Tricks to Nailing Into Concrete

Nailing into concrete can be tricky, and there are ways to help ensure that the nails will hold.

Nailing into concrete can be difficult and frustrating. However, sometimes it is necessary if you want to hang shelves, paintings or hooks into a concrete wall, or a brick wall that is inlaid with concrete. It is important to have the right supplies and tools, or else you will end up with wasted time and bent nails. There are a few options, and some may work better than others depending on what type of concrete you are dealing with. Does this Spark an idea?

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Concrete Nails
- Concrete nails are sometimes also called masonry nails.
  
  Regular nails are not strong enough to be driven into concrete. There are several types of concrete nails. Some are twilled and are helpful when working with especially rocky concrete, while some concrete nails have smooth shanks. Consult a professional at your local hardware store about the specific nail you will need, but this is the most important tool when nailing into concrete.
Sturdy Hammer
- A heavy hammer will drive the nail into the concrete with more force and will prevent chipping.
  
  Be sure to use a hammer that is heavy-duty, or at least a hammer that weighs over two pounds. This will help ensure that the nail does not simply chip away at the concrete. The hammers can be found at any hardware or home repair store.
Hand Drill
- Drilling a hole into the concrete will make it easier to drive a nail into the wall.
  
  If a heavy hammer and concrete nail is not successful, use a hand drill to drill holes into the concrete before hammering in the concrete nail. Be sure that the holes are smaller in diameter than the nails, though, so the nails will hold snugly.
Concrete Anchors
- A concrete anchor will help keep the nail in place.
  
  If you are securing something heavy like shelves to a concrete wall, it is a good idea to use concrete anchors to support the nails. The anchors should be hammered into place and will not likely work in crumbling concrete.