How to Repair a Popped Nail
As a house settles, nails have a tendency to pop out of the dry wall. Thankfully, the problem can be repaired both quickly and inexpensively. Removing the popped nail and re-securing the drywall will take you all of 10 minutes or less. The longest part of the job is filling the indentations and waiting for the joint compound to dry. That could take 24 to 72 hours to complete. Depending on what supplies you already have stored around the house, the repair could cost $5 or less to complete. Here’s how to get the job done:
Supplies Needed to Repair Popped Nails
In order to complete this popped nail repair, you will need a box of galvanized ring-shank nails ($17) or wood screws ($9), a double-end nail puller or claw hammer, a tub of joint compound, a drywall knife and a sanding block ($3).
Replacing the Popped Nail
Start by pressing the elevated drywall back against the stud. Then, hammer a ring-shank nail above and below the popped nail. You may also opt to use wood screws instead of ring-shank nails. Whether you decide to go with ring-shank nails or wood screws, just make sure that you drive them in far enough to create an indentation or dimple into the drywall. The indentation will be filled in later with joint compound.
Removing the Popped Nail
Once the drywall has been secured with the new ring-shank nails or wood screws, go ahead and remove the popped nail with the claw end of your hammer or a double-end nail puller ($20). If you are working in a tight space or are concerned about causing damage to the drywall, I’d suggest using the double-end nail puller. Based on my experience, it tends to remove nails better than a claw hammer in those types of situations.
Finishing the Popped Nail Repair
After the popped nail has been removed, you will want to turn your attention towards filling the newly created indentations in the drywall. In order to fill the indentations made from the ring-shank nails, you’ll need a container of joint compound ($15) and a drywall joint knife ($9). Using the drywall joint knife, fill the indentations with the joint compound. Make sure that you pack the indentations completely and feather the excess joint compound outward. Allow the joint compound to dry completely. Depending on the temperature and humidity in your home, this could take 24 to 72 hours. Once the joint compound has dried completely, check for shrinkage. If shrinkage has occurred, you will need to add more joint compound. If no shrinkage has occurred and the drywall’s surface appears level, use a sanding block to lightly sand away and smooth the edges of the affected area. Once the affected area is smooth and level, you may opt to add primer and paint.
Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing home improvement projects with her family and has traveled extensively.
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