How to Fix Popped Drywall Nails

©2006 Publications International, Ltd.Nail pops in drywall are easy to eliminate. First drive the poppednail with a nail set as far as possible into the stud. Then drive anothernail about two inches above or below it.

Step 1: Redrive popped nails. If nails are sticking out far enough to get claw of hammer around them, pull them out first. To redrive them, hold nail set over nail head and hammer nail as far as you can into stud. Nail head will punch through drywall's outside layer of paper and into drywall itself. You can generally do the same thing with drywall screws. If the head has separated from the shaft (evident if the head spins without resistance when you put a screwdriver to it), you can also dig the head out carefully and remove it entirely.

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Step 2:

To make sure nail stays in place (and to take pressure off it), or to replace the holding power of the screw head, drive another drywall nail or  screw through wallboard and into stud about 2 inches above or below old nail. Pound nail flush with wall and then give it one more light hammer whack to "dimple" drywall surface around nail head. Drywall screws will countersink themselvces.Step 4: Let dry, then lightly sand area. Since spackling compound shrinks as it dries, you may need to repeat process once or twice more. Touch up patches with paint or primer.©Publications International, Ltd.

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