Final answer:
Extra nails are often included in packages to ensure the buyer has enough in case some are lost. Additionally, for larger projects, nails can be purchased by weight for convenience. An old carpenter's trick to prevent nails from bending involves using pliers to grip the nail, reducing vibrations and bending risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you need nails for a construction project and you buy them from a supplier like the dollar store, you often find that they come in sets that include more than just the standard 10. This is likely because the manufacturer expects that some nails may get lost or misplaced, and by providing a couple of extra, they ensure you have enough for your project. Similarly, when buying in bulk for a large construction project, you can purchase nails by weight. You would calculate the required number of pounds of nails based on how many nails there are per pound, without the hassle of counting out hundreds individually.
When it comes to preventing nails from bending during use, an old carpenter's trick involves gripping the center of the nail with pliers. This helps because it stabilizes the nail and reduces vibrations when hammering, which in turn diminishes the likelihood of the nail bending upon impact with hard materials.