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Toenailing Basics (DIY) | Family Handyman

Introduction

The art of toenailing is easy to learn. With a little practice you can drive an angled nail perfectly every time.

Toenailing—the key to success

It’s all in the angle

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If you’re not sure where to start the nail, hold it alongside to visualize the path. Toenailing—driving a nail at an angle through the end of a board to anchor it—can be frustrating to learn. But it’s an essential carpentry skill, and once you master a few tricks for positioning and driving the nails and get some practice under your belt, it’ll be as easy as regular nailing. Toenailing not only makes a strong joint but also is a great way to coax stubborn boards into position.

Photos 1 – 3 walk you through the basic steps of toenailing. The key to success is starting the nail in the right spot and angling it a little steeper than 45 degrees. Visualize the path of the nail by holding it against the boards you’re joining (photo) to determine the right starting spot.

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