How to Fix Nail Pops in Drywall
- Section
- Walls & Floors
- Read time
- 2 min
- Updated
A nail pop is a small round bump or crack where a drywall nail has pushed out. It happens as wood framing dries and shifts. Just covering it with paint won’t hold. Here’s the lasting fix.
Quick answer
- Drive a drywall screw 1½ inches above and below the popped nail, into the stud.
- Pull out the nail, or tap it back below the surface.
- Cover all three spots with joint compound, sand, prime, and paint.
In this guide
What you need
- 1¼- or 1⅝-inch drywall screws and a drill
- Hammer and nail set (or a screwdriver tip)
- Joint compound or spackle, putty knife
- Sanding sponge, primer, paint
Steps
- Secure the drywall. Press the wall firmly against the stud near the pop. Drive a drywall screw about 1½ inches above and another 1½ inches below the nail, into the same stud. Set the heads just below the surface without tearing the paper.
- Deal with the nail. Pull it out with pliers, or drive it below the surface with a hammer and nail set.
- Scrape off loose paint and compound around the area.
- Fill all three spots with joint compound. Let it dry, then apply a second thin coat.
- Sand smooth, prime, and paint.
Ceilings
Use the same method, but wear eye protection and use a step ladder safely. Ceiling paint is usually flat white, so touch-ups blend easily.
Why it happens
Wood framing shrinks as it dries, which is common in newer homes, and house settling also plays a part. Screws hold much better than nails, which is why the fix uses them.
If cracks keep spreading, doors stick, or you see large diagonal cracks, have a contractor check for settling.
Safety first Turn off power or water before working on fixtures and appliances, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and call a licensed pro for gas, major electrical, or structural work.