FW360: Tremont Nail Factory – Mansfield, Mass.
Take a look around (literally) the last factory producing cut nails in the United States.
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Originally located in Wareham, Mass., Tremont Nail Company has been making cut nails since 1819. Today, Tremont is a part of Acorn Manufacturing and is located in Mansfield, Mass., a mere 35 miles from Wareham, but little else has changed. The company has the same skilled craftsmen, the same machines, and the same goal—to create a product that will last for generations.
The first time I walked into the Tremont Nail factory, my mind couldn’t wrap itself around the strange dichotomy I witnessed. The building and amenities were modern, but the machines and techniques used were of another century. Many woodworkers know that little, if anything, has been done to improve upon the cut nail. In fact, in many applications such as furniture making, the cut nails of old work better than any modern equivalent. It only makes sense that the machines used over a hundred years ago would be the best way of producing a product that hasn’t changed since its heyday.
A few weeks later, I drove back up to Mansfield with a newly acquired 360° camera to try and give you, our readers and viewers, a chance of witnessing what I witnessed that day. Granted, this new technology has its weaknesses, and not everyone will be able to view the video properly, but those who do will experience something pretty cool.
Comments
I just read the article, AMAZING!!! Who would have thought how "technical" it can be to apply cut nails. I saw cut nails applied once on a woodworking show, been looking all over but cant find cut nails, thanks to you, I know now! I am going to try this on my next project.
I have ordered boxes of all size square nails and use them on all my projects that require these fasteners . Thank you for posting this video.
I've been using Tremont nails for several years now, starting with hand tool projects for that authentic look. They work so well, I even use them in my plywood projects. They hold so much better than wire nails, it's worth the extra few seconds to drive one in instead of using a nail gun.
Not to be too picky 'cuz it's a cool video, but I would have really loved to see the actual machines themselves...how the nails are cut and actually produced.
Check out the related video: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2017/07/26/cut-nails-family-business
A very nice version of their print catalog:
http://www.tremontnail.com/TremontCatalog.pdf
There are 3 of these machines operating here in NH producing copper nails for boatbuilding. You can see them in operation occasionally at Strawbery Banke Museum and you can order the nails online from Piper Boat Works http://www.piperboatworks.com/clench-nails.html
Wow! What a cool experience to see this video in 360°. It's like being there. I'm impressed!
'Love seeing how things are manufactured. It allows for greater appreciation for the people who make the goods we utilize.
Thank you for offering this video.
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