Fixings, Adhesives and Fittings: notes

Nails and screws

• Round wire nail: for rough, strong work such as framing. Oval nail: splits timber less. Panel pin: thin, for light work and mouldings. Clout nail: wide head, for roofing felt.
• Screws: hold better than nails and can be taken out. A countersunk screw sits level with the surface. A round head screw sits on top, often with a washer.
• Fitting a screw: drill a clearance hole in the top piece and a smaller pilot hole in the lower piece. Countersink for a flush head.
• Slot and cross head: a cross head drives more easily and slips less.
• Bolts and nuts: used where parts need to be taken apart and tightened.

Adhesives

• PVA (polyvinyl acetate): white, ready to use, good for general joinery indoors. Not waterproof.
• Animal glue: heated in a glue pot; an old traditional glue.
• Contact adhesive: spread on both surfaces; it grips on touching. Used to fix laminate to board.
• Epoxy resin: two parts mixed; strong and waterproof.
• Clamping: a joint needs even pressure while the glue sets. Use cramps and scrap blocks to protect the surface.

Fittings

• Butt hinge: the common hinge for doors. Tee hinge: for gates and shed doors.
• Catches and locks: keep doors shut. Drawer runners: let drawers slide easily.