Caleb Foster
Exposed nails can be a concern, whether they are on your roof, in your basement, or on your fingers or toes. Nails that are left exposed on your roof can lead to leaks and water damage, so it's important to address the issue promptly. There are several ways to fix this, including using roofing cement or caulk, or pushing corks over the ends of the nails. Exposed nails in your basement can be a safety hazard and can be removed by snipping off the exposed nail shafts. For torn or detached nails on your fingers or toes, you can remove the detached part of the nail and apply petroleum jelly and a bandage to keep the area clean and protected until the nail grows back.
How to remove exposed nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exposed roofing nails | Seal with roofing cement or roofing caulk, not roofing tar |
| Exposed nails in an unfinished basement | Snip off the exposed nail shafts or cover with small foam balls |
| Exposed nails in shingles | Countersink the nails and cover with wood filler |
| Exposed nails in furniture | Gouge out a piece of wood, then glue the wood back over the nail |
| Exposed nails on a torn or detached fingernail or toenail | Remove the nail, keep the area dry, and wait for a new nail to grow |
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What You'll Learn
Snip off the exposed nail shafts
If you have exposed nails that you want to remove, one effective method is to snip off the exposed nail shafts. This method is particularly useful when dealing with nails that are only partially detached or when you want to avoid pulling off the remaining nail.
To begin the process of snipping off the exposed nail shafts, you'll need the right tools. Clean and sharp scissors or nail clippers are ideal for this task. You'll also need some form of protection for the surrounding skin, such as a piece of tape or a non-stick bandage to cover the nail after trimming. This will help prevent injury and ensure a clean cut.
Once you have your tools ready, assess the nail to determine the best cutting angle and identify the line along which you will snip. If the nail has a rough edge or a large tear, trim it to create an even edge. This will prevent the nail from catching on clothing, carpets, or other surfaces, reducing the risk of further tearing.
When you're ready, carefully snip along the identified line, making sure to cut only the exposed nail shaft. Avoid cutting too close to the skin or nail bed to prevent injury. If the nail is still partially attached, you may only need to trim off the detached portion, allowing the rest to eventually fall off on its own as the new nail grows in.
After trimming, it's important to care for the affected area. Soak the finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes to help relieve pain and reduce any swelling. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to keep the area moisturized and protected. Finally, cover the trimmed nail with a non-stick bandage or adhesive bandage to keep it clean and protected until it has fully healed.
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Countersink the nails and cover with filler
Countersinking is a great way to hide exposed nails and create a smooth, seamless finish. It is a simple process but requires some care and attention to ensure the nail is properly secured and hidden.
Firstly, place a nail set in the centre of the nail head. This is a rod of impact-resistant metal with a tapered tip and a flat back end. Choose a nail set that is no larger than the head of the nail and gently tap it with a hammer until the nail sinks. The ideal depth is around 1/16-1/8 inch (0.16-0.32 cm) below the surface of the wood. Be careful not to overdrive the nail, as this can damage the surrounding wood.
Once the nail is countersunk, wipe away any sawdust or debris from the hole and use a putty knife to work wood filler or putty into the hole. Wood filler is a great way to mask the nail, but be aware that some fillers do not cover easily and may be visible when stained or painted. Always check the instructions and ensure the filler can be painted or stained over. Use a scraper to apply the filler, filling the hole and covering the nail.
Remove any excess filler with the side of the putty knife, creating a smooth surface. Allow the filler to dry completely—this usually takes around 15 minutes, but some fillers may require a second application. Once dry, sand the area gently with fine sandpaper (180-220 grit) until the surface is smooth and level. You can then refinish the surface if needed.
This technique is perfect for wood floors, cabinets, and trim around windows and doors, or anywhere you want to hide visible nail heads. Just be sure to use the right type of nail and filler for the job.
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Seal nails with roofing cement
Exposed roofing nails are a common issue, especially with asphalt shingles, and can cause leaks and water damage if left unattended. While caulking exposed nails is an option, it is not a long-term solution, and roofing cement is recommended for a more permanent fix.
Roofing cement, such as Henry's Roofing Cement, is a product that can seal exposed nails and prevent water damage. When applying roofing cement, it is important to coat each nail with a thick layer of the substance. This will ensure that the nails are protected from the elements and will not cause any leaks.
Before applying the roofing cement, it is advisable to check the surrounding area for any signs of damage or discoloration, as this could indicate a more serious issue. If there are no signs of damage, simply apply the roofing cement around and over the exposed nail head. It is recommended to use a generous amount to ensure a strong and secure hold.
For added protection, some professionals recommend using roofing cement below the final cap of the roof, where the nails will penetrate. This will help to secure the nails in place and reduce the risk of them becoming exposed in the future. This method is particularly useful for the final hip or ridge cap shingles, which typically have exposed nails.
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Cover nails with corks
Covering exposed nails with corks is a quick and easy solution. This method is ideal for covering sharp roofing nails to prevent accidental injury.
To cover exposed nails with corks, simply push the corks over the ends of the nails. This method can be used in conjunction with other methods, such as sealing the nails with roofing cement or caulking, to ensure a more secure hold.
While corks can provide a temporary solution, it is important to address any exposed nails promptly to prevent potential leaks and water damage. Exposed nails can indicate a broken shingle, and the more exposed nails there are, the greater the chances of a leaking roof. Therefore, it is recommended to contact local roofing professionals to inspect and provide a long-term solution if necessary.
If you are using corks to cover exposed nails in other contexts, such as in furniture or woodworking projects, you may need to secure the corks in place with an adhesive or other fastening methods to ensure they do not come loose.
In addition to using corks, there are several other ways to hide or cover exposed nails. For example, you can use wood filler, roofing cement, caulking, or tape to cover or seal exposed nails. However, it is important to note that some methods, such as using wood filler outdoors, may not be suitable for all situations due to the potential for shrinkage or breakage over time.
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Remove nails with a grinder
When removing exposed nails, it's important to consider the surface from which you're removing them. For instance, the process for taking nails out of concrete is different from that of wood or dog claws.
If you're looking to remove nails from concrete, a grinder can be a useful tool. An angle grinder with a metal cutting disk wheel attachment can be used to cut through nails, especially if they were driven in with a power tool that used a gunpowder charge. Grinding is often easier than prying, which can be nearly impossible in concrete. However, it's important to note that using a grinder will generate sparks and a lot of dust, so take the necessary safety precautions. You can save money by renting a grinder instead of buying one. When you're finished, patch any low sections and fill small holes with a concrete blending compound to create an even surface.
For removing nails from wood, the grinder method can also be used, especially for trim. First, use a plug cutter to expose about one inch of the nail. Then, use a chuck extractor to grip the nail tightly and drive it out.
Nail grinders are also commonly used to trim dog nails. Dog nail grinders, such as the Dremel Cordless Grinding Tool, trim nails by filing them down with a rotary emery board. It's important to ease your dog into the process gradually, as nail trimming or grinding can make them anxious. Hold your dog's paw securely and gently push the nail out. Start by grinding across the bottom of the nail and then move to the tip, being careful not to grind above the quick, the pink area that contains blood vessels. Smooth any rough edges carefully. Only grind a small part of the nail at a time, and be sure to keep your dog's fur away from the grinder to avoid any accidents.
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Frequently asked questions
Exposed nails in roofing shingles can lead to roof leaks and water damage, so it's important to address the issue promptly. While you can use a quick fix like pushing a cork over the nail ends, a more permanent solution is to coat the nails with roofing cement or roofing caulk. Do not use roofing tar, as this won't effectively seal out water.
Exposed roofing nails can be caused by using nails that are too short, placing nails between seams or decking grooves, using nails in decking knots/joints, weak roof decking, improper nailing (angled), old or deteriorated caulking, and old, decayed, or rotten decking. Temperature fluctuations, especially hot weather, can also cause nails to work their way out of wood.
If a portion of the nail is still attached to the nail bed, you can leave it intact. Use scissors to remove the detached part of the nail and then soak your finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly and cover the area with a non-stick bandage.
If you notice signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus, visit a healthcare professional right away.
Exposed nails in a basement wall can be safely removed by snipping off the nail shafts. This will not compromise the structural integrity or weaken the wall.
