Toenailing

Common applications

• Fastening a wall stud to a sole plate in stud framing.
• Used in place of end nailing when fastening locations are not easily accessible, like installing blocking between studs and joists.
• Attaching a rafter to the top plate of a wall at its birdsmouth.
• Commonly used with screws in carpentry to quickly secure temporary framing or work aids such as a jig.
• Can be used by woodworkers, for example a drawer or box can be glued and skew-nailed with finer nails or panel pins. Skew nailing will fasten the joint, while the glue sets, avoiding the use of clamps.

Alternatives to toenailing include the use of joist hangers, hurricane ties, and other engineered steel connectors designed to drive nails on a perpendicular to a wood surface.