NestedZephyr t1_jdtz8iy wrote on March 27, 2023 at 4:20 AM

Quick question about trying to get some nails in my wall to stick:

I'm a broke college student in a cheap rental house, and I just hammered a few nails into the wall, pointing up at about a 45 degree angle, basically as hooks, so I can hang something on them.

Thing is, they're just nails in dry-wall, so the moment I tapped one of them, it fell all the way into the wall. I pulled it out and put a little bit of glue against the hole, but I'm wondering if anyone could suggest any good ways to keep the nails firm where they are.

Would caulk work? I thought about that, but I'd rather get some more informed input. Any advice is appreciated!

caddis789 t1_jduin5r wrote on March 27, 2023 at 8:33 AM

Either move the nail so it's in a stud, or use something else for a hook. There are lots of options.

Astramancer_ t1_jdvtkum wrote on March 27, 2023 at 3:53 PM

You have to use something else. Maybe something like this https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Hangers-Shelves-Planters-Decorations/dp/B07XD8CQBN/ (example, not endorsement, do your research)

Caulk is not glue. Do not use glue, especially in a rental. Any glue that's strong enough to hold a nail in drywall will cause more damage when it comes time to remove the nail than if you had used a proper anchor in the first place.