What type of nails should not be used for stucco wire?

When nailing stucco wire, the use of smooth-shank nails is not advisable. This is primarily because smooth-shank nails do not provide adequate holding power in materials like stucco. They tend to pull out more easily compared to other types of nails, especially when subject to the expansion and contraction that can occur in stucco applications.

On the other hand, nails that have coatings or specific designs, such as textured or spiral nails, offer better grip and resistance to pullout forces. Screws, while not typically used for stucco wire, can sometimes be considered for their superior holding capacity. Plastic nails, often used in specific applications such as securing insulation boards or vapor barriers, also do not possess the same risk of working loose in stucco as smooth-shank nails do.

Overall, the structural needs of stucco application and the forces acting on the wire necessitate the use of nails designed for enhanced gripping ability, making smooth-shank nails unsuitable for this task.