## Common ground
All options refer to nails made from different metallic materials.
## Options at a glance
**7317.00 – Iron or steel nails**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from iron or steel, the most common and cost-effective material for nails.
- **Typical examples:** Common construction nails, roofing nails, framing nails.
- **Best fit when:** The nail is used in general building, woodworking, or heavy-duty applications where strength and low cost are key.
**7415.10 – Iron/steel nails with copper heads**
- **Defining trait:** Features a head made of copper while the shaft remains iron or steel; combines material properties for appearance or corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative nails, antique-style fasteners, some architectural hardware.
- **Best fit when:** The nail has a visible copper head for aesthetic or anti-corrosion purposes.
**7415.10 – Copper nails**
- **Defining trait:** Entirely made of copper; used where corrosion resistance and appearance matter more than strength.
- **Typical examples:** Roofing nails for historic buildings, decorative fixtures, marine applications.
- **Best fit when:** The nail is fully copper, often for outdoor or high-aesthetic use.
**7508.90 – Nickel nails**
- **Defining trait:** Made of nickel, valued for corrosion resistance and durability in harsh environments.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial fasteners, chemical equipment components.
- **Best fit when:** High resistance to corrosion or extreme conditions is required.
**7616.10 – Aluminium nails**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; ideal for non-ferrous applications.
- **Typical examples:** Roofing in marine environments, lightweight construction, aluminum framing.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction and resistance to rust are priorities.
**7907.00 – Zinc nails**
- **Defining trait:** Typically zinc-coated (galvanized) steel nails; corrosion protection via zinc layer.
- **Typical examples:** Galvanized roofing nails, outdoor construction fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** The nail is coated or made of zinc for weather resistance.
## Key differences
| Option | Material | Corrosion Resistance | Weight | Common Use |
|-------|----------|------------------------|--------|------------|
| 7317.00 | Iron/steel | Low | High | General construction |
| 7415.10 (copper head) | Steel shaft + copper head | Medium | Medium | Decorative |
| 7415.10 (copper) | Copper | High | Low | Aesthetic, marine |
| 7508.90 | Nickel | Very high | Medium | Industrial |
| 7616.10 | Aluminium | High | Low | Lightweight, outdoor |
| 7907.00 | Zinc-coated steel | High | Medium | Outdoor, wet environments |
## How to choose
- Is the nail made of iron or steel throughout? → 7317.00
- Does it have a copper head on a steel shaft? → 7415.10 (copper head)
- Is it fully made of copper? → 7415.10 (copper)
- Is it made of nickel? → 7508.90
- Is it made of aluminium? → 7616.10
- Is it zinc-coated or made of zinc? → 7907.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlap:** A galvanized nail (zinc-coated steel) could be mistaken for a zinc nail, but "made of zinc" implies the base material is zinc, not coated.
- **Pitfall:** "Copper head" vs. "copper nails" are distinct—do not confuse partial copper use with full composition.
- **Priority:** Use the **main material** (e.g., shaft) to decide unless the head is a defining feature (e.g., decorative)