What type of fastener is a nail?

A nail is classified as a mechanical fastener because it is designed to join materials together through physical means rather than using adhesives or other bonding methods. Mechanical fasteners function by providing a physical connection that typically relies on the shape and friction of the fasteners themselves, which can include other forms such as screws, bolts, or staples.

In the case of nails, they penetrate the materials to create a strong hold due to their sharp point and shaft design, allowing them to grip into the wood or other materials effectively. This differs from adhesive fasteners, which rely on chemical bonding agents, or electrical fasteners, which are used in applications requiring electrical connections and often involve connectors or terminals. Magnetic fasteners utilize magnetism to hold objects together but do not apply to the nature of a nail's function. Thus, identifying nails as mechanical fasteners aligns with how they create their fastening effect through physical means.