Finishing Nails - Ultimate Guide

 Finish nails are employed in construction work, when our intention is to make the nail head invisible. They are manufactured with smaller heads in smaller diameter compared to other types of nails used in construction.

As shown in the figure, they possess a barrel shaped head with smaller diameters with a dimple at the top. Finish nails or finishing nails are usually made out of 15 to 16 guage steel wire. Finishing nails are available in sizes ranging from 1 to 4 inches in length. Its main application is in wood.

How to Drive a Finish Nail Using Hammer?

1. The finish nail is driven into the surface of wood or other compatible material with a hammer alone. 
2. Do not hit the wood surface during hammering.
3. While hammering, leave one forth to one eight inch away from the surface of the wood.
4. Always ensure that you are driving the nail perpendicular to the surface and avoid bending of the nail.
5. If the nail bends, pull it out and try again with a new nail.                                                                   
   
6. Now take a nail set and place it on the head of the finish nail. The nail set posses a small dent to accommodate the head of finish nail. Keep the nail set directly inline with the finish nail to avoid skating off during the insertion.

7. 

   Nail Set

     
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9. Now gently tap the hammer on the blunt end of the nail set placed over the finish nail. Lightly tap to insert the nail into the surface. Keep driving until the nail head is flush with or below the surface. This is done as per the finishing needs.

1. To give a professional look, a depression is left, fill it and smoothen it.