Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails

High‑grip, corrosion‑resistant collated nails for fast, secure fixing in structural and exterior timber.

Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails are designed for professional carpenters, builders and serious DIYers who need fixings that are fast to install, incredibly secure, and built to last in real‑world British conditions.

From timber framing in C24 carcassing to external decking and fencing, these collated nails combine ring shank holding power, galvanised corrosion resistance and trouble‑free collation to help you work faster without compromising quality.

Designed for Structural Timber (C16 / C24)

These nails are ideal for use in:

• Structural softwood graded to C16 and C24
• Treated decking joists and boards
• Fencing rails, posts and panels
• Roof timbers, trusses and battens
• Stud walls, partitions and general carcassing

When used as part of a properly designed system, they are suitable for structural timber applications in line with Eurocode 5 / BS EN 1995, using fasteners conforming to BS EN 14592 (Timber structures – Dowel‑type fasteners). Always consult your structural engineer and the product’s technical datasheet for characteristic load values and design assumptions.

Ring Shank Holding Power

The ring shank (annular) profile features closely spaced ridges along the nail body. These mechanically lock into the timber fibres as the nail is driven, delivering:

• Higher withdrawal resistance than smooth shank nails
• Reduced risk of decking boards lifting or “cupping”
• Better performance under repeated load, vibration and movement
• Added security in applications subject to wind uplift, foot traffic or impact

This makes Viper ring shank nails a smart choice wherever you need a fixing that will stay put – such as decking, fencing, cladding and roofing.

Galvanised Protection for Exterior Use

The nails are galvanised to help protect the steel core from rust and surface staining. This coating offers reliable performance in:

• Typical UK outdoor environments
• Sheltered and exposed garden structures
• Sheds, garages and outbuildings
• Service Class 2 and many Service Class 3 applications (as defined in Eurocode 5), subject to project specification

For particularly aggressive or coastal environments, or for contact with certain timber treatments, always check whether a heavier galvanised coating or stainless steel is required by your specification.

Collated for Speed, Accuracy and Efficiency

Supplied in high‑quality collated strips for compatible nail guns, Viper nails help you maximise productivity on site:

• Smooth feeding through the magazine reduces jams and misfires
• Consistent nail positioning and depth for a neat, repeatable finish
• Far faster than hand‑nailing large areas of decking, fencing or sheathing
• Reduced fatigue and improved accuracy, particularly overhead or awkward work

Available in multiple lengths and diameters to suit framing, decking and roofing, you can select the specification that matches your nailer and your job.

Technical Standards & Design Considerations

• Suitable for use in timber structures designed in accordance with Eurocode 5 / BS EN 1995 when combined with fasteners conforming to BS EN 14592.
• Appropriate for use with commonly specified structural timbers such as C16, C24 and engineered timber (subject to manufacturer guidance).
• Galvanised coating suitable for most external timber applications – always check project requirements for corrosion class and service class.
• When structural performance is critical (e.g. decking over habitable space, balconies or roofs), consult the technical datasheet for:
  • Recommended timber thicknesses
  • Minimum edge distances and spacings
  • Characteristic withdrawal and shear capacities

Important: Final suitability, load capacity and compliance must always be verified against the product’s official technical documentation and the requirements of your project specification.

Features & Specifications

Key Features

• Ring Shank (Annular) Design
  Benefit: Enhanced grip and pull‑out resistance, ideal for decking, fencing and structural fixings.
• Galvanised Steel Construction
  Benefit: Strong steel core with corrosion‑resistant coating for longer life in exterior and damp environments.
• Collated for Nail Guns
  Benefit: Fast, convenient installation with reduced downtime from jamming or misfeeds.
• Precision‑Formed Points
  Benefit: Cleaner penetration into timber with reduced splitting, even near edges and ends when fitted correctly.
• Multiple Sizes Available
  Benefit: Choose the right length and diameter for framing, roofing, cladding, decking and fencing applications.

Typical Applications

• Framing & Carcassing – Stud walls, joists, noggins, C16/C24 structural softwood.
• Decking – Joist‑to‑joist fixings, board fixings and perimeter trims (subject to design).
• Fencing – Rails to posts, panels, gravel boards, gates and featheredge.
• Roofing – Battens, trusses, rafters and sheathing boards (as specified).
• Cladding & Sheds – Timber cladding boards, shed framing, garden structures and pergolas.

Installation & Best Practice Tips

• Choose the correct size
  As a general rule, aim for a nail length of 2.5–3 times the thickness of the thinner piece of timber being fixed (subject to structural design). Use heavier‑gauge, longer nails for structural framing and shorter nails for lighter cladding or trims.
• Check nail gun compatibility
  Match the collation angle, head type and shank diameter of the nail to your nailer’s specification. Only use nails within the size range stated in your nail gun manual.
• Set the correct depth
  Adjust the depth‑of‑drive so nails finish just flush or slightly below the timber surface without crushing the fibres. Over‑driving reduces effective holding power and may damage the timber.
• Observe minimum edge distances
  Keep nails away from the very edge or end of boards to prevent splitting (typical structural guidance: at least 5–7 nail diameters from edges and ends, subject to design codes).
• Work with the grain and treatment
  When fixing close to edges, angle the nail slightly towards the centre of the board. For pressure‑treated or tanalised timber, ensure the galvanised coating is suitable for the timber treatment type specified.
• Follow structural design where applicable
  For load‑bearing structures, always follow the nailing pattern, spacing and nail size specified in the drawings or by the structural engineer.

FAQs – Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails

1. Are these nails suitable for C24 structural timber?

Yes. Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails are ideal for use with C16 and C24 carcassing timbers in framing, decking sub‑structures, roofing and general carcassing, provided they are used in accordance with structural design and relevant standards such as Eurocode 5 / BS EN 1995. Always check your engineer’s specification for exact nail size and spacing requirements.

2. What is the difference between ring shank and smooth shank nails?

Ring shank nails have ridges along the shank which lock into the timber fibres, giving superior pull‑out resistance and reducing the chance of boards working loose over time. Smooth shank nails are quicker to drive and slightly easier to remove, but offer less holding power.

For decking, fencing, cladding and roofing, ring shank nails are usually preferred because they stay put under movement, weathering and load.

3. Can I use these nails outside all year round?

Yes, the galvanised coating makes these nails suitable for most outdoor uses such as:

• Garden decking
• Fencing and gates
• Sheds and outbuildings
• Exterior cladding

For very harsh, industrial or marine environments, or where specified by an engineer, you may need heavy‑duty galvanised or stainless steel fasteners instead. Always follow your project’s specification or consult a professional if unsure.

4. Will these nails work in my existing nail gun?

They will work as long as your nail gun accepts:

• The same shank diameter and nail length
• The same collation angle and type (e.g. paper, plastic, wire – check your tool manual)
• Ring shank nails within its approved range

To ensure compatibility, compare the nailer’s required specification with the size and collation information provided on the Viper product packaging or datasheet.

5. Are Viper ring shank nails tested to any standards?

Viper nails are designed for use in timber structures that follow the principles of Eurocode 5 / BS EN 1995, using fasteners in line with BS EN 14592 (Timber structures – Dowel‑type fasteners).

For exact information on testing, approvals, CE/UKCA marking and characteristic load values, always refer to the official technical datasheet or certification supplied by the manufacturer or distributor. Do not assume equivalence without documented evidence.

6. Can I use these nails with pressure‑treated or tanalised timber?

In many cases, yes – the galvanised finish is chosen specifically for use with treated external timbers such as decking and fencing. However, some modern timber treatments can be more aggressive towards metal fixings.

Check:

• The treatment type and class of your timber
• Any specific requirements in the treatment manufacturer’s guidance
• Your project specification for required corrosion class

If in doubt, consider a higher‑grade galvanised nail or stainless steel fasteners.

7. What nail length should I choose for decking boards?

It depends on:

• Board thickness (e.g. 25–32 mm typical softwood decking)
• Joist size and span
• Structural design requirements

A common rule of thumb is a nail length about 2.5–3 times the board thickness, but your structural design or decking system instructions should always take precedence. Ensure the nail penetrates well into the joist for secure fixing, without punching through thin members.

8. How do Viper ring shank nails compare to screws for decking?

Nails (ring shank): Faster to install by nail gun, excellent holding power and suitable for many structural applications. Slightly more movement is possible over time compared to screws.

Screws (e.g. specialist decking screws): Slower to install but offer even higher withdrawal resistance and are easier to remove for later maintenance.

For many domestic decks and fencing, ring shank nails are perfectly acceptable if used correctly and permitted by your design specification. For premium or high‑load decks, decking screws are often preferred.

9. Common Uses – Where are Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails Most Often Used?

Common real‑world uses include:

• Fixing deck boards to softwood joists
• Attaching fence rails to posts and fence boards to rails
• Constructing sheds, summerhouses and garden offices
• Securing roof battens and sheathing boards
• Building stud walls, partitions and timber frames in C16/C24 timber

If your project involves timber‑to‑timber connections, particularly externally or in damp conditions, these nails are often an excellent choice – subject to the correct size and structural detailing.

10. How to Use Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails for Best Results

1. Check specification – Confirm nail size, collation type and compatibility with your nail gun.
2. Set nailer correctly – Adjust air pressure / power and depth setting for flush driving without crushing the timber.
3. Mark fixing points – Follow any nailing pattern shown on drawings or fitting instructions.
4. Maintain edge distances – Keep nails back from edges and ends to avoid splitting.
5. Drive at the correct angle – For decking and cladding, nails are usually driven perpendicular to the board; for close‑edge fixings, a slight angle into the board can help reduce splitting.
6. Inspect as you go – Check nail heads are seated correctly and adjust settings if nails are over‑ or under‑driven.

Used this way, Viper Collated Ring Shank Galvanised Nails deliver fast installation, strong fixings and a professional finish across a wide range of timber applications.