How to Drill a Pilot Hole with a Nail

Published On

December 16, 2024

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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

Mitchell Layton

Mitchell Layton is a former professional mover who currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mitchell spent years packing and moving for REAL Rock N Roll Movers, a commercial and residential moving company based in Los Angeles that’s primarily staffed with up-and-coming musicians. That gave him plenty of experience navigating box trucks up and down the winding streets of LA. In addition to moving hundreds of happy customers into new homes and apartments all across Southern California, Mitchell has also performed corporate moves on company lots for Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Paramount, and more. After pouring blood, sweat, and tears into his profession, Mitchell has all the helpful tips you need for your next move.

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