Toenailing Tips

You'll be breaking Guinness records for fastest house framed. 

Visualize Your Success

If you can't see where you're nailing, hold the nail next to the stud so you know how to hold it. 

Start the Nail

 Position the board in front of the layout line and place your toe against the back. Start the nail by tapping it about 1/4 in. straight in.

Drive at an Angle

 Pull the nail to about a 50-degree angle and set it with a couple of hammer taps. Then let go and drive it in. Brace your toe against the back of the board as you set the nail. It's OK if the board moves slightly past the layout line.

Nail From the Other Side

Drive toenails into the opposite side to complete the toe-nailing and at the same time drive the board back to the layout line.

Toe-nailing Floors

Start the Nail

Toenail into the edge of a bowed board to move it closer to the adjoining deck board. Start the nail about one-third down from the top of the board and angle it about 45 degrees to catch the underlying joist.

Straighten Twisted Joints

Move twisted framing members into alignment by toe-nailing in the direction you want the board to go. Continue pounding on the nail until the board is in the desired location. Add a second toenail to move the board farther if necessary.

Drive Them Straight

Pound the nail with heavy hammer blows to straighten the deck board and close the gap between the two boards. Use a shim or nail to maintain a consistent space between boards.