How to Fix Nail Pops in Drywall: Pro Contractor Method

Screw pops in drywall are eyesores, messing up the smooth surface of a wall or ceiling. But sometimes, they're harbingers of underlying issues with fastening or framing movement. Addressed with only a simple patch job, screw pops can return, leaving walls uneven and making clients unhappy. That's why it's crucial to repair screw pops in drywall proactively.

Discover why screw pops occur and learn how to repair and prevent them from recurring. You'll also discover professional techniques and tools to ensure a lasting, seamless finish and keep your clients happy.

Screw pops happen when a fastener used to secure drywall gets loose and pushes against the surface. They look like just a small bump or circular crack in the wall, but often indicate deeper issues. For example, a screw pop in drywall can be caused by:

• Framing movement: Lumber naturally expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity and temperature. This can cause studs to shift and nails or screws to lose their hold.
• Improper fastening: Nails driven incorrectly are more likely to pop, whether they're at the wrong angle, set too shallow in the wall, or installed without adequate spacing. Screws also occasionally miss the underlying framing and can pop from not being secured.
• Shrinking of framing lumber:  Wood dries over time. As it does, once tight screws can back out slightly and eventually pop.
• Building settlement: Normal foundation movement can put stress on fasteners, especially at drywall seams and coatings.

More than a cosmetic problem, screw pops need to be repaired along with the underlying problem to prevent them from happening again.

Repairing popped screws isn't complicated, but you need to do it correctly to keep the problem from happening again. Here's what you do:

1. Identify the type of screw pop: Is it more likely from framing movement or improper fastening?
2. Either remove the popped screws or nail heads or sink them. Be careful not to over-sink the screws and tear through the paper layer.
3. Screw the drywall back in place against the stud.
4. Use joint compound to patch the area.
5. Prime and paint the drywall.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Screw Pop and the Root Issue

Start by considering whether you have a single nail or screw pop or several clusters. If it's only one, wood movement or a missed stud is a good suspect. A cluster, especially along a seam, is more likely to indicate a larger underlying issue.

If you see widespread pops or cracks radiating out, it's worth taking the time to recheck the framing work and the overall stability of the wall before proceeding. If you only have one screw or nail pop, you likely just need to fix it.

Step 2: Remove or Sink the Popped Fastener

The next step is to remove or sink the fasteners that have popped. Removal is always best when working with drywall screws. Trying to re-screw a popped screw back in will almost guarantee another pop in the future. You can use pliers to remove the problem screw and drive in a new one.

For screws, you have two options. If the popped screw is stripped out or missing a stud, take it out and replace it with a new one. But if it's still anchored slightly, you can carefully sink it below the drywall surface without breaking the paper and causing cosmetic issues.

If you encounter a stripped-out hole, you'll need to reinforce it before refastening and reapplying drywall tape. View our guide on how to fix stripped holes for further instructions.

Step 3: Secure the Drywall with Screws

Once you've removed or sunk the popped fastener, you'll need to lock the drywall back in place against the stud. The best way to repair such screw pops in drywall is to drive in two drywall screws, one about an inch above the old fastener and one an inch below it. This anchors the panel while bypassing the weak spot. 

Make sure to drive each screw in just below the surface, so the head dimples the drywall paper slightly without fully tearing it. Proper spacing and depth are essential here. If you drive too shallow, the screw won't hold. But if you drive too deeply, the paper will lose its strength.

Having the right drywall finishing tools will make this much easier. Hyde sells a variety of drywall accessories, including professional-grade drivers and taping knives for cleaner, more seamless work when repairing nail and screw pops.

Step 4: Patch the Area With Joint Compound

Once the drywall is secured, conceal the repair with joint compound. Apply a thin coat over the screw heads and surrounding area using a 6" drywall putty knife. Feather the edges outward to blend the wall repair patches into the wall surface. 

Then let the coat dry completely and apply a second coat with a slightly wider profile to finish the job.

Step 5: Prime, Paint, and Prevent Future Screw Pops

After sanding, apply primer to the wall to seal the compound in place. Repaint the full area to match the surrounding wall. On a textured surface, you may need to feather your paint strokes a bit wider to get a seamless blend.

If possible, try to match the original application method. For instance, if the original painters used a sprayer, do the same to keep the repairs invisible.

To prevent pops going forward, verify the drywall is secured with extra screws. If the problem seems widespread, check for other signs of framing or settlement, such as foundation cracks or sticking doors, and address any structural issues. 

You can follow this same process to repair screw pops in a drywall ceiling. Just be sure to use the proper tools and safety precautions as you work.

Learning the details of screw pops in drywall repair is essential. If a repair is haphazard, future pops become more likely. However, if it's done correctly with the proper techniques and tools, you'll achieve a lasting fix that keeps the client or homeowner satisfied for years to come.

Ultimately, your success depends on proper fastening and high-grade tools. Whether that means choosing screws instead of nails or experimenting with different types of spackle, Hyde is here to help. For over 150 years, we've provided contractors and DIYers with durable, reliable drywall tools and accessories to make every repair look seamless and professional.

Take a look at our drywall page to find the right tools for your next job.