What is nail setting?
Nail setting is driving a nail so deep that its head ends up below the surface of the timber. It is usually done with a nail set (nail punch): a steel pin that tapers to a point. In Dutch the technique is called verdrinken (“drowning” the nail) or drevelen, after the drevel, the Dutch word for a nail set.
Set or countersunk?
The difference is small but real. A countersunk head sits flush with the surface or just below it; with screws you get that with a countersink bit and a countersunk screw, no nail set needed. A set nail always sits clearly below the surface, leaving room for filler or finish.
How to set a nail
- Drive the nail with a hammer until the head is just above the wood. Do not let the hammer hit the timber, or you will leave dents.
- Place the tip of the nail set in the centre of the head, in line with the nail.
- Give a few short taps until the head is just below the surface.
- Fill the hole with wood filler in a matching colour if needed and sand smooth.
Nails with small heads, such as lost-head or oval nails, work best.
Application
- Parquet floors: when parquet is nailed to a timber subfloor, the last blows are given with a nail set. The heads then sit slightly recessed, so they do not show as dots after lacquering, and a nail that works its way up over time does not stick out straight away.
- Secret nailing: with tongue and groove boards, you nail at an angle through the tongue and set the head, so the groove of the next board slides over it cleanly.
- Trim work: skirting, mouldings and cladding boards are fixed with set nails for a clean finish.
Tips
- Tip smaller than the head: an oversized nail set punches a hole in the timber next to the nail.
- Not too deep: deep enough for filler or finish to hold, but not so deep that the timber splits.
- Pre-drill hardwood: a thin pilot hole prevents splitting, especially near end grain.
- Nail gun as an alternative: a pneumatic or electric brad nailer sinks the head in one go.
Related terms
- Nail set
- Secret nailing
- Nail
- Lost head
- Parquet floor
- Wire nail
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.