Nailed

Nailed is the past tense and past participle of the verb nail, meaning to fasten or secure something with a nail. It also appears in figurative uses, such as “nailed it,” indicating successful completion or precise accuracy. In law enforcement or journalism, “to nail” someone can mean to catch or convict them with evidence. The term can thus describe both a physical action and a colloquial assessment of performance.

In hardware and construction, a nail is a slender metal fastener with a pointed end and a head. Nails are made from materials such as steel (often galvanized for corrosion resistance), stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, and come in a range of sizes and coatings. Common types include framing nails for structural work, finishing nails for trim and cabinetry, brad nails for delicate trim, roofing nails with large heads, and masonry nails designed for concrete or brick. There are also specialized nails like ring-shank nails that resist withdrawal. Selection depends on material, load, and the desired final appearance; finish nails and brads are typically driven so their heads sit flush or slightly below the surface and may be concealed with wood filler.

Installation involves aligning parts and driving the nail with a hammer or a nail gun. Pre-drilling may be used for hardwoods to prevent splitting. For a neat finish, finishing nails are driven with a nail set to avoid mounding the surface, and holes are filled as needed.

Other uses of the word include references to fingernails and toenails, the keratinous plates on digits. The phrase “nailed it” remains common in casual speech and media to acknowledge exact or impressive success.