During an interior finishing task, a tradesperson must secure a 0.75\text{-inch} thick har… — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

During an interior finishing task, a tradesperson must secure a $0.75\text{-inch}$ thick hardwood trim board through a $0.50\text{-inch}$ layer of drywall and into the underlying wooden wall studs. The project specifications require exactly $1.25\text{ inches}$ of stud penetration to ensure secure attachment. Furthermore, the fastener heads must be driven below the wood surface and concealed with wood filler. Based on standard fastener dimensions and head designs, which of the following is the most appropriate choice?

$8\text{d}$ finishing nailAnswer
B
$10\text{d}$ finishing nail
C
$8\text{d}$ common nail
D
$6\text{d}$ casing nail

Answer

The

8\text{d}

finishing nail is the correct choice because it provides the exact

2.5\text{-inch}

length required and has a head designed for concealment.

The correct fastener must meet two specific criteria: length and head type. The total length needed is the sum of the trim (

0.75\text{ inches}

), the drywall (

0.50\text{ inches}

), and the required stud penetration (

1.25\text{ inches}

), which equals

2.50\text{ inches}

. Under the standard penny size system, an

8\text{d}

nail is exactly

2.5\text{ inches}

long. Furthermore, because the head must be driven below the surface and concealed, a finishing nail is required, as its small head is designed specifically for countersinking.

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the total required length of the fastener.

0.75\text{ inches}

(trim) +

0.50\text{ inches}

(drywall) +

1.25\text{ inches}

(stud penetration) =

2.50\text{ inches}

The fastener must pass completely through the trim and drywall to reach the required depth in the stud.

Convert the required physical length into the standard penny (

d

) size system.

2.5\text{-inch}

length corresponds to an

8\text{d}

nail.

In the standard penny system, an

8\text{d}

nail measures exactly

2.5\text{ inches}

in length.

Determine the appropriate fastener head type based on the project requirements.

A finishing nail (or casing nail) must be used.

The requirement to conceal the fastener head with wood filler necessitates a small, barrel-shaped or tapered head that can be easily countersunk, ruling out common nails with broad, flat heads.

Key Concept

Fastener sizing (penny system) and application-specific nail selection

Question

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Key Concept

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