Which nailing method is considered the strongest?

Clinching is recognized as the strongest nailing method due to the way the nail is secured within the material. In this technique, a nail is driven into a surface, and then the protruding end of the nail is bent over, which creates a mechanical lock within the wood or other materials. This added feature significantly enhances the hold of the nail, making it resistant to pulling out or loosening under stress, such as tension or movement.

In comparison, driving nails relies solely on friction and fit for holding power, and shooting nails with a pneumatic nail gun provides penetration but does not have the same locking mechanism. Bracing, while effective for structural support, does not involve a permanent fastening method like clinching does. Therefore, clinching stands out for its superior strength and durability in fastening applications.