Repairing Guides

how to repair popped drywall nails

by Dr. Roslyn Runte Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Repair popped nails with screws. Just tapping the nail back down with a hammer will solve the immediate problem, but eventually, the nail will probably work its way back out.
  • Add more screws if you suspect skimping. If the installer failed to use enough fasteners, the drywall panel might not be securely attached to the studs, resulting in movement and ...
  • Fill indentions with drywall joint compound. Drywall screws are designed with trumpet-shaped heads, which allows you to insert them just beneath the surface of the drywall, but they will leave ...
  • Inspect trusses, where uplift can cause nail pops. If you noticed popped nails in the walls of your home, you may wish to do a bit of investigating for similar ...
  • Popped nails in combination with other issues signal a bigger problem. Normal house settling can cause framing lumber to move a bit, resulting in popped nails. ...

Part of a video titled How to Repair Nail Pops ! - YouTube
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7:49
It's just dimpled a little bit. And you go an inch above. It. And the reason I like to go above andMoreIt's just dimpled a little bit. And you go an inch above. It. And the reason I like to go above and beneath is. Because if if this nail pop happened because the drywall is under compression.

How to properly fix nail Pops in drywall?

Banish the bulges caused by nail pops before you paint to achieve flawlessly smooth wall surfaces.

  • Repair popped nails with screws. ...
  • Add more screws if you suspect skimping. ...
  • Fill indentions with drywall joint compound. ...
  • Inspect trusses, where uplift can cause nail pops. ...
  • Popped nails in combination with other issues signal a bigger problem. ...

Why do nails pop out of drywall?

  • Doors that stick or won’t shut properly.
  • Cracks in the drywall around windows and doors.
  • Cracks in the corners of the ceiling.
  • Visible cracks in the foundation.

How to fix protruding nails in drywall?

How to Fix Popped Drywall Nails: Remove Nail: Use a screwdriver and pliers to remove the protruding nail. Attach Drywall: Drive 1½” long drywall screws into the stud above and below the nail hole. Apply Joint Compound: Apply several coats of drywall joint compound to the area until it is flush with the surface, allowing each coat to dry ...

What do I use to fill nail holes in drywall?

Squeeze craft glue into nail holes to fill them quickly.

  • You can also apply craft glue to the nail holes with a cotton swab.
  • Add a sprinkle of baking soda to the glue if you want a filler with a thicker consistency.
  • This quick solution can be used for plaster walls and drywall.

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How to fix a popped nail?

A better solution is to tap the nail back down and then insert two drywall screws in the stud, one about an inch above the nail, and one about an inch below the nail.

Why do my nails pop on the wall?

This can cause individual nails to move, and when a nail holding drywall moves, it loosens the joint compound covering the nail. The result is a tiny bulge on the wall surface or, in some cases, a visible nail head if the drywall compound comes loose and falls away. This is the most common cause of nail pops and it’s completely cosmetic. There are no structural issues to worry about, and repair is fairly simple.

How long does it take for joint compound to dry?

Apply with a putty knife, then smooth away any excess. Let the compound dry at least 24 hours, and then apply one more thin coat of joint compound with the putty knife. When that dries, sand over the compound with a drywall sanding sponge, and then roll on a new coat of paint.

How long should a drywall screw be?

The general rule is to use screws that will penetrate the stud by a minimum ¾ of an inch. For example, with ½-inch thick drywall, you’ll need a screw at least 1¼-inch long.

What does it mean when a nail pops in the ceiling?

If you noticed popped nails in the walls of your home, you may wish to do a bit of investigating for similar bulges on the ceiling—which can indicate a more serious problem. Today’s homebuilders often use manufactured trusses to construct a roof rather than building the roof with rafters. Some wood members in a set of trusses are designed to move slightly with attic humidity and temperature fluctuations, and so many modern drywall installers use a special attachment technique when hanging drywall on a ceiling made from trusses. If they attach the drywall directly to the underside of the trusses, however, when the trusses lift, nail pops can occur in the ceiling drywall. Depending on how much the truss moves, in addition to nail pops, you might also find a horizontal crack between the ceiling and the wall. In order to fix this issue, a contractor should remove the drywall panels and install news ones attached to clips or blocks, but not to the trusses themselves.

Can a truss lift a nail pop?

If they attach the drywall directly to the underside of the trusses, however, when the trusses lift, nail pops can occur in the ceiling drywall. Depending on how much the truss moves, in addition to nail pops, you might also find a horizontal crack between the ceiling and the wall.

How to make a nail pop?

1. In the center of the nail pop, place the tip of nail punch, and tap in with hammer. ...

What happens if you don't use primer on a patch?

If you don't use primer on the patch it will "flash," or show through the paint. Thanks! If your walls have a texture on them, you will have to match it before painting. Some textures can be matched with some drywall mud or Spackle and a putty knife.

Drive new screws

Refasten the drywall with 1-1/4-in. drywall screws. Drive the screws until they are recessed but don't break through the paper covering on the drywall. If you accidentally drive a screw too deep, add another screw alongside it.

Cut away loose material

Cut out crushed or damaged drywall with a sharp utility knife. Bevel the cut and don't leave any fuzzy bits of paper that would be hard to cover with the patching compound.

Secure old fasteners

Bury drywall nails in the wood framing with a nail set. Back out and remove old screws.

Fill with patching compound

Fill the damaged area and the holes left by the new screws with lightweight patching compound. Use a flexible putty knife to apply the compound and smooth it. Apply two or three coats, allowing each to dry completely before recoating.

How do I fix a popped nail in drywall?

To repair a popped nail in drywall: Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the drywall around the nail and expose the nailhead. Grasp the head of the nail with pliers and pull it out, twisting back and forth to loose it. Drive drywall screws in the stud above and below the hole, so the screws are recessed slightly below the surface ...

How do I fill holes in drywall?

Tap the holes with the butt of a drywall knife or a crowned head hammer to indent the edges of the hole. Use the drywall knife to fill the holes with joint compound. Apply firm pressure to force the compound into the holes, smooth it out even with the surface and allow it to dry overnight.

Can drywall nails be loose?

Unlike screws, drywall nails can work loose over time, leaving an unsightly bulge in the surface of the drywall. Here’s how to go about repairing a popped drywall nail.

How to Fix Popped Drywall Nails

Remove Nail: Use a screwdriver and pliers to remove the protruding nail.

Further Information

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Danny Lipford: People often discover nails popping out of the drywall in their homes, and they want to know how to correct it.

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