How to Hammer a Finishing Nail

Finishing nails are small, thin nails that are used to attach trim, moldings, and other decorative elements to wood. They are typically made of steel or brass, and they come in a variety of lengths and finishes.

To hammer a finishing nail, you will need the following tools:

* A hammer

* A finishing nail

* A nail set

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before you start hammering the nail, you need to make sure that the surface of the wood is clean and dry. If the surface is dirty or wet, the nail will not hold properly.

Step 2: Place the Nail

Place the finishing nail in the desired location. The nail should be perpendicular to the surface of the wood, and the point of the nail should be facing up.

Step 3: Hold the Nail

Hold the nail in place with your fingers. Be careful not to let the nail move or wiggle, as this can cause the nail to bend or break.

Step 4: Hammer the Nail

Using the hammer, strike the head of the nail with a forceful blow. The blow should be strong enough to drive the nail into the wood, but not so strong that the nail bends or breaks.

Step 5: Set the Nail

Once the nail is driven into the wood, use the nail set to set the head of the nail below the surface of the wood. To do this, place the chisel end of the nail set on the head of the nail and strike the other end of the nail set with the hammer.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat steps 2-5 until all of the finishing nails have been hammered into the wood.

Tips for Hammering Finishing Nails

* Use a sharp nail. A sharp nail will be easier to drive into the wood and less likely to bend or break.

* Hold the nail in place with your fingers. This will help to prevent the nail from moving or wiggling, which can cause the nail to bend or break.

* Use a hammer with a small head. A hammer with a small head will give you more control when hammering the nail, and it will be less likely to damage the wood.

* Strike the nail with a forceful blow. The blow should be strong enough to drive the nail into the wood, but not so strong that the nail bends or breaks.

* Set the nail below the surface of the wood. This will help to prevent the nail from popping out of the wood.