Maybe this should be posted on the Believe It Or Not show. ha. ha.
http://www.toolbase.org/products/PlasticCompositeNails.jpg
In our technical age, many standard construction products have been improved, updated, and enhanced, and the nail is no exception.
Manufacturers have developed plastic composite nails that can be substituted for traditional metal nails for non-structural uses.
They are made from an ultra high-strength plastic composite that does not corrode, rust, or stain wood surfaces when exposed to the weather or harsh environments.
The manufacturer claims the fasteners have greater withdrawal resistance than metal nails and are compatible with some existing pneumatic fastening tools.
The polymer products are ideal for softwood, most plastic, and some aluminum and hardwood applications. They were designed for specialty markets including boat building, casket manufacturing, containers, construction, lumber mills, patio and garden, and woodworking.
The withdrawal resistance of the plastic composite nail is about double that of cement-coated metal nails of the same size and type. As the plastic nail is driven, heat developed by friction softens the shank and causes it to fuse to the wood fibers.
Because its shear strength (resistance force perpendicular to the nail) is about half that of an equivalent metal nail, it is not used in structural walls and floors where shear strength is key to a fastener’s performance. However, laboratory results have shown the plastic composite nail’s tensile strength, or ability to resist stress in the direction of the nail, is twice that of a metal nail.
Plastic nails do not need to be removed when cutting or shaping wood because they will not damage the cutting tool.
Their resistance to corrosion makes them useful for cedar, redwood, and other wood exterior finishes where stainless or copper nails are specified.
The plastic composite nails are available in colors to match wood tones, and are paintable and stainable. These fasteners are available as finish nails, staples, and brads in various diameters and in lengths ranging from ¼ to 2¼ inches.
I wonder how often we will see this used by homeowners in the wrong places? ha. ha.
Marcel