Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-03-15

When the United States government
made series of tests some years ago,
and demonstrated that the cut nail
possessed fifty per cent. greater adhe-
sive qualities than the wire nail, the
result was hailed with general salts
faction in Wheeling, and citizens gem
| erall builded upon this test their
hopes for return of the prestige OF
Wheeling as the greatest nail manu-
featuring center of the world. The
wire nail has already grown so rap
idly in popular favor, however, that
the hopes of Wheeling were never
realized. What followed is matter
of local history with which everybody
in this section of the Ohio Valley is
| familiar.
The wire nail has had its sway, un-
disputed almost, and a sufficient time
has elapsed to give it a thorough test.
The result has been a practical and
satisfactory demonstration of the SUI
periority of the iron cut NAIL for all
purposes in which durability and adj
hesive qualities are considerations.
The use of the steel nail has been gen.
eral. 1t has supplemented the iron
cut nail to such an extent as to yir-
tually drive the latter out of general
use. During recent years, and partic-
ularly during recent months, there
have been expressions of dissatisfac-
ton concerning the lasting qualities
of the steel wire nail. They have SO
grown in volume that dealers in differ
ent sections of the country have been
placing orders for the old iron nail.
The outlook is so bright, in fact, as to
almost justify the prediction that half
of the idle nail machines in Wheeling
and vicinity will be in operation with
in the next few years.
Iron Versus Steel.
Several facts are shown by a COM
parison of the iron nail with the cut
and steel wire nail. One Is the super
iority of the iron nail for Outside"
work, or for all work which Is exposed
to the action of the elements. The
steel nail disintegrates within few
years, while the iron nail is practically
indestructible. Farmers who have used
steel nails for fastening shingles on
roofs, for paling fences, etc, complain
that they have to so over their work
with hammer and nails after a few
years.
While the iron cut nail was king
such thing as palings falling from
fences, shingles blowing off roofs etc,
was unknown. Hallock & Holiday.
the contractors upon the new b. & O.
bridge over Wheeling creek, found
some water soaked boards while re-
moving the old structure, from which
they extracted iron nails driven into
the wood half century ago, and stlll
as good as new. A spike, cut at the
Belmont factory, driven through an
oak plank at the B. C 0. fifty years
ago, is on exhibition in the Office OF
E. NJ. Holiday, and is an object lesson
in the superiority of the iron nail.
1t is unfortunate. however, that car
penters and builders show DISPOSE
ton to cling to the wire nail, and for
a reason which may be readily under
stood. The carpenter finds that he can
drive a wire nail into board very
handily, while an iron cut nail had
to be held in certain position to pre-
vent the splitting of the board 1t Is,
therefore, improbable that builders
will give up the wire nail, except In
instances where specifications call for
the use of the iron nail
The steel wire combine now makes
a special nail which Is galvanized, but
which is much more expensive and not
more durable than the old iron nail.
Local contractors, who were inter-
viewed by Register reporter yester-
day, stated unhesjtatingly that the
iron nail Is the most durable, but adj
ded in many cases the argument men,
toned above, in favor Of the steel wire
nail. 1t is consideration which may
} be valuable to carpenters. but is not
likely TO commend itself to their Gus
toners.
Manufacturers Opinion.
Mr.. John E. Wright, general man
ager Of the LaBelle from works. said
to a Register reporter:
Il am glad the Register has taken
up the question OF the comparative
value of the iron and steel wire nail.
You would be surprised at the num-
Der of inquiries we receive about the
iron nail. They come principally
from farmers. who complain that the
soft steel nail possesses no lasting
qualities. There is an inquiry about
iron nails In nearly every mail we re-
ceive. We refer the writer's to local
y dealers, but instruct theu1 write US