 26, 2008 03:50am | #2

   It's a nail used in scenery construction previous to the advent of the yankee screwdriver (and later pneumatic tools and cordless drills). It's a square nail, mine are about 1-1/2" long, and in scenery you'd drive it through a 1/4" ply scab, into a piece of 1x3 underneath, but with a steel plate on the very bottom which the nail would hit when it came through, the tip of the nail would be bent back into the 1x3 forming a kind of staple. A quick web search says this: "Useful for box and crate construction, and for the application of thin siding and paneling. Also used for furniture repair, cabinet work, batten doors and counter tops." I can't verify the truth to that, since web searches also pull up nails that look like roofing and shingle nails.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 27, 2008 03:09pm | #3

   Are they like the old nails used for old iron cabinet hinges?

   Maybe like the 'I call'  cut nails they used in Shaker style? No description was given for the shape of the head of the nails. Something like these?

   http://antiquesupply.com/products/HINGE_NAILS_10d_50_LB-586-162.html

   I would think a small steel hand made Die and a hammer could be used to shape the heads as required.

   Just a general question I had. I have no use for them but I get curious about thing I see posted. I 'sort of remember' the term Clout nails used in boat construction.

   Edited 12/27/2008 7:21 am by WillGeorge

2. 
   bigfootnampa | Dec 27, 2008 08:34pm | #4

   Here's what Tremont nail company says about them (and pictures):

   http://secure.tremontnail.com/cgi-bin/tremontnail/items?id=ZcdGAy76&mv_arg=36&mv_pc=21

1. 
   Shoemaker1 | Dec 27, 2008 08:59pm | #5

   Hi I believe the term is "cleanching" Nails. used in boat building and also shoe making.
   The nail would be driven and bent off to one side and ideally back on it's self. The boat builders used a dog or iron the shoe maker a metal "Last" or a wooden last with a bottom metal plate for new work. They look alot like the "shoemakers hand tacks" I use.

1. 
   bigfootnampa | Dec 28, 2008 11:02pm | #8

   Well Tremont also makes what they refer to as "clinch nails" apparently the clout nails are not specifically designed for clenching but as thin light nails are suitable for such treatment.

1. 
   dynamwebz | Dec 29, 2008 04:01am | #9

   I have been using similar nails to build boxes I sell. They look much more authentic than the brads I used originally.

   I would be happy to take some of your surplus. But I live in Providence RI. How much do you want for the nails and would you consider shipping?

   You can email me at [email protected]

   Thanks.

   Mike

   Edited 12/28/2008 8:02 pm ET by dynamwebz

3. 
   dennyk | Dec 29, 2008 02:59pm | #10

   Clout Nails

    

   I have used them and scores of others in the construction Industry in the UK, for fixing roofing felt onto any flat surface, ideal for the the job due to the large diameter heads.

   Over this side of the pond we can get them in various lenghts from 25mm to 40mm, they are usually galvanised to stopping them rusting, they were used many years ago for fixing the laths to studding for lath and plaster finish to interior walls.

   Hope this helps,

   Denny

   Edited 12/29/2008 7:02 am ET by dennyk

2. 
   chri7s | Dec 28, 2008 08:38am | #6

   Where are you located? It would help everyone to help you to find an outlet.

1. 
   driftingcloud | Dec 28, 2008 08:42am | #7

   I'm in Southern California in the Los Angeles area.