## Common ground
All options describe nails sold in strips or coils, made from different metals.
## Options at a glance
**7317.00 – Iron or steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from iron or steel, the most common and cost-effective base material.
- **Typical examples:** Common construction nails, roofing nails, framing nails.
- **Best fit when:** The nail is standard, uncoated, and used in general building or woodworking.
**7415.10 – Copper-headed iron/steel**
- **Defining trait:** Has a copper head while the shaft is iron or steel; combines materials for appearance or corrosion resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative nails for woodwork, antique-style fixings.
- **Best fit when:** The nail has a visible copper cap or head, often for aesthetic or specialized applications.
**7415.10 – Copper (entirely)**
- **Defining trait:** Entirely made of copper; not just the head.
- **Typical examples:** Roofing nails for historic buildings, electrical grounding rods.
- **Best fit when:** The nail is fully copper, used where corrosion resistance or conductivity matters.
**7508.90 – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** Made of nickel; high corrosion and heat resistance.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial fasteners in harsh environments, chemical equipment.
- **Best fit when:** The nail is used in extreme conditions (e.g., marine, chemical) where durability is key.
**7616.10 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; non-magnetic.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft fasteners, outdoor signage, solar panel mounts.
- **Best fit when:** Weight or corrosion resistance is critical, especially outdoors or in aerospace.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Made of zinc; often used for galvanization or sacrificial protection.
- **Typical examples:** Galvanized nails (though usually coated, not pure zinc).
- **Best fit when:** The nail is made entirely of zinc, typically in niche applications like battery terminals or corrosion studies.
## Key differences
| Option | Material | Head Type | Corrosion Resistance | Weight |
|-------|----------|-----------|------------------------|--------|
| 7317.00 | Iron/steel | Standard | Low (unless coated) | High |
| 7415.10 (copper head) | Iron/steel shaft | Copper head | Medium | High |
| 7415.10 (copper) | Copper | Full copper | High | Medium |
| 7508.90 | Nickel | Standard | Very high | Medium |
| 7616.10 | Aluminium | Standard | Very high | Low |
| 7907.00 | Zinc | Standard | Medium | Medium |
## How to choose
- Is the nail made entirely of copper? → 7415.10 (copper)
- Does it have a copper head on an iron/steel shaft? → 7415.10 (copper-headed)
- Is it made of steel or iron without special coating? → 7317.00
- Is it lightweight and used outdoors or in aerospace? → 7616.10
- Is it used in harsh chemical or marine environments? → 7508.90
- Is it entirely made of zinc (not galvanized)? → 7907.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Overlap:** A copper-headed nail (7415.10) could be mistaken for a fully copper one; the head material is key.
- **Pitfall:** "Zinc" nails (7907.00) are rare—most zinc fasteners are galvanized steel. If coated, it’s not pure zinc.
- **Priority note:** Choose based on the **primary material** of the nail body and head. If unclear, prioritize full material composition over coating or head type