Simpson 3-1/2 in. 16d Smooth Shank Common Nail in 316 Stainless Steel is a full round head, diamond point fastener engineered for decking, permanent wood foundations, and general wood construction applications where long-term corrosion resistance is critical. Produced by Simpson Strong-Tie in the United States, this 8-gauge nail delivers reliable holding power in demanding environments - from coastal construction to treated lumber framing - where standard fasteners would degrade over time.

Key Features

• Type 316 stainless steel construction - provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless grades, making it the right choice for seaside applications, saltwater exposure, and chemically aggressive environments where long-term fastener integrity is essential.
• Smooth shank profile - allows for clean, controlled driving into wood substrates, making these nails well-suited for a broad range of general wood construction and decking tasks where easy installation is a priority.
• Full round head with smooth head pattern - delivers maximum bearing surface against wood, reducing the risk of fastener pull-through and ensuring a secure, flush finish on decking and framing applications.
• Diamond point tip - penetrates wood fibers cleanly and efficiently, reducing splitting risk and making driving faster and more consistent across hardwoods and softwoods alike.
• 16d penny size, 3-1/2 in. length at 8 gauge (0.162 in. shank diameter) - provides the depth of penetration and shank thickness needed for structural wood connections, meeting common framing and decking specifications.
• Recommended for permanent wood foundation construction per ANSI/AWC Permanent Wood Foundations Design Specifications - gives builders and contractors confidence that these fasteners meet recognized industry standards for critical structural use.
• Made in the United States - supports domestic manufacturing and ensures consistent quality control throughout production.

Why This Product

• Built for coastal and high-moisture environments - Type 316 stainless steel is the preferred alloy when exposure to salt air, marine spray, or persistent moisture is a concern, offering a level of corrosion resistance that standard galvanized or 304 stainless fasteners cannot match in those conditions.
• Meets recognized standards for permanent wood foundations - when building below-grade or in-ground wood structures, specifying a fastener that aligns with ANSI/AWC guidelines removes guesswork and supports code compliance for long-term structural integrity.
• Versatile across wood construction applications - the smooth shank and full round head design make this nail appropriate for decking, general framing, and wood construction projects where a reliable, all-purpose common nail is needed.
• Trusted Simpson Strong-Tie quality, domestic production - Simpson Strong-Tie is a recognized name in structural fasteners and connectors, and U.S. manufacture ensures consistent dimensional tolerances and material quality across every nail.

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Nail Type: Common Nail
• Penny Size: 16d
• Length: 3-1/2 in.
• Gauge: 8
• Shank Diameter: 0.162 in.
• Head Diameter: 11/32 in.
• Shank Type: Smooth Shank
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Smooth Head
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Material/Coating: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Approx. Count per Lb.: 44
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• T16CN1: 1 Lb (44)
• T16CN5: 5 Lb (220)
• T16CNB: 25 Lb (1100)

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Type 316 stainless steel preferable for outdoor and coastal nailing applications?

Type 316 stainless steel contains a higher molybdenum content than 304 stainless, which significantly increases its resistance to chlorides, salt spray, and harsh chemical environments. This makes it the recommended choice for seaside construction, marine-adjacent structures, and any application where fasteners will be exposed to moisture-rich or corrosive conditions over the long term.

Are these nails suitable for use in permanent wood foundation construction?

Yes. Stainless steel nails are recommended for permanent wood foundation construction in accordance with the ANSI/AWC Permanent Wood Foundations Design Specifications, and this product meets that material requirement, making it appropriate for below-grade and in-ground wood framing where fastener longevity is critical.

What is the approximate nail count per pound for these 3-1/2 in. 16d nails?

These nails yield approximately 44 nails per pound, which helps with estimating quantities needed for a given project based on total weight purchased.

What head and point style do these nails feature, and why does it matter?

These nails have a full round head with a smooth head pattern and a diamond point. The full round head maximizes the bearing surface against wood to reduce pull-through, while the diamond point promotes clean, efficient penetration and minimizes wood splitting during installation.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture. Please see the specifications listed above for accurate dimensional information.