DCHP-3

ardox nail

DCHP-2 (Sep 2016)

Spelling variants:
Ardox nail

n. — proprietary, Industry, Construction

a construction nail with a spiral shaft (see Image 1).

Type: 1. Origin — The nail was invented in 1954 by the Steel Company of Canada (or Stelco) under Allan B. Dove (see 1964 quotation). The nail's spiral shaft reduces the risk of wood splitting and has greater holding power than regular round nails. See also Canadian Encyclopedia reference.
See also COD-2, s.v. "ardox nail", which is marked "Cdn proprietary".

Quotations

1957
NEW ARDOX NAILS SPIRAL NAILS We have complete stocks of these new popular nails in one pound packages 35c to 43c per package, but from 25 to 80 per cent. more nails per pound.
1964
There have been a few refinements in nail design to give them greater holding power, but only one of any great significance. A research team headed by Allan B. Dove, of The Steel Company of Canada, Hamilton, Ont., developed a nail made from spiralled steel wire, threaded from top to bottom, with slightly rounded edges. Called the "Ardox" nail, it is easier to drive, causes less splitting and has 50 to 200 per cent greater holding power than the smooth shanked, round nail. Also, you get about 40 per cent more Ardox nails to the pound than conventional, round nails. A wholly Canadian invention, the Ardox nail is now being produced under license in the U.S. and other countries.
1975
Five-eighth inch subflooring and roofing, Douglas Fir beams and steel posts. All nails used are Ardox nails for top holding quality.
1984
After the carpet is removed, it is relatively easy to see where the joists are located, especially if there is a plywood subfloor. Re-nail the entire floor using 2 1/2-inch standard ardox nails.
1994
[...] thin wedges (eight to 10 inches long), some blocks of one-by-two-inch lumber, two-inch ardox nails, some two-to-2 1/2-inch spiral flooring nails, and an electric drill with small bits.
2011
Air nailers will not handle all applications. Nothing can beat the holding power of a spiral Ardox nail. The straight nail of a power nailer will not perform like a spiral one and glue is often added to make the job permanent.

References

Images

<i>Ardox nails</i>. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: Raysonho

Ardox nails. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photo: Raysonho