~Popped Nails in Dry Wall - To screw or Not to Screw

[Paul C.]

As previous posts indicated, I'm slowly rehabbing a ~1970's build that has not been updated, at all.

The majority of the walls have slight bumps where a nail wedged loose from its original position in the dry wall. I'm debating weather to take most of these bumps out and replace with screws, or to gently reinsert the nails with a hammer. 

The larger bumps I'm definitely going to replace, but do I want to put >50 new holes in each bedroom if its not necessary. The walls are generally sturdy, i.e., there is not any give that would indicate the dry wall is loose. Also, I do realize that if I hammer a couple back into place there is the likelihood that they may bump again in years to come.

Lastly, I'm venturing on this small project because I am preparing to completely repaint every room in the house.

[Bryan L.]

No need to remove the nails first. It will just create a bigger repair. Just set them deep with a nail set and put a screw just above or below the nail. Then you can spackle them together at the same time.