# Trim/Finishing Nails Sticking Out
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [July 18, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602 "2017-07-18T21:22:31Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/1 "2017-07-18T21:22:31Z")
Tired of tearing socks and getting mop threads stuck. Every few months I notice a few finishing nails in a random wall baseboard molding strip starts to stick out (about 1/8 inch). Why do they keep pushing out? I was careful and drilled the pilots smaller than the finishing nails so as not to crack the quarter round… Is this going to keep happening? its a minor annoyance but I am curious. I don’t want to have to keep walking around with a nail punch every now and again. Is it expansion/contraction of the materials that is doing it?
If so are there any methods to keep them from coming out that don’t rely on messy glue? Someone had told me to dip them in polyurethane then drive them in, but that was too messy/sticky for my liking.
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### Author:  [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/2 "2017-07-18T21:36:35Z")
It’s caused by humidity changes. The wood expands and contracts - the same reason my front door sticks when the haboobs hit.
Something like [this](https://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Hardware/Fasteners/Nails/Finishing/350-Pack-1-1-2-Ardox-Spiral-Finishing-Nails/_/N-ntju1/R-I2130134) might hold better.
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### Author:  [@Mr.Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Bill)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/3 "2017-07-18T21:37:12Z")
Sounds to me like the problem is indeed expansion and contraction of the wooden baseboard, due to humidity fluctuations.
As far as a fix is concerned, I can think of three possibilities:
1. The glue that you don’t want to do
2. Controlling the humidity in the room. This is probably too drastic a measure for a small problem, unless there are other reasons for doing so, such as musical instruments or other sensitive wooden objects in the room.
3. I don’t know what they are called, but there are nails that have ridges which circle the shaft. I believe these are made for exactly this reason. You could replace the nails as they become a problem, rather than pulling the baseboard off and starting from scratch.
Good luck!
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### Author:  [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/4 "2017-07-18T21:49:38Z")
Thanks! Excellent! I somehow didn’t know those types of nails existed, the ones I have only had a few ridges at the end) I think I will replace them as they become an issue. I already relatively control the humidity, its usually about 60% (I have a lot of electronics/don’t want issues with static/too careful). I left small gaps at the bottom of the drywall to allow for expansion and contraction, so I am thinking that is where the excessively humid or dry air may be coming in then, insulation only does so much I guess.
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### Author:  [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/5 "2017-07-18T21:53:25Z")
> [@beowulff](#):
>
> It’s caused by humidity changes. The wood expands and contracts - the same reason my front door sticks when the haboobs hit.
>
> Something like [this](https://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Hardware/Fasteners/Nails/Finishing/350-Pack-1-1-2-Ardox-Spiral-Finishing-Nails/_/N-ntju1/R-I2130134) might hold better.
I ran a planer over one of my door ends to try and alleviate this… this is a bathroom door though, so if the shower is steamed enough, it would stick… Still does it though, although much less than before. Not really worth the effort though, next time i’ll just stick with the sticking door 😃
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### Author:  [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/6 "2017-07-18T22:06:09Z")
Given that you’re maintaining a fairly even temp and humidity, is it possible that the nails didn’t hit studs?
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### Author:  [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/7 "2017-07-18T22:14:51Z")
> [@Sicks\_Ate](#):
>
> Given that you’re maintaining a fairly even temp and humidity, is it possible that the nails didn’t hit studs?
I measured the space between studs and the same with the molding and quarter round then drilled the pilots, so they should be hitting… probably missed some, but the areas I suspect so, have the nails still fully driven. If I were to use glue, any suggestions/proper ones? Thanks!
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### Author:  [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/8 "2017-07-18T23:09:30Z")
Since you’ll need to sink those nails anyway you should get a nail set from [Spring Tools](http://springtools.shptron.com/). Best invention ever.
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### Author:  [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/9 "2017-07-18T23:19:48Z")
> [@Mr.Bill](#):
>
> 1. I don’t know what they are called, but there are nails that have ridges which circle the shaft. I believe these are made for exactly this reason. You could replace the nails as they become a problem, rather than pulling the baseboard off and starting from scratch
If you are describing what I think you are describing, they are called ring nails. They are available at ye ol local lowes, home depot, ace hardware, etc.
Another solution is to use a nail set. Here’s a how-to for those that aren’t familiar with their use:
ETA: TriPolar’s post wasn’t there when I started typing (dang ninjas - plus I got interrupted)
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### Author:  [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/10 "2017-07-18T23:40:30Z")
Turns out, ringshank finishing nails don’t exist, at least not that I could find. The spiral shank ones are all that’s available.
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### Author:  [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/11 "2017-07-18T23:44:48Z")
> [@TriPolar](#):
>
> Since you’ll need to sink those nails anyway you should get a nail set from [Spring Tools](http://springtools.shptron.com/). Best invention ever.
I’ve got both their metal workers set and woodworkers set. Very handy indeed.
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### Author:  [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/12 "2017-07-18T23:48:23Z")
> [@beowulff](#):
>
> Turns out, ringshank finishing nails don’t exist, at least not that I could find. The spiral shank ones are all that’s available.
Look for paneling nails. Don’t know if they’ll be long enough for you.
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### Author:  [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/13 "2017-07-18T23:51:23Z")
> [@GaryM](#):
>
> I’ve got both their metal workers set and woodworkers set. Very handy indeed.
The package I have has a center punch, incredibly useful with metal. I should get the rest of the metal tools, the dimpler and the cold chisel. The wood chisel is very handy when installing lock sets. The nail sets are a miracle, I don’t think I’d ever have finished a ceiling using a hammer and old fashioned static hunk of metal nail set.
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### Author:  [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)
#### Post date: [July 18, 2017, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/14 "2017-07-18T23:59:50Z")
> [@beowulff](#):
>
> Turns out, ringshank finishing nails don’t exist, at least not that I could find. The spiral shank ones are all that’s available.
I’ve called those finish ring shanks Paneling Nails. Not quite a finish nail though - [http://www.aftfasteners.com/panel-board-nails/](http://www.aftfasteners.com/panel-board-nails/)
Before that though, I would just get a little wood putty. You can buy it in almost any color in small jars. It’s not messy at all.
When a problem nail raises its head 🙂 , counter sink it about 1-2mm, and fill on top, in the counter sunk hole with putty.
[https://www.lowes.com/pd/Minwax-Walnut-Wood-Putty/999914499](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Minwax-Walnut-Wood-Putty/999914499)
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### Author:  [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2017, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/15 "2017-07-19T00:12:09Z")
Can I ask why you’re hand-driving them at all? A compressor and finish nailer will set you back less than $100. It’s quicker, easier, and the nails will barely pull out, much less work their way out.
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### Author:  [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2017, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/16 "2017-07-19T00:18:32Z")
Pilot drilling helps to not split quarter round in \*\*delicate **situations, though I’ve never experienced a problem with this by not pre drilling under** general \*\*situations. Perhaps all your pre-drilling was unnecessary in the first place, and tended to make loose connections…
Try driving nails (un-piloted) an inch or so away from the original nails for better adherence, then later, pull the offending protruding nails out with a pair of sidecutters. Just make sure the nails (brads) are long enough to sink adequately into the framing behind the quarterround.
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### Author:  [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2017, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/17 "2017-07-19T00:27:25Z")
> [@anomalous1](#):
>
> If I were to use glue, any suggestions/proper ones? Thanks!
Epoxy would probably hold, but you’ll regret it if you ever want to remove the baseboard. I’d vote for the spiral nails. They’re often used with floor and stair edging strips (eg. you can see them [here](https://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-Products-79020-36-Inch/dp/B001007Q5G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500423877&sr=8-2) and [here](https://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-Products-79111-72-Inch/dp/B000H5RX5S/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1500423877&sr=8-6)). Those edgings are a worst case scenario for nails, because people keep stepping on strips, which flex and unflex, pulling on the nails. I have some edgings that are installed with spiral nails which haven’t moved in years of use.
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### Author:  [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/18 "2017-07-19T00:32:32Z")
Well it wasn’t a super huge project, so I just did it by hand, even the molding I did with a miter box. It turned out very good, thats why I didn’t bother with a nailer. **gogogophers** I should have clarified better, I just couldn’t think of the name, this wasn’t actually standard size quarter round,about half the size… i just use quarter round as a general term, my apologies. I did that because I was worried it would split. I will definitely pull out the offending nails, put better ones in and away from the original holes, without pilots… and into the stud. The original nails are long enough so I know thats not the culprit, I did the framing myself as well so the studs are nice supple wood still. It’s amazing something so little can turn into an afternoon project. **TriPolar** I will be ordering one of those asap. I love improvements over the stuff I have… I’ve been using cheapo punches from Harbor Freight… garbage… never again (the ends are actually showing damage/warping).
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### Author:  [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2017, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/19 "2017-07-19T02:05:08Z")
I never have looked for studs when doing baseboard or 1/4 round, I just angle the nail into the bottom 2x4 of the wall frame. Another vote for the nailer if you doing any amount of woodworking. I use them for everything just about.
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### Author:  [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)
#### Post date: [July 19, 2017, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trim-finishing-nails-sticking-out/791602/20 "2017-07-19T14:46:31Z")
Use longer nails … drive them at different angles … depending on how you’re finishing the trim wood, maybe try galvanized finish nails, they’re a bit rougher and sometimes stick better, although they might not be available just anywhere …
Whether to drill pilot holes or not depends strictly on the species of wood … I mill up d-fir for trim work and splitting is a big problem … whereas the hemlock used for “store-bought” trim can just be nailed straight without pilot holes …
The nuclear option is to glue the trim board in place, the nails only have to hold until the glue dries …
ETA: Back in the day when I had a dedicated customer base … I would spend a week going around all the buildings just nailing all the porches back down … as a benefit of having me as their go-to person for building repairs … it was a popular service …
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