A fastener, such as a nail, screw, etc., which possesses supplemental
support and/or retention capability is provided. The fastener includes an
elongated auxiliary member secured interiorly to, exteriorly to, or along
the shaft of the fastener. The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft
at two or more portions of the shaft. The auxiliary member provides the
shaft with additional support strength and/or enables fastened materials
to be retained upon breakage or shearing of the shaft as a result of, for
example, heavy tensile or shearing loads. To facilitate breakage or
shearing of the shaft, the shaft may be provided with a deformation, such
as a notch or reduced circumference, at one or more desired locations
such that the shaft breaks or shears at the deformation(s), thereby
allowing the auxiliary member to function as the sole member which
retains the fastened materials. The auxiliary member may be sufficiently
flexible and pliable such that, upon breakage or shearing of the shaft,
retention of the materials is maintained but in a less stressed form.