Abstract: A clamping jaw for gripping wire stock used in nail production machines includes a quick change system that allows efficient replacement of a removable tool insert. The clamping jaw includes a main body that is partially split so as to define a gap between first and second opposing clamping fingers having a recess portion there between for receiving and retaining the insert. The main body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a central bore that extends between the first and second surfaces, and a countersunk cavity formed in the bottom surface. A tapered projection formed from the first and second clamping fingers extends into the countersunk cavity. A clamping member, having a tapered recess for receiving the projection, is positioned in the countersunk cavity. A fastener is tightened to draw the clamping member onto the projection to close the clamping fingers in order to grip the insert.

Abstract: A forming pin having a shank, a head, a point, and a pair of like grooves on opposite sides of the shank is made by gripping an elongate wire in a position wherein an end of the wire is exposed, forming a head at the exposed end of the wire while gripped, advancing the wire by a predetermined distance, and simultaneously forming the point and forming the grooves. The forming pin thus formed is severed from the remaining wire as the point and the grooves are formed. A pair of dies are used, which are movable so as to pinch the wire therebetween, along with mechanisms for closing the dies. The dies are configured similarly to define suitable forming edges.

Abstract: A wire nail with a head having a circumferential edge conforming to a complete circle and disposed in a radially offset relationship with respect to a shank. A flat surface on the shank provides a datum indicating where the shank is located. A flat surface on the shank provides a datum for orienting such nail and similar nails. In some embodiments, a tangent plane defined by means of a lower or underside portion of the head is oriented at an acute angle (75.degree. to 85.degree.) relative to the shank. In a strip of such (collated) nails, the flat surfaces defined upon the shanks define an open channel, which coacts with a rib integrally provided upon one wall of a nail-feeding mechanism. In a nail-making machine, two gripping members defining an annular recess and a punch are used to form such a nail from a wire of a malleable metal.