Which type of fastener is most commonly used for framing in construction?

Nails are the most commonly used fasteners for framing in construction due to their speed and efficiency. They are designed for quick application and can be driven into materials like wood with a hammer or a nail gun, making them ideal for framing tasks that require many fasteners in a short amount of time. The shear strength and ductility of nails allow them to hold structural elements together effectively while accommodating the natural movements of wood as it expands and contracts.

While screws offer greater holding power due to their threaded nature, they take longer to install and can be more expensive. Bolts are typically reserved for heavy-duty applications where a significant amount of stress is involved, such as in connections requiring more strength and stability than what nails or screws can provide. Staples, on the other hand, are not suitable for structural framing; they are more often used for lighter applications, such as attaching wire mesh or insulation. This makes nails the preferred choice in standard framing practices, solidifying their place as the most widely used fastener in this context.