Where to get tiny nails

[ma...@keaslingcoverup.com]

Does anyone know where to find very tiny nails. I am refinishing a
curved glass china hutch. The windows are held in place with 1/4 inch
quarter round and they are held by very tiny nails. They almost look
like straight pins, but not as long. Most of the brads I have found
are much bigger in diameter than the original nails.

I know I can drill larger holes and use the bigger brads, but the
owner wants to keep it as original as possible.

I saved and straightened as many as I could, but one of the curved
glass windows was broken and the nails are gone.

Thanks,

Marge

[Tim Inman]

Those little nails are tough to find - as you already know.

Here are two suggestions. First, try a professional picture framer.
Shops that do high-end framing have access to things like the little
nails you're seeking.

Second, I often use map pins or even big silk pins. Cut them to
length with a diagonal nipper, and you're home free. Since pins are
so much easier to find than fine gauge nails or brads, they are my
first choice. Office Max is my source for 'coarse' sized map pins....

Good luck!

Tim

[Marge Keasling]

Thanks, I'll try Office Max.

Tim Inman <t...@historicinteriors.com> wrote:

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[Roger Beaudin]

The best solution and I mean the best solution is
to purchase a 23 gauge pin nailer either a senco
or porter cable. Use 1 inch length brads at 90 psi
the beauty of the pin nailer is it will not break
your glass if it accidently strikes the glass provided
the nailer is angled towards the outside of the
frame.

If you do not own a compressor purchase
an inexpensive oil less compressor (pancake type)
you will never ever regret the purchase it will save
time and headaches. You can save even more if
you purchase a refurbished unit through CPO.

I have purchased most of my tools as refurbished
units and have not been unhappy with any of them.

Links are as follows
http://cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned/
http://www.cposenco.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-senco-Site/default/Search-Show?q=23%20gauge
http://www.cpoworkshop.com/porter-cable-pin138-23-gauge-1-3-8-in-pin-nailer/pcbnpin138,default,pd.html

Roger Beaudin
Milton, DE

Thanks,

Marge

--

[Dogbart]

The best solution and I mean the best solution is
to purchase a 23 gauge pin nailer either a senco
or porter cable. Use 1 inch length brads at 90 psi
the beauty of the pin nailer is it will not break
your glass if it accidently strikes the glass provided
the nailer is angled towards the outside of the
frame.

If you do not own a compressor purchase
an inexpensive oil less compressor (pancake type)
you will never ever regret the purchase it will save
time and headaches. You can save even more if
you purchase a refurbished unit through CPO.

I have purchased most of my tools as refurbished
units and have not been unhappy with any of them.


Links are as follows
http://cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned/
http://www.cposenco.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-senco-Site/default/Search-Show?q=23%20gauge
http://www.cpoworkshop.com/porter-cable-pin138-23-gauge-1-3-8-in-pin-nailer/pcbnpin138,default,pd.html

Roger Beaudin
Milton, DE

[Dennis Dittman]

Hey Marge

I've solved this problem many times. Save ALL nails. Use thick super glue to put 1/4 round back in original positions. Use framers pliers to squeeze nails, DON'T POUND! Take broken or bent nails, snip off damaged point but save head. Super glue in hole. They are for looks only. Neither hutch nor customer will know.

I have had to get creative with missing nails on many projects. Antique steamer trunks for example. The round headed nails are often missing or destroyed removing. I find a similar size nail or screw at hardware store and replace using resin and clamping. I have filled phillips head with quickwood and used touchup pigments to duplicate brass, copper, steel or whatever. If done carefully, you can't tell.

Dennis

antiqueresdurango.com

[Marge Keasling]

Thank you so much for the information.

[Cynthia Saar, Cardinal Restorations, LLC]

I totally agree.  After many broken glass panes, we invested in a few Porter Cable 23 ga pin guns and they are fabulous.  I totally recommend this method.  Tiny holes, no real touch up, and the desired result without drama.  We rest a towel or thin blanket on the glass to absorb any shock, then go to town and get the job done.  Even the newest newbie has excellent results with this method.  No cutting nails in half, no banging your fingers while hammering, no set marks... easy.  We have not broken a piece of glass since we changed to this method 3 years ago... now watch it happen cuz I said that.  LOL  Good luck!

Cynthia Saar
Cardinal Restorations, LLC

Cardinal Cabinets of Distinction
5139 Front Street
Stedman, NC  28391
910-480-2523

Restoring Beauty To Your Life