system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV - Screws are superior to nails in every way.

I'm hardly a carpenter, but every single time I have to build or assemble something, I find myself disappointed with nails. They don't hold as well, and although they are less expensive, I typically have to use twice as many to complete the same task. I'm so concerned about this that when I do build something, I have no faith in anything that uses nails. The only downsides I find to screws are the price and possibility of splitting the wood. As for price, being able to use fewer screws offsets that, and pre-drilling holes for screws resolves the issue of wood splitting. 

Now, much of this may be my inexperience in the building trades, but nothing I have made with nails has held up, while everything I've made with screws has been ridiculously solid and outlasted my use for it. 

Screws are superior to nails. CMV. 

Edit - My view has been partially changed. Good arguments are abundant in this thread, but these seem to be the best ones. 

Shear strength - I truly had no idea nails had better shear strength. I can see specific applications where the nail would in fact be better. 

Easier to use - This is a valid point. Putting hammer to nail is often easier than drilling, especially if one only has a manual screwdriver. That would suck. 

Crates - It would be insane to screw crates together. 

Moulding - I hadn't considered this because I use construction adhesive on all my moulding. I know that's uncommon, but even seeing the slight imperfections from finish nails irks me. No, I don't have OCD. I'm just weird and particular. 

Time - Yes, nails are faster, especially with a nail gun. This is quite a valid point, but if I'm paying someone to build something and screws would be stronger structurally, then they had better not use nails to save time. 

So, currently I'm revising my statement. Nails have their purpose, but most of the time, screws are superior. 

Oh, and one more thing I like about screws. I'm a night owl. Most of my building occurs in my work shop between 8pm and 2am. Screws are much much quieter. However, that's just a little personal quirk, so I won't use it to support my argument. 

Please keep it coming! I have already learned a great deal from you all, and though screws are still my preference, I can see the benefit of nails in some applications. I'm probably going to bed soon, but I will check back in tomorrow. :) 

Edit 2 - Now that I've gotten some sleep and am conscious again, I've handed out deltas. My apologies for the delay, as I was half asleep during my last read through of the thread and my brain was already taking a nap. 

Thank you all for the great feedback and information today. I really appreciate it, and I hope some other carpentry novices like myself learned a thing or two as well. :)
gpt
Advantages of nails:

*  Significantly cheaper (as you mentioned)

*  Any type of hammer will work with any type of nail

*  Nails cannot be stripped

*  It is faster to nail than screw

*  1 step process; no drilling required

*   Electricity is not needed

*  You can correct the angle of a nail when driving; which you can't do with a screw

*  They provide a more finished look than screws, due to the lack of drill bit slot and/or rounded head.