kim.nina•2mo ago

Just read that in 1900, over 50% of all US-made nails were still hand-forged. Found that in a book at the library about old Pittsburgh steel mills.

4 comments

4 Comments

robertcarr2mo ago

That stat seems way too high for 1900.

jadej503d ago

Maybe that 50% includes nails that were technically machine-cut but still required hand finishing back then.

drew_mitchell2mo ago

Yeah, "way too high" is probably right. That number feels like it's counting something weird, like maybe specialty nails only used in certain trades. By 1900, wire nails from machines were taking over for most construction and basic work. The hand-forged ones would have been for things like horseshoes, shipbuilding, or fancy blacksmith work. The book might be using a narrow definition or a source from a specific region that was behind the times.

king.val2mo ago

Reminds me of a guy who swore his old farmhouse was built entirely with square nails. Took a magnet to the siding to prove it. Turned out it was just the exterior sheathing, every interior stud was modern wire nails. People get attached to a specific detail and miss the bigger picture.