When building cabinets, especially traditional wooden cabinets, smaller nails are typically used in their construction. However, the type and size of nails used can vary depending on the specific construction methods and materials used for the cabinets. Here are some common scenarios:
Assembly and Joinery: When assembling the various parts of the cabinet, such as the sides, top, bottom, and back panels, smaller finishing nails or brads are often used. These nails are typically thinner and shorter, providing sufficient holding power without splitting the wood. They are often used in combination with wood glue and other joinery methods like dowels or biscuits for added strength.
Trim and Molding: Cabinets often have decorative trim and molding elements that require finer nails to ensure a clean and seamless appearance. Brad nails or finishing nails are commonly used to attach trim pieces to the cabinet's front frame or doors.
Drawer Construction: For constructing cabinet drawers, smaller nails or brads are commonly used to secure the joints of the drawer box. Dovetail joints or box joints are traditional joinery methods that might require smaller nails to reinforce the connection.
Back Panel Attachment: Cabinets typically have a back panel that provides stability and structural integrity. Smaller nails or staples are usually used to attach the back panel to the cabinet frame.
Modern Techniques: In modern cabinet construction, especially when using manufactured or pre-fabricated cabinets, you might find staples or other specialized fasteners used in addition to or instead of nails.
It's important to note that in professional cabinet making or custom woodworking, nails are often used in conjunction with other joinery methods like screws, dowels, or adhesives to ensure a strong and durable construction. Additionally, the type of wood used can influence the choice of fasteners, as some woods may require specialized fasteners to prevent splitting or ensure a secure hold.
Overall, smaller nails are commonly used in cabinet construction to achieve a neat appearance and provide adequate structural support while avoiding damage to the wood. However, the specific size and type of nails used will depend on the design, material, and construction methods employed by the cabinet maker or manufacturer.