Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short nail with a flat, broad head, specifically designed for attaching sheet metal (such as roofing or siding) to a wooden surface.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The roofer used clout nails to secure the corrugated iron sheets to the wooden rafters.
  • For the DIY shed project, ensure you have enough clout nails to fasten the metal flashing.

Advanced Usage

• "to drive a clout nail": The specific action of hammering this type of nail into place.
  • He carefully drove each clout nail through the tin and into the timber frame.

Variants and Related Words

• Clout (noun, archaic/regional): A piece of cloth or leather; a patch. Historically, a "clout" could be fastened with this type of nail, which is the likely origin of the term.
• Roofing nail: A more general modern term that often includes clout nails.
• Flat-head nail: A descriptive term for nails with a flat, countersunk head.

Synonyms

• Sheet metal nail: A descriptive synonym.
• Tin tack: An informal or regional term for a similar nail used with thin metal.

Related Phrases

• Nail down: (Phrasal verb) To secure something firmly or to finalize a decision. While not specific to clout nails, it describes the general action of fastening.
  • We need to nail down the roofing sheets before the storm arrives.

Noun

1. a short nail with a flat head; used to attach sheet metal to wood