big nail

[dozuki]

I was at ace and I saw a big nail. It is 12 inches long and is 3/8 round. I was wondering if anyone knows what it is made of. It seemed to forge o.k.
I'm just wondering how you would heat treat it. thanks for the help.

 

[Keith_H]

nails are typically low carbon, it will not take a hard, keen edge.

 

[dozuki]

I figured as much. thanks

 

[Alarion]

Nails are typically iron.
They are unfit for knifemaking. Railroad spikes may be somewhat richer in carbon, but for what I know require anyway a harsh quench.

 

[Dr. Mudd]

Big nails are usually called spikes after they exceed maybe 20d (read: "twenty penny") in size. Just for the sake of reference, 16d nails are what's generally used to nail 2x4s together in my area. Nails or spikes, they are all low carbon steel, with a few specialized exceptions that are somewhat harder, especially those intended to be driven into concrete. Those things are hard as woodpecker lips! Concrete nails, cut or round, are usually not over a couple of inches long, though, and are usually shorter.

 

[bjr]

Watch out for anything galvanized too. I've heard that gives off some nasty fumes when it's heated.