What are oval nails used for?
Second-fix joinery such as skirting, architrave and mouldings, where you want a nail that sits flush and does not split the timber.
How do you stop oval nails splitting the wood?
Line the oval up with the grain, not across it. Driven that way the nail parts the fibres rather than levering them apart, which is the whole point of the oval shape.
What is the difference between oval and round nails?
The oval shank splits timber less and the smaller head finishes neater, so ovals suit trim and joinery. Round wire nails give more head bearing for framing and rough work.
Can you punch oval nails below the surface?
Yes. The small head takes a nail punch cleanly, so you can set it below the surface and fill over it for an invisible fixing.