Don't Drive NAILS/SCREWS Straight In...TRY THIS INSTEAD! (The TOENAIL EFFECT--Stronger Connections!)

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Don't Drive NAILS/SCREWS Straight In...TRY THIS INSTEAD! (The TOENAIL EFFECT--Stronger Connections!)
When many people drive nails and screws, they stand them up perpendicular to the piece, and send them in. But driving fasteners like this sacrifices STRENGTH! This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show you a simple trick for making stronger fastener connections.
Driving nails and screws straight in isn't exactly WRONG. It's just that it's not as beneficial as possible.
This is because driving fasteners perpendicular to your lumber or work piece sends them in by the most direct route possible. This means that they can also LEAVE by the most direct route possible--STRAIGHT OUT.
Nails in particular can suffer from retraction problems.
Nails gain their fastening power from FRICTION. They force their way into wood or material, and pressure from the material on all sides of the nail hold them in place.
But, when that friction bond is broken (like with seasonal expansion/contraction in deck boards), then the fastener loses nearly all its strength.
Here's a simple trick to help prevent this problem: DRIVE THE FASTENER AT A SLIGHT ANGLE.
By slightly angling the fastener, you make it harder for the fastener to pull out unintentionally.
The fastener has to traverse through boards laterally. Now, material positioned diagonally over the fastener is also holding it in place. To remove a nail set with an angle, you have to PRY UP that extra material as well.
I call this the TOENAIL EFFECT--because angling a fastener is often referred to as giving it a "toenail" angle. (This word also frequently refers to nailing 2x4s from the top side while framing.)
It's also best to drive the fastener so it angles slightly away from the direction at which force will be most frequently applied to it.
SCREWS can also benefit from driving them at an angle. It can be especially helpful when driving screws into end grain. The screw point will bite laterally through multiple end grain layers, giving the threads more to grab.
Overall, though, screws are much stronger than nails because they don't rely on friction for strength. So, it's okay to not always angle screws when driving them.
But, NAILS can almost ALWAYS benefit from a slight toenail angle!
Thanks for watching! Be sure to check back in for more videos coming up soon!
The Honest Carpenter

[@caroldragon7545]

I had to chuckle, because my dad taught me about the value of toenailing back in the forties, and a local farmer's kid laughed at me for doing it. There is one time, however, when you want to drive nails at an angle upwards. That is when you are nailing to a vertical surface that is constantly exposed to rain, such as a fence rail, or putting an electric fence insulator into a tree. By angling it upwards slightly, rain doesn't soak in around the nail or screw, so the wood is much less likely to rot over time. That was also my dad's tip.

[@Foolish188]

My Mother loved nailing her electric fence to trees. Now forty years later there are dozens of trees with nails in them, waiting for someone to chainsaw through them. Fun times ahead for somebody.

[@jodyburton0351]

Good tip. You can still use opposing left/right toenails along with the upward angle to get the holding power Ethan described.

[@LtDan-hr1pb]

My grandfather was a master craftsman back in the early 1900s. Years ago, I toured two homes in the Portland, OR area where some of his work is is still a major focal piece in the home. (These were family members; homes.) He had done a major amount of trim work and built-ins shelves and cabinets. Naturally the knowledge was passed to my father and uncle. Eventually, some to me. The toenailing, which was one of the tips, does receive comments from others but after a brief explanation, they just seem to walk away. Hopefully with some additional, old fashioned knowledge. Since my first retirement, I volunteer quite often with a few local Habitat for Humanity chapters. My preference is framing. Both exterior and interior. I toenail as much as I can. Can't beat the strength.

[@callam8170]

Water will still go in there. And the nails are the least of your worries, the timber will still rot with prolonged exposure to moisture, nails or not. Sounds good though. Like alot of carpenters tips, they sound good

[@drewpknutz1410]

@@Foolish188 I love the fact that you threw shade on your own mother for pretty much no reason, you sound like a real douche! Congrats!

[@kenheif]

We use this principle all the time in spine surgery. For example, sometimes with a spinal fusion, we lay a titanium plate with holes on top of two vertebrae. We place two screws in the plate at each vertebrae, parallel to each other. To decrease pull out, we slightly angle the screws toward each other. Great video, as usual.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Amazing! I love hearing about tool technique in other jobs-especially medicine. Thanks Kenneth!

[@adanielweaver]

I always wondered why on x Ray's of plates the screws look crooked. Also, that sounds like something I want to avoid going through.

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

As a recipient of titanium plates, Thank you, medical field!

[@ElectricIguana]

We do that at our brain surgery shop also.

[@kenheif]

@@ElectricIguana That's true, but with skull fixation plate devices, the tiny screws are usually placed perpendicularly. There is less stress being placed on these plates than those of the spine.

[@Mihogan]

Sounds like I've accidentally been an expert carpenter my entire life - I can't put a nail or screw in straight to save my life 😂

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I had to really TRY to stand one up just for this video, Alec 😅

[@markwhickman351]

The 5 in 1 tool I got after watching one of the previous videos here has a useful nail supporter. Great for clumsy fingers.

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

Same, I always thought that was a bad thing but nice to know I've been doing it right all along. I guess you can call me a natural.

[@palipali4264]

True talent....

[@ekummel]

Right? The only time I hammer a nail in straight is when I want it to be angled!

[@annenoname3442]

I like to hammer the nail into a solid "L" Shape, first. Then I mash the majority of it into the material. I never look back 😎

[@ColonelSandersLite]

You forgot the most important step - It's very critical that you smack your fingers while you're holding the nail *at least* once. The redder your fingers are, the better it'll hold.

[@PFab]

My nails are covered in fungus. So they just get overlooked.

[@paulparoma]

@@katiedotson704 Do you have a trick for making the neighbors disappear altogether?

[@paulparoma]

@@katiedotson704 That's too bad. Uncouth people don't appreciate sincere generosity.

[@paulparoma]

@@katiedotson704 Good. He may have demanded that it be put to sleep. Maybe you can find someone else to appreciate your generosity. All joking aside, I have a neighbor in the house behind me who has a habit of opening her floor-to-ceiling bathroom window at 7:30 in the morning while she goes through a morning routine with her "special needs" 4-year-old who yells and screams. I see and hear this from my bedroom. Yesterday I asked her to "please close the window. You are in the toilet." Her reply? "Well, I am not sh&tting!" How nice is that and where do I find a pet rock big enough to give her?

[@getsmarty7603]

They taught this in my woodwork class when I was younger. You just need to remember to compensate for the angle you put your screw/nail at because it may push/pull the wood that way. Depends on what you're building. Good video!

[@thomasflores7817]

Some of us didnt get a chance to take woodwork class, and are learning this when they’re almost 30

[@5400bowen]

Very good point. And make sure you use long enough fasteners. The angle decreases to total penetration depth.

[@MarkkuS]

I bought an old house, and the last owner definitely knew your advice. Boy is it fun to take off old trim 😅

[@danishnande9629]

As someone who recently bought a house and has to learn almost everything from scratch your videos really help. I especially love the one about kerfs (did I spell that right). It has made my miter saw cuts much more precise. Keep up with the great content, it really helps those of us that grew up in front of a computer instead of with tools in our hands. Greetings from Denmark

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Nicolas! You’re exactly the audience I make them for, and I’m glad it’s helping. Happy to hear from Denmark!

[@rickyperkins232]

@@TheHonestCarpenter I use a Milwaukee 18 gauge brad nailer for all my trim work and sometimes beyond. My trick is always use 2" first if possible and in one spot to nail up and down. I use this method in place of a 15 gauge nailer. I love when I do remodeling and the previous carpenter uses nails because it makes work easier when removing because they shoot the nails perpendicular to the work. Question, for the last Year I have switched to Deck screws for everything except drywall, have you considered deck screws outside of a deck.

[@lucedad]

@@rickyperkins232I do a lot of bath and shower remodels and I use deck screws most of the time. I use 3/4 or 5/8 plywood for parkout between the studs and acrylic shower/bath panels as well as when replacing subfloor. They are coated so the moisture doesn’t bother them and they are strong as…you can imagine. Hope this helps.

[@Kryynism]

I learned all my skills at first from buying my house. Now I can build almost anything after taking my experience and getting jobs with it..

[@Kryynism]

I learned all my skills at first from buying my house. Now I can build almost anything after taking my experience and getting jobs with it..

[@jons2447]

Hello, Ethan; I did frame carpentry when I was young, 30-40 years age. I learned from the old-timers. Angling 2 16p nails against each other would hold a top plate down & straighten a bent 2x. Used it many times since. Good to see you know what you're doing. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@MyFathersBusinessLLC]

Holds better when the nails are used like they have been used for 6000 years. Angling nails is called toe nailing, it's ONLY used to join pieces that don't meet face to face. A "V" nail can help to hold until glue dries, but can never provide lasting strength, seeing as how when it's angled you've created an escape channel for the nail.angled nails pop a little triangle out when a straight nail would have held. No wonder all the houses these days fall apart in 10 years...

[@perryfroze]

Oh, thank you, so you're an honest carpenter? Where would you go if you were to die today? Seek the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ before it's too late. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Hell is real and Heaven is also real. You don't want to spend an eternity in Hell torment without God. The only way to escape Hell is to follow Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. Study the KJV Bible to know more and pray and seek until you find Jesus. Don't delay tomorrow might be too late. You are not promised even the next minute. Do it now

[@luisromanlegionaire]

Nails were not around six thousand years ago your comment is questionable

[@62betcha]

@@perryfroze One of Jesus names is a nail fastened in a sure place. Isaiah 22:23

[@62betcha]

@@luisromanlegionaire 5400 years ago metal nails in Egypt but I think wooden peg nails should count reasonably back to 6000 years. would disolve no proof.

[@stevenslater2669]

My brother was a carpenter - mostly kitchen & bathroom remodeling. He broke his foot and the orthopedic surgeon who put it back together used a plate and a bunch of screws at all kinds of angles. None were driven straight in. My brother e-mailed me a copy of the x-ray and complained that the orthopedic surgeon would never make it as a carpenter. Sloppy work with the screws at angles. I put on my mechanical engineer hat and said that was so that loads applied at different angles as the foot articulated wouldn’t pull the screws loose - and that’s when I started driving nails at a slight angle.

[@LazyCrazyGuy]

So what you're saying is your brother is a lousy carpenter and his work is most likely falling apart if older than 7 years old?

[@vadim3031]

i dont do much carpentry but still i enjoy the honest carpenter videos as DIY person, this is great tip

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Vadim!

[@pamflowers8364]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. People are always criticizing me for driving nails in crook but I always do it that way because it makes a stronger connection.

[@johnnybarfield5045]

I have used the toenailing method since I was a boy. I drove a nail in one day and it went in on an angle. I started to pull it out as I was concerned it might not hold properly. Then, as if a light went on I thought why not put my next nail in with the opposite angle, and so I did. After thinking about what I did I thought, why not do this whenever I am using a nail or screw, an so I did. Until I watched your u-tube site, I thought I was the only person to ever do this! I am truly enjoying your show. I hope other's realize how Blessed they are to have someone with your skill set share the knowledge you have acquired over many, many years. Thank you so much.

[@KennethColeStatenIsland]

I've been doing this for years. When putting in posts in cement for a fence, I've used large nails at different angles to increase holding power. Works well. Thanks for the video.

[@angellas.1314]

As a DIY-er I’m interested in this technique. Can you give more details?

[@Adamsadventures83]

For cement you wouldn't need any angles. Just drive a 20d nail 3/4 of the way on each four faces and you'll have plenty of grip into the concrete.

[@5400bowen]

Well, since I got a heart on the first comment…. I also have an ongoing issue with many construction people about screws versus nails. I think people say nails are better because they are cheaper and faster to install. But I did commercial building maintenance with a huge firm for Starbucks, Einsteins Bagles , Best Buy and many other big corporations, in doing repairs I had to do a lot of demolition on a huge variety of fixtures, and worked every trade in the business. Several people have said nails bend and screws break. True, screws are less flexible. But anyone who’s done demo on countless installations knows screw are much stronger than nails. As is pointed out in this video, due to the fact nails are generally smooth, or much smoother than screws, I’ll demo nailed installations way before I’d want to go screwed stuff. Just get out in the real world and find out for yourself. And remember you need longer fasteners as the penetration depth is reduced. That is always a concern. Thanx for pointing this out.

[@John-ou4rm]

A lot of work in fast food places is actually stipulated as must be done using screws. This allows future remodeling to be undertaken with greater ease. Also fit outs are done quickly and during non business hours, most council bylaws prohibits excessive noise. Screws sheer and are brittle, also it takes far longer on framework. Time is money and for an inferior structural integrity. You'll never see a house framed using screws unless they're DIY or someone who lacks experience/knowledge

[@5400bowen]

@@John-ou4rm brittle and shearing are two of the biggest lies in the trades. They use that excuse to use nails that are way cheaper. If you did as much demo and replacement as I have, you know the crap about nails being less brittle, though true, doesn’t even come close to making them less strong. Just take apart anything screwed and anything nailed over and over and over and you’ll know, like I do, that screws make a structure that is WAY stronger. Nails pull out so easily compared to screws. Another industrial big lie. It’s because they are cheap, not because they make things stronger. Profit, not people.

[@j.w.r.i2910]

Nails bend and screws don't. Just depends on the situation no ? I think nails are for framing mostly bc it allows the structure to expand and contract etc. Screws just squeeze two materials together but can't take any vertical or horizontal shifting. Idk if that makes sense. Thoughts?

[@John-ou4rm]

@@j.w.r.i2910 Correct. Also using a nail gun is about 10x faster on residential construction.

[@patrikj]

The flip side is that it's almost impossible to separate the pieces without breaking them. As someone living in a 70 year old house where _everything_ is cross nailed, I can tell you it makes it really hard to do renovation work...

[@looosemeat]

Cross nailed trim into drywall is my favorite.

[@ElectricIguana]

Sawzall

[@laboulesdebleu8335]

oscillating tool can be used to slide between and cut at least one of the nails

[@RyanPetrynka]

I read this comment to my gf who does carpentry as a hobby. Her exact words: "but it stayed together for 70 years!"

[@flbyrne99]

I agree. To be honest, a nail driven straight in is held in by rust not friction after a while outdoors. Ever tried removing a rusted joint?

[@robohippy]

Even though most of my construction experience was with residential concrete work, I knew the value of toe nailing, especially on end grain. You covered all the bases here. Now I spend my time on the wood lathe.... Best christmas present I ever bought myself.... I even angle my wood dowels when pegging tenon joints.

[@philliphoward7455]

I thank you for the video. It added a few hints to what I learned from my dad. He said, many years ago," A good carpenter never drives a nail in straight." I guess he was right.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

My tote box for my circ saw fell apart years age. I made a new on out of scrap plywood. After I put hinges on it, I needed a latch. Drilled a hole at 25° ish and stuck a nail in it. It stays latched, opens easily, and if I loose the nail I just get another. Amazing how useful an angled hole is.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

When I was a nipper (in the UK) my dad taught me the technique where it was referred to as dovetail nailing.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’m using that new name for it, Strawbyte! I’ve also heard “skew nailing.” Always happy to hear from the UK!

[@JulieAnnAdventures]

My Father always said dovetailing, too, growing up here in Wisconsin. He was sick A multi-gifted and talented man. 🔨🔧⚙🗜🧲🧱

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Ethan You're welcome. -- Karl.

[@JP-JustSayin]

"Dovetail nailing" sounds so pretty and even elegant. The word "toenail" always makes me think of fungus. Eww.

[@mrspy5736]

I feel like im going to end up binge watching this man today

[@harmyjim2]

And that would be why hanging a picture on a wall, with a hanger only alows the nail to be put in on an angle. Thanks for the video and advice.

[@RubenSOchoa]

I’ve always done this but said it’s not necessarily extra friction but when you have two nails working against each other then it’s also the case that you need to either bend the nails or break off the chunks of wood above it for the wood to be removed

[@lyulf0]

I thought of this by myself when i started woodworking. The geometry just makes sense. i'm glad that my personal hypothesis is a working practice. ☺

[@MyFathersBusinessLLC]

It's not a working practice. Hes wrong about just about all aspects of toe nailing. It is NOT stronger. Or else they would be called toe-nails you bunch of fuck ups!

[@justDave3453]

Another very clear, concise yet comprehensive primer - keep up the good work!

[@bgrigg07]

Depends on what I'm nailing. If I'm joining structural members, I would toe nail. Baseboards get nailed straight in. I might need to remove the baseboard at some point and straight in makes it much easier to remove.

[@830jps]

When I help someone with a project, I never mention these tricks as I don't think about it, I just drive the nails. Thanks for reminding me to share my knowledge when I can.

[@stevenshelton3828]

This was a very thorough video! As it started, I thought of a lot of details that could go against your logic, such what angle is the force against the fastener and sloppy looking countersinks but you covered it all. Good video!

[@DonTruman]

Great video, thanks. All of these years of being a handyman/weekend warrior and I never thought of that. Makes good sense.

[@koyotekola6916]

Great advice! I always pre-drill to keep boards from cracking. I've found that the less friction doesn't affect how well the fastener stays in, but I haven't run tests to prove how much less friction results. But if I use angling, it will solve the problem that might or might not exist with pre-drilling. One thing for sure, if the board cracks, there is much less friction!

[@fredrossi1334]

No harm in pre-drilling the top board. If you're at all worried about loss of friction, just use a smaller drill and a drop of glue in the hole.

[@TheFreeBass]

Blunting your nails can also help avoid cracking. Just flip them over (head down) & give 'em a whack before driving 'em in point first. Don't ask me how it works, I just know through experience that it does.

[@stevenwymor1398]

Yup. Toenailing is the only kind of nailing I've ever done. Learned about this in 8th grade shop class over 40 years ago. Rarely do it with screws except when hanging cabinets.

[@pdxmusl1510]

I had no idea my inability to drive in straight nails was actually an advantage 😂😂😂

[@cougarbob1776]

These videos by "The Honest Carpenter" are the most useful and educational videos ever! I was just ready to clean up and redo (slightly) my garage, with some simple shelving and lots of pegboard. I used what I learned in at least a half-dozen of these videos to help me do the job better and faster. For instance, the drill extension that holds the screw saved me time and hassle. And knowing how to use the numbered torque dial on my cordless drill is great information. I could go on and on. BTW, the scripted dialogue on these videos is perfect. Thank you very much and keep up the great work. You have helped a lot of people.

[@richardstrada212]

Loved the explanation of toenailing and its resultant increase of holding power. I was knowledgeable about and utilized toenailing studs when creating internal walls but

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Richard 😄 I first heard it framing, too. It was only later that a German carpenter really explained the full angle nailing philosophy to me.

[@badassvette1542]

The Germans did not create or invent this. Instead of remembering the person, you remember a German...

[@pixelrangerstudio86]

I did a small project with small nails and i hammered them straight in... They came out easy peasy. I was pissed i did t want to use screws. After some tought i realisedthe same thing that this guy explained bymyself. Man im impressed by myself lol. 💯🔥🚀🙏😇

[@harriglnola7655]

I've been around carpentry for a long time... and I never knew this! Thanks so much!!! You've made this information so clear and obvious. That's amazing to me. I really appreciate your sharing this knowledge and video.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Nola! 😄

[@bryankautz826]

Ha! Came here on a carpentry recommendation and learned about spinal surgery! Gotta love the internet!!!! Actually worked as a medical photographer for 17yrs in the largest hospital facility in cdn🍁, took 1000s of pics/videos during various surgeries, saw tons of xrays/ct/MRI's and it never dawned on me why the screws always seemed to be angled, always thought it was a point of access issue, thanks for clarifying the reason, now it makes perfect sense.👍

[@charleschi843]

Depends on the weight load. Horizontal nailing with a sheer load doesn’t require angle nailing.

[@profcah]

Great video. Now I understand why some of my crappy nailing jobs have withstood the test of time.

[@arthurlincoln9093]

This guy explains the mysterious world of home maintenance extremely clearly and logically. From now on when I think screw, I shall also think shallow angle.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Arthur! I’m really glad the videos are helpful-I try to make them for newer DIYers the most 🙂

[@arthurlincoln9093]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Now, I need a video on how to tile a wall.

[@arthurlincoln9093]

Excuse me. Question. Does this apply to fixing battens to a solid brick wall or skirtings and such like?

[@charliejohnston1978]

40 years ago, I utilized this angled trick to lock x4 each 2x12x20 foot lumber together to make a beam, also with liquid nails between the pieces, and it worked great, every other pole barn spike was driven in at the opposite angle and it is still holding well today. I also utilized this trick on my 24 ft trusses using 5/8 plywood on both sides with liquid nails, when I built them, Thanks for sharing that.

[@spaci-1701]

Really informative vid and gives me a great excuse for my inability to drive nails straight! Might I suggest another vid on how to start fasteners when you're toenailing? I scarred a lot of pieces of wood trying to angle fasteners before I learned the 'straight then angle' method.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Great point, spaci! I’m definitely going to try to cover this before too long-you said it best: drive straight in, then angle 👍

[@angellas.1314]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Or use a dowel to mark the space and slight indentation to hold the nail head?!

[@Titantitan001]

I cross nail like a freaking mad man. I didn’t know people called it toenailing. Im a tile/vinyl guy who gets stuck doing trim work a lot. I also excelled at finish carpentry when I first started doing trade work so I usually have the tools for most wood working and literally any time I work with some of the other guys they make these mistakes you’ve brought up. Great video.

[@jaypowell0185]

Wow this was very insightful and helpful. Learn something new everyday

[@kenn1936]

I would never have thought of this - but now that you point it out, it is so obvious!! It just shows you how naive we DIY'ers are!! BRILLIANT TIP - thank you so much!! I am working my way through all these videos. My Mother taught me how to wallpaper, paint, and lots of other simple DIY things, but my Father was alway too busy to show me any real DIY with tools. ( to be honest I am glad he didn't show me as his DIY is not great)!! I am now learning, so I can go fix all his mistakes. Now that he is unable to do DIY, I end up going to his home and fixing stuff. My Mum was the technical person with electronics too, so my Dad left her to do all that stuff, now that she is gone, he is clueless!!!

[@richturnerphotography]

Kinda late to the party here but I just ran across your channel. Built my house in the mid 90s and framed it that way. Used three nails in each stud end - straight in, and angled left and right on each side of that. My house was literally dead center when hurricane Michael came ashore in Oct 2018 (it took about 40 minutes for the eye to pass over us). With 165mph winds, we had only cosmetic damage from flying debris and NO structural damage. The house was high and dry. This technique works really, REALLY well!

[@illestofdemall13]

I've used this technique for screwing in fan rated electrical boxes to the ceiling beams. I get peace of mind in knowing that it can hold up over 200 lbs even though the fan may only 20 or so lbs.

[@ethran]

Has anyone ever called you a wordworker instead of a woodworker? Honestly the way you use the English language is half the reason I watch your videos, thanks!

[@chriswilliams7601]

Thanks for this. I'm almost 50 and just starting/self learning some woodworking skills for home improvements and projects. Things like this are a gem!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Chris! I’m glad it helps 😄

[@TheDadofsix]

You did a good job on this. I thought I would be board (lol, that was a mistake but it works) but this was actually informative and well worth the time. Thanks

[@alexguest9937]

Good to know I'm not the only one doing this! Also, if you're screwing a butt joint in sheet material near the edge, if you toenail the screw in towards the middle of the timber, it will tend to stop the boards from splitting apart/de-laminating as the screw goes in. That's really useful to know when you're butt jointing two rails of MDF which are only 100mm (4") wide. Put two screws in but point them both in towards the middle of the rails, and (hopefully) the MDF won't split apart as the screws go in.

[@yuliyabryant4052]

I am glad that you shared this little trick with us because now it makes whole a lot of sense for me why some of my “ nailed “ projects started pull apart few years later. Thank you very much for your wisdom in woodworking.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

In old houses with plaster, you learn early and often that banked (toenailed) screws are the way to go.

[@ensidfkgnur]

Thanks for getting this out there. Most of us probably already know all this but love fasteners and watched it anyway, but maybe some young folks will watch it and potentially avoid life-threatening mistakes. I've been amazed by people taking on large projects and doing a whole lot right but who don't give a darn about proper use of fasteners. Anyway, good work!!!

[@robertschagen9016]

I learnt this from a cabinet maker more than 50 years ago, particularly useful when nailing engrained. In Oz we refer to this as skew nailing. Thanks for confirming.

[@TheEngineerd]

1:48 nice, that explains my deck. I have a few places I can't walk over without footwear since the nails are sticking up.

[@CarlSapu]

From My 5years of experience as the carpenter I think that straight nail punch is great but thank for the great and powerful Idea bro

[@refrigeratormagnet1680]

It's so obvious, yet for most it's one of those thing just too trivial to think about and is just passed by. Truly a great tip

[@bigk3381]

59yo and if I knew it its great to hear it again... If I didn't know it, well I'm a fan of learning. 🤙 Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, Big K!

[@MaximChervyakov]

When I was a kid that's how my father used to teach me how I should drive nails.. :) something like almost 40 years ago.. this video brought me far away memories..

[@rubenrodriguez1165]

I've deconstructed jobs, where when trying to recycle good boards/woods, the builder did just that. Angled the fasteners. The boards took more time to separate. They were very strong, holding on for dear life when trying to pull the fasteners out..

[@checkmaify]

thanks dude; you are truly honest and have integrity

[@carlb1409]

Excellent points. I'm flipping boards on a deck. And sounds like angling the screw on each of the cut ends of the boards will help.

[@allanmoffat5015]

End grain toe nailing demo was educational for me. I learnt something today , thanks.

[@herbalannie7707]

THIS was extremely helpful! As a backyard carpenter of 40 years I always thought that some of the men that helped me were just lazy side screwers. LoL. Never too old to learn that's why I'm here. At 69 i'm getting ready to frame up a couple of porch walls. Are nails or screws better?

[@freecheese4143]

Never, ever, heard of it. Absolutely makes sense.

[@muzvid]

When this video showed up in my "recommended" list, the last half of the title was hidden. But as soon as I saw the word "toenail" I remembered learning this trick as a child. I learned it in conjunction with clinching, but I can see how toenailing would be effective even in situations where clinching isn't appropriate.

[@Live-Life-Freely]

This is why I always go stright in because it keeps my pull-out game on point.

[@fingolfin9086]

This is why the houses built before prohibition are so damn sturdy, everyone on the building crew was pretty much hammered all day long.

[@ut561]

ok ok, lets get this straight, i'm 65 years old and worked with nails all my life, yet this is the very first time i've heard this. WHAT A GREAT IDEA! this would be a great excuse for time traveling back and doing every nail right all over again ;))) PS: if this comment suddenly disappears some day you know I made it back.

[@gyorgyangelkottbocz9766]

well said! use it all the time myself! another trick is to bend the tip of the nail, which makes it turn when driven in the wood!

[@jenyfursmith8413]

Very helpful. I’m new to carpentry and knowing things like this helps TREMENDOUSLY! So, thank you!❤️

[@CleaveMountaineering]

I'm glad all those times the nail or screw has slipped and gone a little crooked, it was actually a feature.

[@dreadfullradu4726]

Ive thought of this concept for many years, but have never heard anyone talk about it and much less, make a video of it. Thanks and well said!!

[@yoyobanks3683]

You're not only honest, you are also genius! 👍

[@Nifty-Stuff]

A simple idea, but you do such a great job making toenailing interesting and worth watching!

[@BrucePinkerton]

Good advice and although not common practice, is really common sense! If you drive 2 nails in at opposing angles, the joint will be extremely hard to separate.

[@peterbarlow8912]

Your perfectly correct about holding power of angled fasteners. The problem is you have to be sure your front piece is hard against your back piece. If a fastener exits the front piece and encounters a gap and then the back piece you’ll never get the joint to close up. Angled screws can jack the front piece off the back piece creating the gap. At least with screws you can remove the screw, clamp the work, and try the screw in a new spot.

[@MsPepperbelly]

I had never heard of this but I have always wondered why nails hold as well as they do. What is really holding them in? This is why I tend to use screws whenever possible. Now once he explained why nailing at an angle is more effective I immediately realized that nailing in opposite directions would resist pressure to pull out the nail. So I will have to apply this technique myself.

[@ricardotrujillo5106]

Great video, young man, as always, at my age, 60, learning from your Chanel. God bless you and your family and business.

[@yesdaddy4154]

You covered all areas for those who can agree or disagree... great video

[@lmc333]

The honest carpenter also moonlights as an engineer... Excellent video from a fellow engineer.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, LM! 😄

[@ryanwhitney667]

I thought of myself as a pretty good handyman, but I hadn't even considered the benefits of driving a nail at an angle. I've done it instinctively when attaching a mounting board or something, but never considered it's applications. This was very useful. I will be more deliberate when driving fasteners from now on.

[@robwebnoid5763]

I had a feeling he was going to say something about angles before he revealed it. This works where you want it to work. But I would not use it where it may involve both potential human harm & cosmetic beauty. The aforementioned porch decking is one such area I would not use it at. Nailing or screwing at an angle will cause the tilting, as explained in the video & could cause a problem if part of the nail/screw head is above the surface of the deck. Not good for bare feet. Pushing it down further to totally flush the head creates a crater which is visually not aesthetically good to me. So instead I would just use the traditional screw drilled straight down. The screw head is now equally flushed on all sides & the screw itself will not pull out faster than a nail over a long length of time. Straight down with a screw also maximizes entire length of screw when angling it might shorten it, even by a millimeter & then you would have to replace them with longer ones, when the original ones were already ok to begin with. Again, use the nailing/screwing angles where you think it works but also foresee any visual issues with it.

[@kaleoariola]

I do it all the time especially into endurance. One of those on the job lessons im glad to see others doing

[@ericlaurendeau4816]

When I toenail with screws and I don't want the head to show I countersink a little bit deeper than usual. Great video! Thanks

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Me too, Eric! A good, fast drive will help seat them too.

[@shopart1488]

We always toe nail when trining commercial jobs with metal studs. Works everytime!!

[@rickd1655]

I use this technique for nailing plywood to roof rafters to prevent up lift from wind, especially if the walls are open, like a pavilion.

[@johndee68]

I've noticed in the old days, wood screws were tapered thread cores which in a short time most would wiggle their way loose on items which moved or were suseptable tovibrations. These days the shanks are more constant and don't have the same issues.

[@jeffreydohl6036]

I really love the way you explain things. You do a great job. I watch your channel all the time.. There are a few things that I would love to learn if you have time. I haven't seen all your shows but I am working on it. 1) Anyway, One is how do you determine the amount of supplies you need to complete a project. Say I want to build a reloading bench or a mitersaw bench. Do I use 2 X 6, 2X10 or 2X12 maybe 1X6 10 or 12. I want whatever I make to be sturdy and strong but not over kill to the point it cost me a fortune. 2) How do you true up your tablesaw, Mitersaw and circlularsaw? So that you can have as perfect and true a cut as possible? Thank you for all the videos. Very much appreciate you for doing this.

[@brucemichelsen5830]

Truthfully never even thought about this. Makes sense though! Informative.

[@kimsidener1850]

Clear, well thought out, good visual examples, theme music lasted about two seconds. You are very good at instructional videos, sir!

[@benandsylvia]

In Canada, we call toe nailing the procedure holding wall studs to top or bottom plate. We, "dovetail" nails to prevent the trim bowing out; used commonly on MDF trim or nailing something to drywall,aka. Sheetrock.

[@neildrachlen9149]

Very....very ......helpful. I am always being told what to do BUT NEVER THE THOUGHT BEHIND IT. Maybe I am too stupid or too slow to learn. When you explain the theory behind the technique.......at least for myself.......truly absorbed into my tiny brain.👏🏻😉

[@louisd95714]

Being I cannot hammer a nail straight in, this is right up my alley!

[@shawnr771]

A tip to holding nails to prevent smashed thumbs. Put your hand down palm up of the surface and place the nail between the tips of the first and middle fingers. Lightly tap the nail to get it started. Move your hand and drive the nail. Extremely small nails can be held with a pair of pliers.

[@CarlSapu]

Iam watching all the way from Papua New Guinea ❤❤❤ and I hope that God will bless you brother

[@constantinosschinas4503]

On screws you can angle the pilot hole on the bottom piece and keep the top piece pilot hole a bit larger and straight. Screw will flex slighty giving you more strength, but a flush look.

[@jamesharrington3351]

I learned this from a carpenter who built stories of scaffolding at one of our Power Plants in Western North Dakota.

[@sarahstinespring2994]

I caught this video just in time, right before I start installing the trim in my cabin, so Thank You!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, Sarah! Work safe 🙂

[@jjohnson8977]

Also works if your nails are too long and you don't have time to run to HD to get right length

[@luistrevino6229]

Wow !!! Great video. I really needed to know this as I just got interested in carpentry by rebuilding 40 year old stairs outside my house. Thank you very much for the info. Regards from San Antonio, TX