Temporary nail to hold drywall; what to do with it? - DIY Chatroom

yummy mummy · 10-02-2007, 11:47 PM

If I put in a couple of nails just to temporarily hold the drywall up in place, until I put in the screws, what do I do with the nails that I have put in?

Do I remove them and put in a drywall screw in its place, or do I hammer it in all the way.

If so, how would I get it to be slightly "dimpled" into the surface of the drywall. (If I don't have that special drywall hammer)

Thanks

kemerick · 10-03-2007, 12:15 AM

That is the way my drywallers did it and some of the time a framing (waffle) hammer was the closest thing around so it got used. Mudding will always cover the hole up as long as it is not too deep as then it will shrink and crack... and that will mean more coats if its a crater.

Hammering away sounds like the best and easiest way.

robertcdf · 10-03-2007, 12:21 AM

You can use a 40D nail and any hammer to set it in just slightly... But dont break the paper

yummy mummy · 10-03-2007, 10:25 AM

Thanks for the advice.

Can I just take the nail out and replace it by the drywall screw?
As I am afraid that I will hammer too hard and break the drywall.

jogr · 10-03-2007, 10:50 AM

You won't break the drywall. Just smack it in with a smooth faced hammer till it's just below flush, don't use a waffle faced framing hammer.

yummy mummy · 10-03-2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks jogr.

From what I have been reading, they say that you need a special hammer to nail drywall, and I don't have that hammer.

OK, I am going to try and hammer it in, but I would rather take it out, and put in a screw since that is what I am using to adhere the drywall.

Thanks

Ron6519 · 10-03-2007, 02:09 PM

They do have drywall nails, and any hammer will do. Set the nail and just put in a screw 1" away from it.
Ron

yummy mummy · 10-03-2007, 03:06 PM

Thanks Ron, I think I will do that.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 10-03-2007, 06:51 PM

Only use drywall nails to temporarily hold sheets in place. ONLY NAIL on the perimeter edges. Do not apply nails to the "field" of the sheet.

After you have the sheet screwed off, you can simply hammer the nails in.

yummy mummy · 10-04-2007, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

Only use drywall nails to temporarily hold sheets in place. ONLY NAIL on the perimeter edges. Do not apply nails to the "field" of the sheet.

After you have the sheet screwed off, you can simply hammer the nails in.

Thanks Atlantic.

I'm glad you told me not to nail in the "field" of the sheet, because that is just what I was going to do.

I will nail only on the edges then, and then hammer through.
I will start this weekend, hopefully, if hubby goes out and picks me up a couple of sheets.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 10-04-2007, 08:38 AM

YM, You obviously understand that in addition to "not" nailing in the field of the sheet, that you should, however, apply screws approximately every 16" in the field. I thought I would clarify that point even tho you probably understand that already.

Also: where vertical sheetrock seams meet (over studs), install your screws on each sheet end approximately every 6" to 8".

jogr · 10-04-2007, 10:26 AM

yummy,

When you say "hammer through" I hope you don't mean it. Just hammer the nail head till it's just below flush with the exposed surface of the drywall. If you look or feel across the drywall you will have just a light dimple from the hammer if you've done it right. You'll pick it up fast.

yummy mummy · 10-04-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst.

YM, You obviously understand that in addition to "not" nailing in the field of the sheet, that you should, however, apply screws approximately every 16" in the field. I thought I would clarify that point even tho you probably understand that already.

Also: where vertical sheetrock seams meet (over studs), install your screws on each sheet end approximately every 6" to 8".

Thanks Atlantic.
Yes, I do realize that I have to screw in every 16"? I thought I would have to put the screws every 12"?

MudGirl · 10-10-2007, 12:32 PM

You go girl !!! Don't know if you need inspections, but in some places you need three in the field, some more. Three will do if no insp needed. And use hubby's truck, they'll load it for you at the store, he can unload it before the game and during half-time!! LOL

MudGirl · 10-10-2007, 12:35 PM

Don't forget to mark your studs on the floor/ceiling. You can eyeball it from there without worrying about missing studs.