What Is a Nail Spotter and What Does It Do?

Professional drywallers know the importance of having the right tools for the job. One of those tools is the nail spotter.

But if you’re new to the profession, you might wonder what a nail spotter is and what it does. Let’s explore this important drywall tool.

What Is a Nail Spotter?

A nail spotter is a drywall finishing tool that covers screws and nails in the drywall. It’s essentially a small metal plate with a concave shape, which allows you to apply joint compound smoothly and evenly over the nail or screw. A spring clip holds the tool in place, which makes it easy to install and remove.

How Does a Nail Spotter Work?

To use a nail spotter, you first apply joint compound to the area around the screw or nail using a taping knife. Then, you place the nail spotter over the screw or nail and press down firmly to create a smooth, even surface. The concave shape of the nail spotter ensures that the joint compound spreads evenly over the screw or nail, ensuring you don’t end up with a lumpy or uneven finish.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Nail Spotter?

There are several benefits to using a nail spotter, including:

• Reduced sanding time: Because the tool applies the joint compound evenly and smoothly, there’s less need for sanding after the compound dries.
• Faster job completion: Using a nail spotter can significantly speed up the drywall finishing process since it allows you to cover up multiple screws or nails simultaneously.
• Improved appearance: A nail spotter creates a professional-looking finish that’s smooth and even, which can help you achieve higher customer satisfaction.

What Are Some Common Nail Spotter Accessories?

There are a few accessories that professionals commonly use in conjunction with nail spotters, including:

• A corner roller helps you apply joint compound to the corners of drywall.
• A corner bead roller embeds metal corner beads into joint compounds on drywall corners.
• An inside corner roller assists with finishing inside corners.

How Do You Clean and Maintain a Nail Spotter?

After each use, it’s crucial to clean your nail spotter thoroughly by removing any dried joint compound with a scraper. You can soak the nail spotter in hot water to soften any remaining compound, then scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Finally, dry the nail spotter thoroughly before storing it.

Now that you know more about nail spotters, you can better appreciate the importance of this important tool. From helping you achieve higher customer satisfaction to speeding up the finishing process, a nail spotter is one of the types of automatic drywall tools that can help you. With the right supplies and tools, you can finish drywall jobs faster while achieving a professional-looking finish every time.