How to Fix Drywall Nail Pops
Short answer: Press the drywall tight to the stud and drive a drywall screw about 1 1/2 inches above and below the popped nail, then set or remove the nail and cover everything with two or three thin coats of compound. Covering the pop alone will not last.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 30 minutes of work, plus drying time
- Updated
- November 9, 2026
What is causing it?
Nail pops happen when framing lumber dries and shrinks, leaving the drywall loose around the nail so the head pushes through the finish. They are common in newer homes in the first couple of years. A cluster of pops plus cracks can point to other movement worth checking.
Tools and materials
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Tools
- Cordless drill/driver with drywall dimpler bitSets screws at the right depthCheck price on Amazon
- Nail set and hammerCheck price on Amazon
- Putty knife, 4 to 6 inchCheck price on Amazon
- Sanding spongeCheck price on Amazon
Materials
- Drywall screws, 1 1/4 inch coarse threadCheck price on Amazon
- Lightweight joint compound or spackleCheck price on Amazon
- Primer and touch-up paintCheck price on Amazon
How do you fix nail pops? Step by step
Push the drywall tight
Press the panel firmly against the stud with your hand next to the popped nail.
Drive two screws
Family Handyman recommends driving a drywall screw about 1 1/2 inches above and below the nail into the stud. Sink the heads just below the surface without tearing the paper.
Deal with the old nail
Tap the nail below the surface with a nail set, or pull it out if it is loose.
Fill in thin coats
Cover the screw heads and nail with compound, scraping it flush. After it dries, apply a second, slightly wider coat.
Sand, prime and paint
Sand lightly, prime the spots so they do not flash through, and paint.
Planning materials? Try the Paint Coverage Calculator.
Safety notes
- Avoid driving screws near outlets and switches where wiring runs along studs.
- Use a stable ladder for ceiling pops.
- In pre-1978 homes, follow EPA lead-safe practices before sanding old paint.
When should you call a pro?
- Pops come with diagonal cracks at door and window corners, or doors that bind.
- A ceiling is sagging between joists.
- Pops keep appearing years after construction.
Frequently asked questions
Why do nail pops keep coming back?
Filling over the nail alone leaves the panel loose. Screws above and below hold it tight to the stud.
Are nail pops a structural problem?
Usually not. They are typical as framing dries. Widespread cracking or sticking doors along with pops is worth an inspection.
Should I wait to fix pops in a new house?
Many builders suggest waiting until the house has gone through a full heating and cooling season so most shrinkage is done.
Sources
Steps are based on these manufacturer and safety references. Your product's own manual comes first.