What tool to drive tiny nails in this application?

[dwasifar]

I've converted a couple of swinging doors into sliding pocket doors in my house, and I used these sliding pulls where the knobset was:



Looking at that, you can see how they're supposed to be fastened; those little nails are supposed to go into the tiny holes in the inner corner of the recess.

How the heck do you do that? You clearly can't get any kind of hammer in there. With a punch and a lot of caution? Or is there some special tool I'm not aware of? I've just been gluing them in with construction adhesive, but it might be nice to know.

 

[Old Man Roger]

In most situations you would be going into the grain of the wood, you should be able to push them in by hand with a nail set punch. Maybe a light tap on the punch with a small hammer at most.

 

[APEowner]

I start them with a pair of needle nose pliers and and drive them home with a nail setter. If I can't get them to start with the pliers I pre-drill.

 

[budmur]

I'd use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006Q4I60/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[whitesco]

Anything less than an 8# sledge is going to disappoint you. LOL

I'd use a little upholstery type tack hammers. Mine's magnetic to help set the nail in place with a little push and the to quote Happy Gilmore, just taaaap it in...

 

[lardy1]

Magnetic punch.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Tack hammer, then a nail set.

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

Tack hammer, then a nail set.

Wilde Tool Nail Set

 

[RTM]

I'd use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006Q4I60/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have one of these with a recessed head, keeps the nail in line. Middle one in this pic. The set is currently not available.




I also have a little plastic tongs with holes for holding nails. Kinda like using needle nose, but with holes so they slide easier.

But yeah, you can probably push them in using a needle nose pliers, then finish with a nailset. OR a Spring tools nailset

 

[jfleisher]

You guys are ignoring the opportunity to buy a new tool...

FRÜH nail pusher nailer - for small nails - built-in nail holder

Nail pusher for accurate and gentle driving of small nailsIdeally suited for fastening decorative objects, paneling, attaching trim and quarter molding, insulating, etc. Never hit your fingers again: Nail is held A must have: The nailer is The tool for all do-it-yourselfers, craftsmen...

www.frueh-systems.com

 

[RTM]

^^^^ Oops, yeah, got a few of those too. Mine might be sloppy for tiny nails

 

[mike93lx]

Go big or go home.

 

[AreBeeBee]

Glue...?

 

[genog]

As recommended above, I would also use a Tack Hammer and Nail Set

 

[larry4406]

I think those pull cups are really made for new construction vs repurpose of a prior hinged slab with bored lockset.

Our pocket door slabs come with a partial counter bore at the lockset location (vs full prep with striker hole) that the pull bottoms into and receives the nail. Thus plenty of meat for the trim nail to bite anywhere.

To set the trim nails, normally our guys use a pair of needle nose pliers to hold the trim nail while initially setting it, and then change to a nail set like others linked that has a pocket to receive the nail head. They usually put the nail at the top of the pocket pull so errors from install aren't normally visible (scratches, dents, etc).

 

[four.cycle]

the tool you are needing is a "brad pusher" and there are literally hundreds of them listed on ebay.
I own an "Oxwall" and another no-name model and just purchased a "Star" because it was ridiculously cheap. I think I got this one for $1.95 (not $3.95) along with a couple old tape measures.
You will want to be very careful inserting and driving the pin for that well cup - don't bang the thing with the heel of your hand or you might distort the thin metal stamping.

Unless you are in the upholstery business, it is a tool you are going to use ONCE in this lifetime. (Please don't ask me why I own three - I have no clue.) Do NOT pay a lot of money for one - find a nice used one online and beat 'em down on the price.

The ebay sellers peddling their Hummel figurines and souvenir ashtrays have NO clue what these things are, so you will find them listed with all sorts of descriptions. Note that mine was listed as a "punch tool". Start your search with "brad pusher"/"used"/"made in USA"/ on ebay.

just my two cents.

BK

[edit] RE: RTM's "Spring Tools" punches:
game changer. you'll toss your old center punches in the scrap bin. seriously.
Noxon / Noxon, Inc. DBA Spring Tools, 2921 No. University, Spokane, WA 99206 (also Spring Line Inc.) / http://springtools.shptron.com/ / est. 1993 / patent 5307741 May 3 1994 & 5426858 Jun 27 1995 & 5433007 Jul 18 1995 Emory J. Clark and Robert J. Warner / TM 86209086 Feb 11 2021 / center punches, nail sets / https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/mar/02/inventor-emory-clarks-swring-finds-therapeutic-app/ / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...inc-emory-j-clark-spokane-wa-01-15-22.492380/ /

 

[RTM]

the tool you are needing is a "brad pusher" and there are .
Noon / Noxon, Inc. DBA Spring Tools, 2921 No. University, Spokane, WA 99206 (also Spring Line Inc.) /

Noxon was the name that escaped me. I bought mine from the inventor at a WW show around 2000 or so. Don’t need them often, but when you do, indispensable.

 

[nadogail]

I have been using a Brad Pusher for years.

I used to try to hold them with my fingers and hit them with a hammer; about 1977 I saw one in the US General Supply catalog.

 

[The Cobbler]

they are very easily pushed in with a blunt punch and lite taps with a hammer

 

[four.cycle]

^ true. after you've paid money for and used the tool, you wonder why.