[TheForge] nail header

[Phil]

Bob:

This is how I make a nail header.  You need to use
medium to high carbon toolsteel.  I've made them from
tie rods from trucks, axles, and jackhammer bits. 
Forge out the general shape of the head with a dome
portion on the working end.  Anneal or normalize.  I
then drill a 3/16" or so hole, mainly cause I don't
like punching that small of a hole in something with
that much mass.  I next forge a drift that is
essentially has the same shape as I want the finished
nail shank to have.  Heat up the header, drift mainly
from the bottom, and slightly from the top (probably
1/8").  Let it cool, or harden and temper.

I use 1/4" square for making nails.  Probably the most
common shank size used is about 3/16" square.

--- Bob Smolen <boka at mwt.net> wrote:
> Could someone suggest the simplest way of making a
> nail header. I assume a
> tapered square punch should be made to form hole. If
> I plan on using .250"
> rd. rod for nails, I assume a .250" hole should be
> punched . Should the hole
> be slightly smaller so there is a little grip on the
> nail before the head is
> formed or should the hole be .250"? The hole is a
> punched from the bottom in
> a  raised bolster  which is needed to form the
> concave head of the nail. A
> pretty simple tool but any tips appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Bob
> 
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