My old boss swore by a 50 cent nail trick for trim work

When I was an apprentice in Spokane, my foreman told me to always tap a finish nail into the back of a piece of trim before nailing it up. I thought it was just some weird superstition, like not whistling on site. He said it was to check for hidden pipes or wires, but I figured a stud finder was enough. Then, about six months ago on a bathroom remodel, I skipped the step and drove a nail right into a copper water line. The repair bill was over $400. Now I do the tap check every single time, no matter what. It's saved me at least twice since. Anyone else have a simple, cheap habit that seemed pointless but actually pays off?

3 comments

3 Comments

torres.drew2mo ago

Stud finders are way more reliable than old tricks.

johnfoster2mo ago

Watched my buddy completely trust his stud finder last week, @torres.drew. It beeped, he drilled, and he hit a pipe. Water everywhere. The old "knock and measure from the corner" trick would have saved his drywall and his security deposit.

claire_ramirez2211h ago

Has anyone actually tested how stud finders do with older plaster walls though? I mean the ones with metal lathe behind them. My place was built in the 50s and the stud finder goes crazy every time I try to use it, just beeping at random spots. Idk maybe the newer ones are better but the knock trick has never failed me on these old walls.