Hardware and Fasteners - Common, Box, Sinker, Coated, Galv. OMG

Box nails are lighter than common nails and are used for nailing near edges.

But what is a "sinker" and what is its purpose?

I need a supply of nails I can use to nail 2xs to other 2xs for use in gardens, edging, etx. If a 2x is actually 1 1/2 inch thick, then 3-inch nails would be too long, right? Or am I missing something here? Also, what is the best nail type for this application - common/box/sinker and coated/galvanized?

Galvanized nails are for outdoor use.
2 2x's would be 3 inches thick.
Use deck screws for treated lumber.
Sinkers are for interior framing. Smaller diameter for easier driving and a special coating for more holding power.

also a sinker is less likely to split the wood but it will also bend quicker than it's 'common' cousin.

If you are nailing the flat edge of two 2x's together, I'd use a 10 penny - galvanized if on the exterior....... of course screws will hold better than nails.

Sounds like a sinker is the same as a box nail, right?

Guess it's mox-nix anyway, screws ARE better. At least they don't bend as easily as nails...

Just remember screws don't have the shear strength of nails, so using them for framing is not advised. But in your instance, they would be ideal.

For outdoor nail applications that would benefit from rust proofing,always try to use "hot dipped" galvanized nails versus "electro-galvanized".Hot dipped have a much heavier and more resistant coating of zinc than electros.Unfortunately many nails are imported and often are electros especially those stocked at big box stores although they pop up everywhere.This is particularly problematic in roofing nails as electros will begin rusting within a few years leading to issues with roofing that is designed to last decades.