A nail set — also called a nail punch or nail driver — is a small steel rod with a tip shaped to fit the head of a nail, used to drive the head 1–3 mm below the surface of the timber. This allows the nail hole to be filled with a touch of putty so the fastening is invisible, without the hammer ever touching the wood itself.
How to use a nail set
- Drive the nail with a hammer to just above the timber surface
- Place the tip of the nail set on the nail head
- Give a few light taps with the hammer on the other end
- The nail head sinks 1–3 mm below the surface
- Fill the hole with putty for an invisible fastening
Types of nail sets
- Standard nail set — 12–15 cm long, with a concave or convex tip matched to the nail
- Self-centring (automatic) nail set — sprung mechanism, no hammer needed
- Drift punch — a heavier version for driving out rivets or bolts
- Centre punch — similar shape, but marks a drilling spot rather than driving a nail
Applications
The nail set is used in:
- Floor laying — concealing nail heads in pine or oak boards
- Skirting and beading — fixing trims with invisible nail holes
- Furniture making — letting small nails and pins disappear cleanly
- Stair building — fixing risers and treads without visible fasteners
- Tongue-and-groove cladding — secret-nailing boards through the tongue
Tips for good use
- Pick the right size — the tip should be slightly smaller than the nail head; otherwise the wood is damaged
- Hold the set vertical — a tilted set lets the nail slip sideways
- Use short, accurate taps — heavy blows can split the timber
- Fill immediately — putty colours match better on fresh wood than on aged wood
Related terms
- Nail
- Hammer
- Centre punch
- Putty
- Pin
- Wood joint
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