* Securing roofing felt: The large head helps to hold the felt in place, preventing it from tearing or being pulled away by wind.
* Securing tar paper: Similar to roofing felt, clout nails are used to hold tar paper in place on roofs or other surfaces.
* General fastening of soft materials: They can also be used to fasten other soft materials, like fabrics or thin sheet materials, to timber or other surfaces where a broad holding surface is needed.
* Leatherwork: Can be used to hold items of leatherwork together.
The large head provides a greater surface area for holding the material and also helps to prevent the nail from pulling through.