Driving nails into concrete by hand can be tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, you can get the job done. Concrete is hard and brittle, so you need to take some precautions to avoid breaking the nails or cracking the concrete. This article will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from choosing the right nails and preparing the concrete, to driving the nails in securely.

Selecting the Proper Nails for Concrete

The first key step is selecting nails that are suitable for concrete. Here are some tips:

Use hardened steel nails – Regular steel nails are too soft and will bend when hammered into concrete. Look for hardened steel nails, sometimes called “masonry nails”. They are specifically designed for concrete applications.
Get nails with knurled shanks – The shank is the main shaft of the nail. Knurled shanks have a rough, grooved texture that helps grip the concrete better. Smooth shanks are more likely to slip out.
Choose an appropriate length – Longer nails (2 to 3 inches) will provide more holding power in concrete than shorter nails. However, don’t use extremely long nails that go too deep into the concrete or they may compromise the structural integrity.
Consider diameter and head size – Wider nails (11 or 12 gauge) give better holding strength. Make sure the nail head is wide enough to hold whatever you are fastening to the concrete without pulling through.
Galvanized nails resist corrosion – Since concrete is porous, moisture can seep in and cause traditional steel nails to rust. Galvanized nails have a protective zinc coating that prevents rusting.

Pre-Drilling Holes in the Concrete

Rather than hammering nails directly into pristine concrete, it is best to pre-drill starter holes first. This prevents cracking and spalling of the concrete face. Here’s how to do it properly:

Use a hammer drill – Regular drill bits are ineffective at drilling into concrete. You need the hammering action of a hammer drill to penetrate the hard surface.
Select a carbide-tipped masonry bit – These specialty concrete drill bits are extremely hard and abrasion resistant. Carbide provides the necessary durability.
Drill perpendicular holes – Drill straight into the concrete, holding the hammer drill as vertically as possible. This prevents the bit from wandering and enlarging the hole.
Drill shallow holes – Only drill about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch deep. The holes don’t need to be very deep, just deep enough to allow the nail shank to grip. Drilling too deep can weaken the concrete.
Clean out dust and debris – Use compressed air or a wire brush to clean out all concrete dust left behind in the drill hole. This allows the nail to sit flush with the concrete surface.

Tools and Equipment for Driving Nails

Having the right tools makes driving nails much easier. Here are some recommended tools:

A hammer – Use a heavy duty 20 oz curved claw hammer. The curved claws help pull nails back out of concrete if needed.
Nail set – A nail set is a pointed steel rod used along with a hammer to drive nail heads flush with the concrete surface.
Bolster – A bolster is a specialty hammering block placed behind nails to absorb hammer impacts without marring the surrounding concrete.
Eye protection – Always wear protective glasses when hammering nails to shield your eyes from concrete fragments and metal shards.
Work gloves – Gloves help protect your hands and give you a better grip on nails and tools. Leather gloves work well.
Knee pads – Knee pads cushion your knees if you are driving nails in a low area and need to kneel on concrete.

Technique for Driving Nails into Concrete

Here are some tips for properly driving concrete nails by hand:

Place nail in pre-drilled hole – Insert the nail into the starter hole and hold it perpendicular to the concrete surface.
Use light taps first – Start hammering the nail in with light taps to slowly embed the first 1/4 inch. Keep the nail as straight as possible.
Increase force – Once the nail is partially set, you can start hammering harder. Use solid overhead swings of the hammer to drive the nail deeper.
Use bolster for support – Position a bolster directly behind the nail head to support it as you hammer. This prevents an uneven or bent nail.
Drive nail head flush – When the nail reaches the desired depth, place a nail set on the head and use the hammer to tap the nail set until the head is driven flush with the concrete.
Take care around edges – Use extra care when placing nails near an edge or corner of a concrete slab. Keep nails at least 2 inches from any edges to avoid cracking the concrete.

Setting Nails in Hard-to-Reach Places

For areas where swinging a hammer overhead is difficult or impossible, you can set nails using alternative methods:

Use a palm nailer – Palm nailers are specialized tools that allow you to grip and drive nails with one-handed downward strikes. Great for tight spaces.
Employ a shot pin – A shot pin uses powder actuated force to shoot hardened nails into concrete. Extreme caution is needed with these tools. Use as a last resort.
Try an angle grinder – Outfitted with a masonry blade, an angle grinder can cut slots for nails which are then hammered in using a bolster for support.
Use tapcons – Tapcon concrete screws function like nails. They cut their own threads into pre-drilled holes. Tighten them down with a drill.
Consider adhesives – Construction adhesives in a caulking gun can adhere fixtures to concrete in some cases where nails are impractical. Follow adhesive manufacturer instructions.

Preventing Nail Popping

Over time, nails driven into concrete can come loose and pop up due to contraction/expansion of concrete or rusting of nails. Here are some ways to help prevent this:

Allow concrete to fully cure first – Driving nails into green concrete almost guarantees future popping. Let concrete cure 28+ days before nailing.
Seal around nails – Brush a concrete sealer or silicone caulk around nails to waterproof the openings where they enter the concrete.
Use nail hole patch – Special patch compounds fill nail holes to prevent water intrusion and rusting. Follow label directions closely.
Check for cracks – Avoid driving nails near any small stress cracks in concrete, as these can propagate over time and push nails up.
Re-tighten periodically – Every few years, check nails and re-tighten any that feel loose using a hammer with nail set or palm nailer. This re-seats the nails.
Consider epoxy anchors – Epoxy anchor bolts grip better long-term than nails. Install per manufacturer directions with proper hole drilling and cleaning.

Safety Precautions

Driving nails and using hammer drills involve some safety hazards. Follow these precautions:

Wear eye protection and work gloves at all times.
Ensure the concrete slab is stable and firmly supported before nailing.
Never rest your hand or fingers near the nail strike area.
Make sure extension cords are rated for hammer drill amperage draw if used.
Unplug all power tools when adjusting or servicing them.
Avoid breathing concrete dust – use respiratory mask if needed.
Keep fingers clear when retracting nails with curved claw hammer.
Damaged nails, bits, or tools can break and send fragments flying. Replace damaged items.
Keep children and bystanders a safe distance away from the work area.

Removing Nails from Concrete

Sometimes nails need to be intentionally removed from concrete. Here are some options:

Claw hammer – Use the curved claw to gain enough leverage and pull the nail straight out.
Linesman’s pliers – Grip the nail head tightly with pliers and rock the nail back and forth to loosen and extract it.
Cats paw – Similar to pliers but with an angled nail pulling claw. Provides good leverage.
Nail puller – Specialty tool with a curved jaw that grabs the nail head securely for extraction.
Vise grip pliers – Lock pliers onto the exposed nail and turn to unwind it out of the concrete. Protect surrounding area from grip teeth.
Angle grinder – Use a masonry blade to cut off the exposed nail head then drive the shank through the slab from below.

Tips for Successfully Driving Concrete Nails by Hand

Driving nails into concrete by hand is straightforward when armed with the right approach. Here are some top tips to remember:

Always pre-drill holes slightly smaller than nail diameter – don’t just hammer away at pristine concrete.
Make sure nails are suitable for concrete – hardened or galvanized steel, with grooved shanks for gripping power.
Use a hammer drill with carbide-tipped bit to optimize hole drilling speed.
Drive nails in a perpendicular, straight path – no angling or bending.
Support nails with a bolster as you drive them for even countersinking.
Protect yourself with eye wear, gloves, knee pads – rebar or nails can snap and send fragments airborne.
Seal nail heads and surrounding concrete to prevent moisture intrusion and rusting.
Periodically check nails for tightness and re-tighten as needed to avoid popping over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nails work best in concrete?

For best results, use hardened or galvanized steel nails with knurled shanks specially designed for concrete and masonry applications. Avoid standard smooth steel nails – they lack the strength and grip needed for concrete.

How can I drive a nail into concrete in a tight space?

In constrained areas where a full arm swing with hammer is impossible, use a palm nailer or shot pin tool instead. These allow driving force to be applied directly in line with the nail shaft without overhead swinging.

What depth should nail holes be pre-drilled into concrete?

Only drill shallow holes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. The purpose is not to sink the full nail length, but just deep enough for the nail shank to grip the concrete. Drilling too deep risks cracking the slab.

Can I use an impact driver to drive concrete nails?

No, an impact driver should never be used to drive concrete nails. The intense force and torque will likely either snap the nail or damage the concrete. Use a hammer for proper control.

What causes nails driven into concrete to work loose over time?

Frequent contraction/expansion of concrete or corrosion and rusting of non-galvanized steel nails leads to loosening. Sealing nails, using galvanized nails, and periodic re-tightening can help.

Is using Tapcon concrete screws better than nails?

Tapcon screws provide excellent holding power in concrete with reduced risk of popping over time. However, nails require less drilling effort. For critical structural fastening, Tapcons are a smart choice.

Conclusion

Driving nails into concrete by hand is possible when you follow the right process – drilling proper starter holes, using suitable hardened nails, and employing tools to support the nails as they are driven in. safety precautions are critical, as nails can shatter, sending fragments flying. With care and diligence, nails provide an inexpensive way to securely fasten objects to concrete. Just be sure to use galvanized or stainless steel nails, seal them properly, and check periodically for any loosening.

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How to Drive Nails Into Concrete by Hand