[TheForge] Nail Header

[Jonathan Nedbor]

I would second the "drawing" that Rob Ehrenberger used in his email. I make 
my headers with a high dome on the top, where the head will be formed. The 
top 1/4 of the hole is a taper, wider at the top, just under the head, 
tapering as it goes down. Then the bottom 3/4 of the hole flares outward so 
that there is lots of clearance below. It takes a dozen or so nails for the 
header to "work in" so that the nails release easily. I don't quench my 
nails for two reasons: I don't have to, as they release with a tap; I don't 
want to, as they may become embrittled if made of steel, and it takes time. 
I occasionally have to quench if a nail is stuck, and then usually just the 
head.

Jonathan Nedbor