Nail pop mechanism

Interior · Walls · printed page 355 (PDF page 356)

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Book index entries

Nail Popping Interior Walls

Text in the illustration

nail
wall stud
drywall
A
wall stud shrinks as it dries
drywall compound
B
force against the wall pushes the drywall back against the stud
the nail stays out, popping off the drywall compound over the nail
1-1/4" nails are best for 1/2" drywall
shorter nails are less prone to popping than longer nails
1-1/8" screws are best for 1/2" drywall
screws hold 3 times better than nails, will not pop and are less likely to tear the paper drywall surface

Generated explanation

Sequential cross-sections show the mechanism of a nail pop in drywall attached to a wood wall stud. As the stud dries and shrinks, a gap develops between the stud and the drywall. Force against the wall then pushes the drywall back against the stud while the nail remains projecting, dislodging the drywall compound over its head. Enlarged details below compare nail and screw attachment, recommending shorter nails and presenting screws as more resistant to popping and paper-surface damage.