## Common ground
All options refer to collated nails—nails joined together in strips or sheets for use in nail guns or automated fastening systems.
## Options at glance
**7317.00 – Iron/steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from iron or steel, the most common and cost-effective material.
- **Typical examples:** Standard framing nails, roofing nails, general construction nails.
- **Best fit when:** Used in heavy-duty applications where strength and affordability are key.
**7415.10 – Copper-headed iron/steel**
- **Defining trait:** Features a copper head while the shaft is iron or steel; combines corrosion resistance with structural strength.
- **Typical examples:** Roofing nails for historic buildings, decorative fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** Aesthetic or corrosion-resistant head is needed without full copper construction.
**7415.10 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Entirely made of copper; high corrosion resistance and conductivity.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical grounding nails, antique restoration, marine applications.
- **Best fit when:** Corrosion resistance or electrical properties are essential.
**7508.90 – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Made of nickel, offering excellent corrosion and heat resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial fasteners in harsh environments, chemical processing equipment.
- **Best fit when:** Extreme environmental resistance is required.
**7616.10 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; non-magnetic and non-sparking.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft assembly, electronics, outdoor signage.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction or non-conductive properties are critical.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Made of zinc, often used for galvanization; soft and prone to wear.
- **Typical examples:** Galvanized nails (though usually coated, not pure zinc).
- **Best fit when:** Temporary or low-stress applications where cost is key and durability is secondary.
## Key differences
| Feature | Iron/Steel | Copper-headed | Copper | Nickel | Aluminium | Zinc |
|------------------|------------|---------------|--------|--------|-----------|------|
| Material | Iron/steel | Steel + copper head | Pure copper | Pure nickel | Pure aluminium | Pure zinc |
| Corrosion resistance | Low (unless coated) | High (head) | Very high | Very high | High | Moderate |
| Weight | Heavy | Medium | Heavy | Medium | Light | Light |
| Common use | General construction | Roofing, decorative | Electrical, marine | Industrial | Aerospace, electronics | Temporary fixes |
## How to choose
- Is the nail primarily made of iron or steel? → 7317.00
- Does it have a copper head but steel shaft? → 7415.10 (copper-headed)
- Is it fully made of copper? → 7415.10 (copper)
- Is it used in high-corrosion or high-heat environments? → 7508.90
- Is weight or non-conductivity important? → 7616.10
- Is it for temporary or low-stress use, possibly galvanized? → 7907.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlaps:** A copper-headed nail (7415.10) could be mistaken for a fully copper one; clarify if the head is separate.
- **Pitfall:** "Zinc" nails are rare as pure zinc; most are galvanized steel—ensure the product is truly uncoated zinc.
- **Priority note:** If multiple traits apply, choose based on the **primary material** (e.g., steel shaft with copper head → 7415.10 – copper-headed)