Choosing the Right FirmaHold Nails for Your Nail Gun: Sizes, Finishes, and Fixing Tips
On July 10, 2025
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FirmaHold Clipped Head Nails: Sizes, Finishes, and Tips
Whether you're framing a house, building a fence, or fitting roofing timbers, choosing the correct nail is critical.
FirmaHold collated clipped head nails are a top choice for professional tradesmen thanks to their strength, reliability, and versatility. Available in 50mm, 63mm, 75mm and 90mm lengths, these nails pair with first-fix nail guns and are ideal for heavy-duty construction work. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the right FirmaHold nails for your job, walk you through nail gun use and care, and explain the finishes and shank types that make all the difference.Choosing the Right Size for the Job
Each length of FirmaHold clipped head nail is designed for specific applications:
- 50mm nails – Ideal for thinner timber sections or where shorter penetration is needed (e.g., fencing panels, laths).
- 63mm nails – A versatile mid-range option, suitable for stud work and roofing battens.
- 75mm nails – Perfect for heavier framing tasks, such as floor joists and wall plates.
- 90mm nails – Best for structural work where strong, deep fixing is needed—ideal for framing, roof trusses, and timber frames.
As a rule of thumb, your nail should be around 2.5x the thickness of the material being fixed.
Nail Finishes Explained
Understanding nail finishes helps ensure long-term durability, especially in outdoor or high-humidity environments:
- Bright – Uncoated finish, suitable for dry indoor applications. Conforms to Eurocode 5 and service class 1.
- FirmaGalv – Electro-galvanised coating for light corrosion resistance, suitable for indoor use. Conforms to Eurocode 5 and service class 1.
- FirmaGalv+ – Enhanced electro-galvanised finish with a minimum 12-micron zinc layer. Suitable for indoor and covered outdoor applications. Conforms to Eurocode 5 and service class 1 & 2.
- Hot Dipped Galvanised (HDG) – Heavy-duty zinc coating for improved corrosion resistance. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Conforms to Eurocode 5 and service class 1, 2 & 3.
- A2 Austenitic Stainless Steel – Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ideal for use in corrosive environments or with materials such as green oak and treated timber. Suitable for external applications. Conforms to Eurocode 5 and service class 3.
Shank Types and Their Purpose
Choosing the right shank design affects holding power:
- Smooth Shank – Easier to drive, used for temporary or lower-holding applications.
- Ring Shank – Offers extra grip in timber, ideal for structural or long-term fixings.
- Part Ring Shank – A hybrid available in FirmaGalv+ nails only. Ringed on the lower half for holding power, with a smooth upper portion for reduced splitting.
Advantages of Using FirmaHold Nails
- Fast application – Compatible with most clipped-head first fix nail guns.
- Clean finish – T head design for a neat, flush fit.
- Fuel cells included – Many of our packs include fuel so there is no need to buy separately.
- Available in bulk – Perfect for high-volume projects.
Step-by-Step: Loading FirmaHold Nails into Your Nail Gun
- Disconnect power – Always remove the battery or air supply.
- Open the magazine – Locate and slide the magazine open.
- Load the nails – Insert your strip of FirmaHold nails in the correct orientation.
- Insert the fuel cell – If your gun uses a gas cell, slot it into place securely.
- Close the magazine – Ensure it clicks shut.
- Reconnect power – Test on scrap timber before beginning your task.
Safety Tips for Nail Gun Use
- Always wear eye protection and gloves.
- Keep your fingers away from the trigger when loading.
- Only fire when the nose is pressed against the surface.
- Never aim the gun at yourself or others.
- Store nail guns securely when not in use.
FirmaHold First Fix Nail Gun Nails
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails & 3 Fuel Cells - 2.8 x 63mm - Ring Shank - FirmaGalv + £40.99 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails - 2.8 x 63mm - Ring Shank - FirmaGalv + £27.69 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails - 2.8 x 63mm - Ring Shank - FirmaGalv £27.19 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails & 2 Fuel Cells - 3.1 x 90mm - Plain Shank - FirmaGalv £36.49 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails & 3 Fuel Cells - 3.1 x 63mm - Ring Shank - FirmaGalv + £49.89 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails - 3.1 x 75mm - Ring Shank - FirmaGalv £26.99 (inc VAT)
Cordless Nail Gun Cleaner
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TIMCO Cordless Nail Gun Cleaner - 300ml £4.59 (inc VAT)
Safety Glasses
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TIMCO Overspecs Safety Glasses - Clear - One Size £1.69 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO Standard Safety Glasses - Amber - One Size £1.49 (inc VAT)
Safety Gloves
Safety Gloves
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails & 3 Fuel Cells - 2.8 x 50mm - Ring Shank - Hot Dipped Galvanised £47.99 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails - 3.1 x 90mm - Part Ring Shank - FirmaGalv + £27.89 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails – 2.8 x 50mm – Ring Shank – FirmaGalv £9.49 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails - 2.8 x 63mm - Ring Shank - FirmaGalv £27.19 (inc VAT)
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TIMCO FirmaHold Collated Clipped Head Nails & Fuel Cell - 3.1 x 90mm - Plain Shank - FirmaGalv £20.09 (inc VAT)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong nail size – Can cause poor holding or timber splitting.
- Incorrect angle – Ensure nails are loaded to match the gun’s collation type (typically 34°).
- Poor maintenance – Dirty guns jam easily.
- Wrong finish – Indoor nails used outside will corrode quickly.
Nail Gun Maintenance Tips
- Clean regularly – Dust, oil, and resin buildup can cause jams.
- Use compatible gas/fuel – Always use the recommended cell brand (FirmaHold cells are included).
- Lubricate moving parts – Especially for air tools.
- Check for damage – Replace worn or bent parts promptly.
- Store indoors – Avoid moisture exposure.
With FirmaHold clipped head nails, you’re getting premium-quality fasteners designed for speed, strength, and safety. Whether you're fixing 50mm panels or framing with 90mm nails, you’ll find the right fit at Fast Fixings Online - always at a great price.