What are cut clasp nails used for?
Heavy-grip fixing of timber to timber, and to soft blockwork or mortar joints, plus traditional floor and period joinery. The tapered rectangular shape grips far harder than a round wire nail.
Can you nail into blockwork or mortar with cut clasp nails?
Yes, into soft blockwork and raked mortar joints. The blunt tapered point crushes its way in and grips. For hard brick or concrete, use a masonry nail or a plug and screw instead.
Why are cut clasp nails rectangular?
They are cut from steel plate rather than drawn from wire, so the shank is a tapered rectangle. That shape wedges against the timber fibres and gives the extra holding power.
Do cut clasp nails split wood?
Less than you might expect, because the blunt point crushes rather than wedges the fibres apart. Near an end or edge, or in hardwood, a pilot hole still helps.