How do I fix gutter nails that are coming out?

Question

Many houses in my neighborhood are about 5 years old and are experiencing similar problems with their gutters. The nails holding them up are pulling out little by little. A couple homeowners had their fall off. I took and look at mine and saw a few nails sticking out. What's the correct way to fix this?

1. Just hammer them back in and hope for the best?
2. Fill hole with adhesive (Liquid Nails?) and hammer back in?
3. Hammer in a different kind of nail?

Answer 1

If the nails are loose and pull out easily, just pounding them back in won't help much.

The best way to fix any kind of nail/screw hole where the screw or nail won't grip any more is like this:

1. Remove the screw/nail.
2. Take some toothpicks and dip them in wood glue (e.g. tightbond).
3. Stuff as many toothpicks into the hole as you can, snapping them off flush with the hole.
4. Put the nail/screw back in (while the glue is still wet).

I find myself doing this most for loose door hinges, but it works for pretty much anything. Once the glue dries, the result is better than new.

Answer 2

They make special Gutter hangers.

They also make Gutter screws.

These might be a better option if the nails simply won't hold.

Answer 3

If you want to go the glue route, I'd recommend Gorilla Glue - it's water-activated, and intensely-difficult to get rid of once dispensed.

I'd also think about switch to screws if you could, a la Tester101's suggestion.