If your home has a wooden deck, you should do an annual visual inspection. Take this time to make sure the deck is structurally sound and all the deck nails are in place.

Some things to look for are large splinters and popped decks nails. These are serious tripping hazards, so if you notice these issues, immediately take care of them.

You might think the first tool to reach for would be a nail set, but that has a really small tip and has a tendency to slip off the nail head.

Instead, use an old hinge pin as the nail set. It’s nice and long, has a diameter that’s typically the size of the nail head, and it does a great job of driving the nail down.

Drive deck nails so they’re not flush, but below the surface. That way, if the nail pops up a bit, it won’t be in the way.

If you do this once a year you’ll keep your deck nice and clean and you won’t catch your foot in any popped nail heads.

Watch the video above to see the Simple Solution!


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

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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