chiodo

Chiodo is the Italian term for a metal fastener used to join materials, most commonly wood. A chiodo comprises a slender shaft with a pointed tip and a head, designed to be driven into a workpiece to hold parts together or secure components in place.

Several varieties are used in construction and carpentry, including common nails, finishing nails, brads, roofing nails, and masonry nails. Differences among them include shaft thickness and shank design (smooth, ringed, or twisted), head size, and purpose. Finishing nails and brads are meant to be driven flush or below the surface for neat appearances.

Chiodi are made from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, bronze, and aluminum, with coatings like galvanized zinc or stainless finishes to resist corrosion. Selection depends on load requirements, material being joined, and the environment. Installation is done with a hammer or a nail gun; hardwood may require predrilling, and improper driving can split the workpiece.

Historically, nails were forged by hand or produced in small workshops; with industrialization, nails became mass-produced in factories. Modern nails are manufactured in standardized sizes and configurations, enabling consistent performance across a range of applications.

Beyond hardware, chiodo also appears in Italian idioms, such as chiodo fisso, meaning a fixed idea or obsession.