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How to Drill a Pilot Hole with a Nail

Published On

October 10, 2023

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Often when you’re driving finishing nails into moldings, the nail will split the wood unless you drill a pilot hole first.

But tiny drill bits have a habit of breaking after a few uses. So rather than using a drill bit, drill the perfect-sized pilot hole using a finishing nail.

Clip the head off the nail with wire cutters, then chuck the headless nail into a drill. Bore the hole, then drive in a nail.

Watch the video above for more details.

Editorial Contributors

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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