Which fastener is best suited for light woodworking projects?

The common nail is the most suitable fastener for light woodworking projects because it is designed for fastening wood to wood efficiently. Common nails have a smooth shank, allowing them to easily penetrate wood and create a strong hold without splitting the material, especially in softer woods. They are readily available in a variety of sizes, which makes them versatile and ideal for various light-duty tasks, such as assembling furniture or framing lightweight structures.

For light projects, the characteristics of the common nail—such as ease of use, adequate holding power for lightweight applications, and the ability to be used with basic tools—make it the preferred choice among woodworkers. The other fasteners, while useful in different contexts, are typically intended for heavier or more specialized applications. For instance, masonry nails are designed for attaching wood to masonry surfaces, carriage bolts provide strong connections for joining pieces of wood but are more suited for structural applications, and lag screws are intended for heavy-duty fastening in wood applications where a significant load is expected.