Is it viable to use nails instead of screws on a stand?

[Hybridfish7]

Not sure if I've asked this already, but on smaller stands that won't be dealing with as much weight, would it be possible to use nails, for no other reason other than it would be kinda fun? I know screws hold things in place while nails are able to bend and handle shear, but stands don't really shift around like a house would, so again, for small tanks (my definition of small is a tank a single average person can carry without breaking it), would it be possible to build a stand with nails?

 

[jjohnwm]

An aquarium stand should be designed such that shear strength doesn't even come into play. You want the tank standing on wood that supports it from tank bottom right down to the floor, i.e. wood standing on wood rather than wood attached to the sides of wood. Also, use glue; it makes the structure vastly stronger. The screws...or, yes, if you insist, nails...really just hold the thing together while the glue dries.

Screws are so much stronger and easier to work with...especially when building something that you want fairly precise...that I would never consider nails. Stands for small tanks are so cheap and easy to build that using nails sounds like you are literally searching for a way to take a quick simple job and mess it up...unless, of course, you consider that "kinda fun"...

Man...you ask some weird-ass questions...

 

[Hybridfish7]

When you can't find answers for the most specific questions that run across your mind, might as well ask them yourself. No harm in seeing every possible option

 

[krichardson]

I built my stand with nails,and the hammering caused some of the wood to split so I won't be using them anymore if I should do another build.

 

[Hybridfish7]

I built my stand with nails,and the hammering caused some of the wood to split so I won't be using them anymore if I should do another build.

i figured this might also be an issue

 

[esoxlucius]

I find there is something quite sensual listening to the quiet whirring noise of your combi drill as you drive those screws home. Very satisfying.

Not such a quiet sensual noise is me effing and jeffing when I wallop my thumb with a hammer knocking damn nails in!

 

[aussieman57]

I like to overbuild. Would not even consider using nails. When I was building tank stands/racks I used 1/4 inch or bigger bolts/washers/lock nuts to hold everything together. Might be overkill but never worried about anything shifting.

 

[Backfromthedead]

So long as its properly built, nails work just as well as screws for a lumber stand.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I find there is something quite sensual listening to the quiet whirring noise of your combi drill as you drive those screws home. Very satisfying.

Not such a quiet sensual noise is me effing and jeffing when I wallop my thumb with a hammer knocking damn nails in!

That's just personal preference. I would much rather go for some loud, erotic hammering than a gentle, romantic screwing. But that's just me.

 

[PhishMon84]

screws, w/ pilot holes allow for a more finished look. Also, with a decent drill its very quick. this is all in addition to structural benefits.