NAIL SET TIPS + TRICKS + SECRETS!! (Classic Nail Setter VS. Spring-Loaded Nail Sets...Pros + Cons!!)

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NAIL SET TIPS + TRICKS + SECRETS!! (Classic Nail Set VS. Spring-Loaded Nail Sets...Pros + Cons!!)
Nail sets are a commonly overlooked tool. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will discuss some quick tips, tricks, and facts about both classic nail sets and newer spring-loaded options!
NAIL SETS are used to finish driving nails into wood or other materials.
The process of driving a nail head just beneath the material surface is known as COUNTERSINKING.
Nail sets range in size from 1/32" at the point, to 3/32". The various sizes help drive different kinds of nails.
Fine point nail sets work best with larger trim nails, which have a divot in the head.
Blunt nail sets work best with smaller trim nails like brads and pins, which fit into the pit on the end of nail set.
Newer spring-loaded nail sets require no hammer to use. They create their driving power by pulling back the spring-loaded body and releasing. They're very easy and efficient to use!
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter

[@chefspenser1480]

Holy Crap!?! Who Knew?!?!? Thank you!! Another well done production-Cheers!

[@tokencivilian8507]

Not particular to this vid, more about the channel: I just really, really enjoy this channel. Your vids are always on point with helpful pointers for the DIYer. And your presentation is just a great combination of relaxed, matter of fact and up beat at the same time.

[@csimet]

I've had the spring nail set for a while and love it. They also make a spring center punch for setting a drill hole location.

[@stemmentor9700]

Got a link for that drill hole one? it’s my frustration after all these years to have a “dancing bit” 🫣. Thanks

[@blackswanodysseys]

Been using spring loaded nail sets for over 20 years

[@trinaroe5132]

I’ve had regular nail sets for years even though I’m just a DIYer. I had never heard if the spring loaded ones but am glad I watched the video. It will be well worth getting a set just for use with hinge pins!!! Thanks!

[@MikeBramm]

These work great. I've been using them for years. There's even a chisel for those times when you want to lift a sliver of wood. You can then hammer the nail in under the sliver of wood, sink it, then glue the sliver back down. You can't even tell that a nail is there when you're finished.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good tip, Mike! 😁

[@stemmentor9700]

Had a master carpenter while i was in the Navy taught me that tip. thought he was going through too much work, but when all done, it was unnoticeable. def a great tip especially doing floor or other visible finish areas. 👍👍

[@ThomasSteed]

I love spring sets. I don't love that I've lost as many as I have bought. I'd honestly like to invest in the full line of spring tools. They've got quite a few tools.

[@ipick4fun27]

I learned the spring set from LPL (Lock Picking Lawyer). It's good bypass tool to gain entry without keys.

[@JackKirbyFan]

Just amazing how much basic high school Physics explains so much. Just like you said - it's simple transfer of energy. Potential energy to kinetic energy. Cool stuff.

[@firstnamelastname9955]

I like to use a 1/4" pin punch (made by Dasco) as a nail set for when I am installing various hardware and have to drive framing nails. I usually also carry 1/8" and 3/32" nail sets and a spring-loaded center punch. Between these, basically every need it met. I used to carry the spring-loaded punch you show in the video, but found myself not using it enough to justify carrying it at all times.

[@luckyjim51]

I'm a 40yr commercial carpenter. For 38 yrs I had a nail set in my tool pouch... sometimes I actually set nails. It makes a great drift pin allining holes for commercial hardware...

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Love the spring tools nail set 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Me too, Ted!

[@cg2000cg1]

I can't remember the last time I used my nailsets for hammering in a nail, I use them mostly as awls for when I use a hand drill. They make a good starting hole so the drill bit doesn't skip around or a screw. Very handy with hard woods where you punch a hole, use a small bit and then a larger bit.

[@The_RC_Dude]

Wow, super cool little tool! I personally deal with nails rarely, as frankly I don’t do much carpentry, but I did grease 6 door hinge pins (3 doors, 2 pins per door) some months ago, and it was tedious, slow going, and just not super fun to tap out the hinge pins. Plus, I didn’t have a nail set, so I had use a big Philips head screwdriver, position it under the hinge pin, then gingerly tap it up with my hammer, and because everything wasn’t held in place, I had to go slow so I would damage or drop something.

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

That's a pretty cool tool, and a great idea! Thanks!

[@David.M.]

Thanks, I always enjoy your tips.

[@DanKoning777]

There are many ways to discern if someone comes by their knowledge honestly, and if they're suggestions are valid. One of those ways as it relates to carpentry is to simply look at, or shake their hands and in Ethan's case, this video displays hands replete with knowledge gained the old fashioned way; i.e. valid/honest.

[@billm.8220]

Cool tools. Always appreciate your insights Ethan.

[@eunicom]

I have the spring set and love it. Always have it with me when doing trim work.

[@juanbetancourt2802]

Excellent demostration, good video!!

[@woodstover]

LOVE MINE TOO! Great video

[@profcah]

Great video. I had forgotten about these, and had seen the spring loaded ones but never saw any commentary on them. Thanks Ethan!

[@earlmorton1216]

I ran across a set of the Spring Tools several years ago at a woodworking show, and it's one of the smartest purchases I've ever made.

[@MBMCincy63]

New tool, great info. Thanks 👍.

[@josephforgione1762]

Great video to learn about nail sets.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thank you Ethan

[@karlforster4907]

Sweet tool!

[@michaelfrost5868]

Another good video. Thank you Ethan

[@user-xc4vx3mh3c]

As always, instructive and professional. Thank you

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you! 😄

[@williammoseley17]

Great info. Thanks for the video.

[@richardstrada212]

Thanks for the info on the spring loaded nail sets. I didn't know it existed.

[@SandyFunnies]

So cool, thanks.

[@canaleliasjtmostrandocomoe2463]

Foi muito boa a sua dica esta de parabéns

[@GrantHendrick]

Thank you Ethan.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome, Grant!

[@ingeniouspixie]

Wow, great info! I had no idea these even existed! Thank you

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks for watching, Natasha! They’re awesome 🙂

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

👋 ETHAN…I honestly have several triple sets and one set is even rubber coated (great for using in the cold 🥶 ) And I bought the spring loaded one years ago,the first time 👀 I saw it 😁 REALLY GREAT YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR THE NEW ONES 🤗😍😍😍

[@wildtwindad]

Spring tools makes an accompanying hinge pin tool! Its a game changer for hardware installs and door removal/re-hanging without the hammer!

[@Sheila-cm4jy]

Can't wait to try the spring-loaded gizmo the next time I encounter a pesky hinge pin !

[@stemmentor9700]

Nothing like kinetic energy to make a kewl tool.

[@davidserra6206]

Great video, as always.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks David!

[@stevekiss616]

Cool! A new toy. Gotta get one. About to start on a big trim job. Thanks.😃

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Steve! They’re a game changer for designated trim jobs 😁

[@ironwood1621]

I’ve always used a big nail for that but these look a lot easier. Thanks

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I can sink 3 brads with this thing in 5 or 6 seconds, Rich!

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

That’s one cool gadget! I’m gonna have to get it. Thanks!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks for watching, Todd! 😄

[@jasonweirich2050]

Maybe these never got very popular, but they've existed for a long time now. I have one that has been around since the 1980s at least. I use it more than all my other nail sets combined. Thank you for your videos, Ethan!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I didn’t know that, Jason! Thanks for watching 😄

[@theoriginalmonstermaker]

Thanks for this! I always just assumed to use the smallest set for brads to maintain the smallest indentation, but frequently had the tip slip, resulting in more damage despite my intention : / And in fact, I thought those spring loaded sets looked cool awhile back when I saw them, but imagined the problem would be even worse (since I felt control of the hammer head would be easier than dealing with a bouncing spring) But now I've learned I was just approaching it wrong! Honestly really appreciate that correction and can't wait to try that instead : ) Much obliged ; ) Great content as always. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. You've done a great deal to spread knowledge and a useful skill set to a new generation. 👍

[@georgepatton5380]

Thanks for the good video. I'll be using your affiliate links soon. Starting an apprenticeship in a month.

[@monkeygraborange]

The day I discovered nail sets was a game changer for me. I probably have at least 20 in different bags.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Same here, monkey! Such a simple, effective tool.

[@danheuser5148]

I ran a little test with my regular nail set and my palm nailer to countersink some brad nails into some pine slats (for a wall). I just gave the nail set a quick tap with the palm nailer, and it seemed to work pretty well. I previously tried using a hammer and I don't know if the wall was flexing too much, but I had to beat the hell out of the nail set to get the brads to sink, so it was loosening the slat, it was doing a lot of damage from missed hits and was super loud. Maybe this is a really dangerous idea? Either way, spring nail set looks like a solid option.

[@Freddie2598]

I have a spring set that is one handed operation and works great I don’t remember the brand off hand

[@sarajillianshepherd3858]

We call these punches in Australia 😊

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

When I absolutely have to use nails I just whip out the drill with my smallest drill bit & pre-drill a hole that'll hold the nail in place. But that's a really interesting tool. It just goes to show there's literally a tool for everything. 👷🏿‍♂️

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

True, W! And I feel like I’ve owned half of them 😅

[@AA-gw6wd]

Full disclosure: I actually started nail setting with one of these. With that said I find a regular nail set almost unusable in comparison, and since I broke all my spring loaded ones at one point I spent a good amount of time trying to get used to my regular nail set. First , with a regular one you are dealing with at least three 3 distinct objects, the nail, the sat and the hammer, coordinating all of those is challenging, you must have them all in alignment, this is true of the spring loaded set but it makes it much easier to do. Secondly I find the impact, technically refereed to as a impulse in physics, is much higher in the spring load then it is to with a hammer, this has to do with additional kinetic energy acceleration at impact. And in practice it seems, even though the weight is much lower you can tell a difference in how it drives the nail more then a hammer.

[@ragmanintx]

I just feel good that I have been using them longer than The Honest Carpenter.😉

[@ALAPINO]

How fitting. I'm doing light renos on my 70 year old house and it seems the last guy left his nailset in the truck.

[@assembleellc2486]

Thanks for the helpful video! Can you make a video on how to learn carpentry? Is there any way for someone who already has an established career to learn without working a 9-5 that likely won’t pay enough to survive for the first few years?

[@Icantball67]

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned but I’ve seen a pun set make with a rectangular tip for driving staples

[@Bigelite094]

4:05 That nail set of yours needs a visit to the bench top grinder for some judgement.

[@sewndebisdream6953]

Will this set a 23guage nail head? What can I do to sink them without damaging wood?

[@earlyriser8998]

the spring loaded don't feel natural like the old punch and hammer which I have used for decades. But they are two sided, don't need a hammer, and very effective. I may learn to love them.

[@jimcarter4929]

Had one for years and don't particularly like it, going to stick with nail sets.

[@jtown778]

Hello, love the channel. Do you have any recommendations on good quality and comfortable work boots? TIA

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks, J! I haven’t found any really good ones in a while, but will cover the topic if I do find some. 👍

[@jtown778]

@@TheHonestCarpenter THANKS!!

[@nicholasschrader9161]

Your opening music is the same as the old wood wisperer channel from years ago lol

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I had no idea, Nicholas. It’s stock audio from iMovie 😂

[@jasonlepage7915]

👍

[@fire_n_ice1984]

They also work in tight spaces where you can't swing a hammer. Mine are always disappearing from the job.

[@stans5270]

I used them in the 1970s. NEW must be a relative term.

[@juliehenderson1672]

Can a piece of felt or fabrics be placed above the proud nail to obtain a smooth nail placement?

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Unfortunately you’ll probably still get some denting on the wood that way, Julie. Nail sets (or similar punches) are really the best bet.

[@findlayhunter4934]

👍🏻

[@BOBBY-et9xb]

Should the area where it's held not be fixed in the event the spring pinches the fingers.

[@binaryglitch64]

Ever use Japanese style nail sets?

[@goodtobehandy]

After this video I'm now set. It's funny that the only nail set I've lost is my spring set,it just sprung disappeared.

[@pqrstsma2011]

uhm that spring thingy looks like it can injure you down the road, especially if the spring becomes slightly weaker over time... like a blunt kitchen knife that's still sharp enough to cut your skin.... i feel you should use protective gloves while using that tc, from GSO NC

[@gregmize01]

👍👍👍👍

[@tristanmartinez2667]

It’s a center punch

[@TonyDracon]

i've been using those nail sets all wrong lol

[@mannys9130]

I'm glad you mentioned the hinge use of the tool! I actually heard of these because of a guy named Deviant Ollam. His channel (under that exact name) is almost entirely about security and penetration testing. Companies hire him to go try to break into their properties and then he teaches them why they were vulnerable and how he was able to get into very sensitive areas. He is basically a professional thief and he has insanely valuable information about how crappy devices are useless and how even very effective security devices that we see everyday are totally useless if they aren't used and installed properly. This tool is one of his trusted gadgets because when a door has hinges on the outer side (the side that you want strangers to stay on) it's very easy to knock out the hinge pins and "open" the door from the hinge side. No need to mess with the locks at ALL when that is possible. The only defense against that is security hinge screws with basically extend pins through the hinge to stop it from being pulled away from the door frame. So if he can get to an out swinging door to a server room for example, he can pop the hinge pins and walk right in without a key or a key card. Then he can infect the server with malware, steal proprietary info, steal customer info, set up a remote link to do that all from afar, etc. It's scary how common it is. He got into a municipal potable water facility one time. Can you imagine what could happen if a terrorist got into one and poisoned the water supply?!?!?! 🙀🙀🙀 Check out his channel. He also has gun and whiskey/wine videos if you like that.

[@subtropicalken1362]

For years I used a nail set with a pointy tip. Half the time it would slip off the nail head and ruin my work. Couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong until I stumbled upon a set that had the cupped tip like you showed. Then it dawned on me.🙄

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Those are the lessons you always remember, Ken 😅

[@subtropicalken1362]

@@TheHonestCarpenter 👍🏻and many more in my case. 😏

[@popparock6506]

Pointy tip is a center punch, flat squared off tip is a pin punch, a nail setter will have a concaved tip or even a recessed shallow hole in some.

[@fishizer]

Great info as always, but the audio quality is still off. Sounds very echo(y) and tinny. Maybe a good quality mic would help.

[@ltandrepants]

where y’at?

[@danferrel9612]

The one thing to be wary of with the spring-loaded nail set is since you're pulling back against the spring and the driver side of the nail setter it's not too difficult to accidentally move the nail setter just as you're letting go of the spring. Bang, you now have a perfect divot right next to the nail that's still sticking out of the board.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Good point, Dan!

[@physicsguybrian]

Sometimes you need to set a nail in a tight place and would not be able to get a hand in there to hold the one end down. Seems an awkward tool under some circumstances.

[@sheshickey]

So no one using the spring loaded punch ever pinches their fingers? This is the first time I've ever seen one and I cringed imaging my finger in the spring.

[@BearWithMe888]

Hello. I'm interested in advertising the channel, you do it?

[@Kryynism]

Welcome to the future man, nails can be shot with an air gun lol

[@tallswede80]

Reviews indicate poor quality

[@JACK-wh6jl]

XCLNT DEMO DIVERSITY 😜👍👊🎯💥