A Guide on How to Countersink Nails
Do-it-yourself carpentry jobs look more finished and professional when the finished surface is smooth. Nails can present a problem if you don’t countersink them. Countersinking is the process of driving them to a depth that lowers the head into the material to create a flush and even surface. Nails are set a little deeper into the wood to prevent the head from showing above the surface. Nails come in various sizes, shapes, and styles with different heads. Some are easier to countersink than others. If you’re not familiar with countersinking techniques, you’re in the right place to learn. We offer a guide on how to countersink nails like a professional.
Countersinking and its relevance
DIY Home Improvement Plus explains that countersinking is a method for driving the nails into woodworking projects in a way that sets the head below the surface of the material to hide the fasteners when the project is complete. Countersinking nails gives the project a smooth and flawless appearance, and it also hides the finishing nails from view while strengthening the integrity of the project. Countersunk nails with wood-filler applied to the top are less likely to work themselves loose.
Which nails are best for countersinking
The most common nail types used for woodworking projects are flat-headed finish nails or brads. Try to use finishing nails with an indentation or divot at the top. The indentation helps hold the nail set tool in place, for more accurate placement. Some nails do not have heads. Most of these types have a small dimple on the top to accommodate an awl or nail set tool. These are the easiest to countersink. You can countersink any nail type.
What to know before you start
Working with wood or other materials requires care to avoid damaging the surface. When hammering, take your time to pound the nail directly into the wood. Try to avoid hammer blows that can dent the material on either side of the nail for a flawless finish. It’s a good idea to slow down as the head of the finishing nail gets closer to the material.
Steps for countersinking nails into wood
Hunker recommends a simple technique that involves four steps when countersinking nails into wood surfaces with a nail set tool. Step 1: Hammer the nail straight into the wood until the finishing nail comes close to the surface. Step 2: Place the tip of the mail set tool with the tapered end onto the nail head. It’s easier with nails featuring an indentation in the center, but you can use the nail set tool with any nail type. Step 3: secure the nail set tool vertically with one hand, and hold the hammer with the other hand. Tap the top portion of the nail set tool with the hammer. Step 4: Tap the top end of the nail set tool until the head of the nail is anchored slightly below the surface. The ideal depth of the nail head is 1/16 inch beneath the material surface. When the job is completed, use a high-quality wood filler to fill the indentation left and create a smooth surface. You may lightly sand the wood filler for a flawless surface finish. This process works well for countersinking nails into wood surfaces to hide the holes or the nail heads. Choose a sandable wood filler that is either stainable or close to the color of the wood.
How to choose the right nail set tool
Nail set tools are handy for fast and easy nail countersinking, but they come in various sizes and styles. Homesteady points out that it’s best to choose a nail set tool that is no larger than the diameter of the nail head. Nail set tools have a tapered end. If the tip of the nail set tool is wider than the nail head it will cause damage to the surrounding surface.
Other tips for countersinking nails
When working with wood or hammering nails it’s recommended that you wear safety glasses to avoid getting wood material particles in your eyes. Hammering can cause splinters to fly upwards. It’s also wise to wear eye protection when using wood filler and sanding the surface to a smooth finish. It can help avoid getting the dust in your eyes. It’s also important to note that not all wood fillers have the same properties. Some wood fillers are not easy to sand and some will not hold paint, wood stain, or varnish. Read the label before you buy, and look for wood fillers that are sandable, paintable, and stainable. You’ll get the best results for your finished project.
What to do if I don’t have a nail set tool?
Nail set tools come in the shape of an awl with a tapered end that fits over the head of the nail. If you don’t have a nail set tool, you can make substitutions. It’s wise to choose an awl or other type of woodworking tool that is made of stainless steel, is no larger at the end than the diameter of the nailhead, and has a strong handle that can hold up under tapping it with a hammer. It’s perfectly fine to make a substitution with another object that will accomplish the same goals.
Final thoughts
Countersinking nails into wood projects is not difficult, but there are a few things to know. Remember to pound the nail to the surface of the material without damaging the sides. Use a tool that is smaller than the head of the nail to finish the last step, and sink the head or the nail 1/16th of an inch below the surface of the material. Use wood filler that is sandable and paintable to fill the holes left above the nails. When dry, sand the surface and you’ve successfully secured the nails into your project and hidden them from view.
