Re: [Phys-l] nails

[brian whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

On 9/27/2011 11:58 AM, Anthony Lapinski wrote:
> A student wants to build something with nails exposed to the air (like a
> bed of nails). The humidity here in New Jersey can be high in the summer,
> so he is wanting to use nails that don't rust. I suggested galvanized
> nails, which are coated with zinc. I assume roofing nails are similar. But
> can these nails rust under normal weather conditions during the year?
> Also, are there other types of nails available which have coatings that
> are better than zinc?
>
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If a rust-free bed of nails of some kind were the only objective, 
piercing a thin sheet - perhaps
 card or better a waterproof card of the kind used for insulating 
windings -  with many long reach
stainless  staples would be an effective way of making it. The card 
would rest on a small sheet of
firm blue foam insulation to act as a sub-strate during the piercing.

Brian Whatcott