Magnetic Nail Holder
A tape measure holds nails in hard-to-reach areas until it can be started with a hammer.
As a remodeler, my work varies from day to day. On several occasions I could have used one of those magnet nail starters sometimes found on framing hammers. Since I don’t have a hammer with this feature, I put the nail on the magnetized tip of my tape measure, extend the tape, and hammer the nail to start it. This method also works better than needle-nose pliers for tiny finish nails.
—Richard Quaglia, Fletcher, N.C.
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #291
More tips with magnets:
On-Board Bit Storage – Magnets keep driver bits on the tool so they’re accessible when you need them.
Stop Tools From Sliding Off of a Metal Roof – Magnets are the key to keeping tools from getting away from you when installing steel roofing panels.
View Comments
Finally a use for the magnetic tip and if I miss and clobber the magnet tip I won't be too sorry. I hate that magnetic tip that reaches out and grabs everything in sight except for my target for the tape while I try to extend it.