The Appalachian Blacksmiths Association All About Nails page

Why are nails referred to by ‘penny’ size?  Why were homes burned to the ground to rescue common nails?  Just what does the term ‘Dead as a Doornail’ really mean?

Find the answers to these and many other questions at this outstanding page run by the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association.  This well-researched page tracks the evolution of the humble nail from the earliest of civilizations to today’s modern nail making factories which can spit them out by the millions.

While you may not give up your pneumatic nail gun after reading this page, it will at least provide you a glimpse of the fascinating history of this ubiquitous fastener.