Clout Nails

About Clout Nails

Clout nails are short, large-headed fasteners specifically designed for securing roofing felt, bitumen sheets, and other flexible roofing materials. Characterised by their wide, flat heads and relatively short shanks, these nails provide excellent holding power whilst minimising the risk of tearing through softer materials. The oversized head distributes the load across a wider surface area, making clout nails the go-to choice for roofing applications where a secure fix is essential without damaging the membrane or felt being installed.

Available in both galvanised steel and copper variants, clout nails offer different levels of corrosion resistance to suit various environments and budgets. Galvanised clout nails provide reliable protection against rust and weathering for most standard roofing applications, whilst copper clout nails deliver superior longevity and natural resistance to oxidation, making them ideal for premium installations or coastal areas where salt air accelerates corrosion. The choice between materials often depends on the project specification, expected lifespan of the roof covering, and aesthetic considerations.

At TooledUp.com, we stock trusted brands including Forgefix and Timco, offering professional-grade clout nails in various sizes and finishes. Whether you're installing garden shed felt, repairing a garage roof, or undertaking a larger commercial roofing project, our range ensures you have the right fixings for secure, weather-resistant results.

Jargon Buster

Clout Head

The distinctive wide, flat head of these nails, typically 10-14mm in diameter, designed to prevent pull-through on flexible materials and distribute load effectively across soft surfaces.

Galvanised Finish

A zinc coating applied to steel nails through hot-dip or electro-galvanising processes, providing corrosion protection for outdoor applications. The zinc sacrifices itself to protect the underlying steel from rust.

Copper Clout

Nails manufactured entirely from copper, offering exceptional weather resistance and longevity. Copper naturally develops a protective patina over time, preventing further oxidation without compromising strength.

Shank Length

The measurement from beneath the nail head to the point. Clout nails typically feature shorter shanks (13-40mm) compared to standard wire nails, as they're designed for thinner materials and timber battens.

Roofing Felt

Also known as bitumen felt or shed felt, this is the waterproof membrane secured using clout nails. The large nail head prevents damage to this relatively soft material during fixing.

Wire Gauge

The thickness measurement of the nail shank, determining the nail's strength and holding power. Thicker gauges provide greater pull-out resistance but require more force to drive home.

Who Uses Clout Nails?

Clout nails are essential fixings for various trades and DIY projects:

• Roofers and roofing contractors – securing felt underlays, bitumen sheets, and temporary weather protection
• General builders – fixing roofing membranes on extensions, garages, and outbuildings
• Carpenters and joiners – installing shed felts and weather-proofing timber structures
• Groundskeepers and estate managers – maintaining garden buildings, shelters, and outdoor structures
• Agricultural workers – repairing barn roofs, stable blocks, and farm outbuildings
• Property maintenance teams – conducting routine repairs to flat roofs and felt-covered surfaces
• DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects involving sheds, garden offices, and garage roof repairs
• Fencing contractors – securing gravel boards and weather protection to fence structures

How to Choose the Right Clout Nails

Selecting the appropriate clout nails ensures secure fixing and long-lasting results. Consider these key factors:

Material and Finish: Galvanised clout nails suit most standard applications and offer excellent value with good corrosion resistance. Choose copper clout nails for superior longevity, coastal locations, or where aesthetic appearance matters – copper won't streak or stain as it ages. For projects requiring specific colour matching or premium specifications, copper is the professional choice.

Shank Length: Match the nail length to your substrate thickness. The shank should penetrate at least 20mm into the timber batten beneath the felt. Common lengths include 13mm, 19mm, 25mm, and 40mm. Measure your roofing felt thickness and batten depth to determine the correct size – too short risks inadequate fixing, whilst unnecessarily long nails waste money and may split thinner timber.

Head Size: Larger heads distribute pressure more effectively across delicate materials, reducing the risk of tearing. Standard clout nails feature 10-12mm heads, whilst larger gauge options provide even greater holding power for heavier-duty applications or particularly soft materials.

Quantity Requirements: Calculate coverage based on recommended spacing – typically 50-75mm from felt edges and 150-200mm centres across the felt surface. Purchase sufficient quantities to avoid project delays, but consider that galvanised nails have a limited shelf life if stored in damp conditions.

Brand Quality: Professional brands like Forgefix and Timco manufacture clout nails to consistent specifications with quality control that ensures uniform head size, straight shanks, and reliable finishes. This consistency matters when you're fixing hundreds of nails – poorly manufactured fixings lead to splitting, bending, and wasted time on site.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your roofing projects with these complementary products:

• Roofing felt and bitumen sheets – the primary material secured with clout nails
• Hammers – claw hammers or specialised roofing hammers from Stanley or Estwing for efficient nail driving
• Felt adhesive – bitumen-based adhesive for sealing laps and edges
• Roofing battens – treated timber providing the fixing surface for clout nails
• Nail bags and tool belts – Snickers or DeWalt options for keeping fixings accessible whilst working at height
• Knee pads – essential PPE from brands like Scruffs for comfortable roofing work
• Measuring tapes and chalk lines – marking accurate fixing positions and maintaining straight courses
• Tin snips or felt knives – cutting roofing materials to size
• Work gloves – protecting hands from sharp nail points and rough materials

Safety Information

Working with clout nails and roofing projects involves specific safety considerations:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when hammering nails to protect against flying debris and metal fragments. Steel toe-capped boots prevent injury from dropped hammers or boxes of nails. Work gloves reduce the risk of splinters from timber battens and cuts from sharp felt edges, whilst also improving grip in wet conditions.

Working at Height: Roofing work typically involves ladders, scaffolding, or roof access. Follow HSE guidance for working at height, ensuring ladders are properly secured, scaffolding is erected by competent persons, and appropriate fall protection measures are in place. Never overreach when fixing – reposition your ladder or platform regularly.

Tool Safety: Maintain hammers in good condition with secure heads and undamaged handles. A loose hammer head poses serious injury risk, particularly when working at height. Store unused nails securely to prevent puncture injuries and ensure boxes are closed when not in use. Be mindful of protruding nail points in off-cuts and waste material.

Weather Conditions: Avoid roofing work during high winds, rain, or icy conditions. Wet roof surfaces become dangerously slippery, and wind can destabilise both workers and materials. Plan roofing projects during suitable weather windows and have temporary weatherproofing available if conditions change unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between galvanised and copper clout nails?

Galvanised clout nails feature a zinc coating over a steel core, offering good corrosion resistance at an economical price point suitable for most roofing felt applications. Copper clout nails are manufactured entirely from copper, providing superior weather resistance, longer lifespan, and no risk of rust staining. Copper costs more initially but can outlast galvanised alternatives by many years, particularly in harsh coastal environments or on premium roofing projects where longevity justifies the investment.

How many clout nails do I need for my shed roof?

Calculate requirements based on felt edges needing nails every 50-75mm, and field areas requiring fixing at approximately 150-200mm centres. As a rough guide, a standard 6x4ft shed roof typically requires 150-200 nails. For accuracy, measure your roof area and calculate based on recommended spacing for your specific felt manufacturer – check their technical specifications for precise guidance. Always purchase 10-15% extra to account for bent nails, errors, and future repairs.

Can I use clout nails with a nail gun?

Traditional clout nails are designed for hand-driven application with a hammer. Whilst specialist roofing nailers exist for high-volume professional work, these use collated strips of compatible fasteners rather than loose clout nails. For typical shed and small roofing projects, hand nailing with a quality claw hammer remains the most practical and cost-effective method, offering better control and preventing damage to brittle felt in cold weather.

Will galvanised clout nails rust on my shed roof?

Quality galvanised clout nails from brands like Forgefix and Timco provide reliable corrosion protection for typical UK weather conditions. The zinc coating protects the underlying steel, though over many years exposure to extreme weather may gradually degrade the finish. For standard garden sheds and outbuildings, galvanised nails offer excellent durability. Upgrade to copper clout nails for coastal properties, buildings near chemical exposure, or where maximum longevity is required for more permanent structures.

What size clout nails should I use for roofing felt?

For standard shed felt over 12-19mm timber battens, 25mm galvanised clout nails provide secure fixing with adequate penetration. Thicker roofing membranes or deeper battens may require 30-40mm lengths. The nail should penetrate at least 20mm into solid timber beneath the felt for reliable holding power. When in doubt, measure your felt thickness, add 20-25mm for batten penetration, and select the nearest standard size. Avoid excessively long nails that may split thinner battens or protrude beneath, creating sharp hazards inside the structure.