In the third dimension, the nail is wedge-shaped, thin at the point and thick at the head.

Unless properly driven, such nails are likely to split the wood, but if properly driven they are very firm.

In driving, the wedge should spread with and not across the grain.
[Illustration: Fig.226.a.Cut nail, common.b.

Flat-head wire nail, No.

1, common.c.Finishing nail, or brad.] Wrought nails are worked into shape from hot steel, and have little or no temper, so that they can be bent over without breaking, as when clinched.