Any Nail Experts Here?

[Capncrunch]

So, I took my boy out with his new Fisher F22 today (well, it's after midnight, so yesterday), and we went to a park, where I found this square(?) nail. Can anyone tell me what it is? Can anyone tell me what I can do to clean it up some, without ruining it?
Thanks!
Capncrunch

 

[TheHbeast]

Looks like a square nail to me, but ive been fooled by masonry nails before. I would recommend electrolysis. Usually the safest bet, metal dependent. Wash all dirt off first.
https://www.wwgoa.com/article/removing-rust-with-electrolysis/#
This link might be helpful. You could also try chemical cleaning with a strong acid, which is easier, but a bit riskier as it might eat away at more than just rust
Happy Hunting!

 

[Capncrunch]

Hbeast, I love your signature! So you like nails too! LOL!
I got these photos from a guy on another forum and his do look like the one we found. He pulled them from his 1850s farmhouse.

 

[SD51]

Here's some helpful info that was posted before by vpnavy;

https://www.uvm.edu/~histpres/203/nails.html

The history of nail making

https://www.uvm.edu/~histpres/203/nails.html

 

[villagenut]

I happen to love digging old nails, especially Smith made examples. First thing I do with rusty dug ones is see if it will snap in half like a twig. Sometimes newer machine made squares will have nothing left to restore.depends on how much corrosion has eaten away. In my experience, if it is not good old forged material, it is not worth putting too much effort into. If it is solid, try electrolysis, then after it is derusted, you are a third of the way done. Then comes distilled water baths, then drying, then coatings.

 

[villagenut]

I just realized that you are not caoncrunch.....but capncrunch By the way, welcome to the forum

 

[ARC]

 

[fishstick]

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That's pretty cool to know. THX

 

[Capncrunch]

Yes SD51 and AARC that is MOST interesting and appreciated! Find an old house, find some nails, and 'Voila!' KNOW the age!

 

[A2coins]

Looks like an old site I always dig everything so to establish an age of the area also. Nice relic