how to install mini nails? - moved by moderator

[SpencerC]

simple enough dilemma hoping for a simple answer! how do i get these little tiny nails into the planks? they obviously dont really hold anything together trhey are just for show, but i still want them installed. do i need a tiny hammer? lol

[md1400cs]

Spencer,

 

I have found that the best way to do this is to first drill holes just slightly smaller than the nail that you are trying to drive into the wood. Much easier.

Also if you hammer a nail in, there is a very big risk that you will split the plank. This has worked for me, though I'm sure that there are several excellent other approaches. Also the risk of the nail going sideways is also a big risk. The resulting scar is not pretty. Ouch. Don't buy a tiny hammer (:-)

 

The drill first technique has worked well for me.

 

R/ Michael

[realworkingsailor]

These things work great:

 

http://www.micromark.com/spike-insertion-plier,8242.html

 

I can't believe that more people don't use them.....

 

Andy