Fasteners 101: Everything You Need to Know About Stick Nails

Stick nails are an essential fastening solution on Canadian jobsites, especially in framing, sheathing, and structural wood construction. Whether you’re choosing between angles, collations, or coatings, understanding the differences in stick nail types helps avoid tool jams, ensure code compliance, and achieve superior holding power.

Let’s break down what makes Bissett stick nails the trusted choice for professional framers and builders.

What Are Stick Nails?

Stick nails are fasteners collated in a linear “stick” formation using plastic, paper, or wire weld strips. This design allows them to be fired from stick nailers- tools with straight magazines typically lighter than their coil counterparts.

Unlike coil nails, which are mostly 15° collated, stick nails come in a variety of angle options and collation types- each optimized for specific framing applications.

Explore our full range of Framing Nails.

Stick Nail Angles: 21°, 28°, and 30–34°

21-Degree Plastic Collated Stick Nails

• Collation: Plastic strip
• Head Type: Full round head
• Uses: Common in areas with seismic code requirements
• Lengths: From 2″ up to 6″ – the largest available stick nails
• Application: Framing, sheathing, heavy timber

These nails offer the benefit of toe-nailing at steeper angles and are a hybrid between coil and stick nails. Perfect for crews needing large-diameter fasteners and full-head compliance.

28-Degree Nails: Wire Welded or Paper Collated

• Traditional: Wire welded
• Optional: Safer paper collation alternative
• Advantage: Paper collation avoids flying wire debris
• Myth Busted: Bissett paper collated nails withstand 24+ hours submerged in water without disintegrating

These mid-angle nails are ideal for general framing while allowing higher magazine capacity due to tighter collation.

30–34 Degree Paper Collated Nails

• Collation: Always paper
• Advantage: Compact tool design (ideal for tight framing areas)
• Limitation: No full round heads- may not pass seismic or hanger applications

These are most commonly used in cordless stick nailers due to their compact design, making them ideal for work in confined framing spaces.

Specialty Stick Nails: Joist Hanger Nails

• Lengths: 1½” or 2½”
• Diameter: .148 to .162 inches
• Head: Full round, spaced for hanger code compliance
• Nailer Feature: Zero-Positive Placement nose for precise fastener alignment in pre-cut metal holes

Engineered for use with metal connectors, these nails and tools provide secure placement even in the tightest spaces.

Nail Types and Coatings

Smooth vs Spiral vs Ring Shank

Hot-Dipped Galvanized (HDG) Nails

For outdoor or moisture-prone environments, HDG nails are the only reliable option.

• Process: Dipped in molten zinc for rust protection
• Shank Type: Often spiral or ring for increased retention
• Best Use: Exterior framing, decks, treated lumber

Stick Nails vs Coil Nails: What’s the Difference?

Choose the Right Stick Nail for the Job

Choosing the wrong collation or angle could jam your tool—or worse, cause inspection issues. Always check your tool’s specs and verify compatibility using the Bissett Fastener Finder.

Safety First

Always wear PPE when using pneumatic or cordless nailers. Flying debris, pressurized air, and sharp fasteners pose serious risks if used improperly.

Need Help Finding the Right Nail?

Contact us directly or find a Bissett dealer near you by visiting our Dealer Locator. Whether you’re fastening joist hangers or framing an entire home, Bissett has the stick nail to match the job.