How to Set Drywall Nails with a Painter's Multi-Tool

Several Hyde multi-tools have a HammerHead for setting drywall nails. Use the nail and the method the panel maker specifies, and stop as soon as the head sits where it should.

What you need

Model 01870Black & Silver® 6-in-1, HH Stainless Steel $17.49 each$11.89 each at 100 or more
Model 02980Black & Silver® 6-in-1, HH $12.32 each$8.38 each at 100 or more
Model 06920MAXXGRIP PRO® 10-in-1 Painter's Tool, HH $14.14 each$9.62 each at 100 or more
Model 06986Pro Stainless 6-in-1 Multi-Tool $13.29 each$9.04 each at 100 or more
Model 06992Pro Project 6-in-1 Multi-Tool $8.58 each$5.83 each at 100 or more
Model 06780Full Metal Stainless Steel 6-IN-1 Painters Tool $26.18 each$17.80 each at 100 or more

the nail the panel maker specifies
straightedge
raking light
eye protection

Steps

Read the panel and assembly instructions for the nail, spacing and hammer. Confirm there is framing behind the spot and no wires or pipes.
Check the HammerHead. Reject a loose, chipped or mushroomed face or a loose handle.
Support the panel so your hand is not the only thing holding it. Keep fingers out of the strike path.
Start the nail on its drive line. Do not angle it to chase a stud.
Hit the nail head squarely with the HammerHead. An edge strike bends the nail or tears the paper.
Stop when the head sits at the dimple the panel instructions allow. Do not keep hitting to deepen it.
Check with light, then slide a clean straight blade across the head from two directions. Look for a proud edge, tear or crack.
Fix any bad head before finishing. Do not cover it with compound.

Tips

The 06780 all-metal tool is described for setting boards and dimpling nail holes, not for setting drywall nails.
Do not use the blade, point or another part of the tool to deepen the recess.
If the panel instructions call for a crowned drywall hammer, use one.
Torn paper or a crushed core means stop. A deeper crater is damage.

Watch out

Do not strike where wiring or pipes may run, even if a stud should be there.
A nail that goes in with no resistance or hits a hard stop is a support problem. Stop and find the cause.
Do not hammer a drywall screw. Use a driver. A nail that keeps popping is a repair, not a new install.

Questions about the right tool for your job? Email cs@hydestore.com or call 508-916-6442.