Best Skirting Board Fixings for a Seamless Finish: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Specialist
Fitting skirting boards in older properties can be a headache. You are often fighting against bowed walls, crumbly plaster, and uneven floors. For years, the standard method for a solid fix involved countersinking screws and covering them with two-part wood filler or pellets. It works, but it is time-consuming.
Recently, a new type of 'invisible screw' or double-headed thread nail has become popular. These are designed to offer the grip of a screw with the discreet finish of a lost-head nail. They are excellent for holding skirting tight to the wall whilst the adhesive sets, without leaving large holes to fill.
In this review, I'm looking at three of these modern fixing options. Whether you are tackling a renovation in a conservation area or just freshening up a hallway, these specific fixings can save you hours of filling and sanding.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Drill-Free Installation"
"Manufacturers claim you can hammer these directly into concrete or brick without drilling."
In York's hard red brick, these can bend if you hit them too hard. For solid masonry, a small pilot hole is still best practice. They work best 'drill-free' in blockwork or thick plaster.
The Spec: "Completely Invisible"
"Marketing suggests leaves no marks whatsoever."
They leave a very small hole (about 1-2mm) where the sleeve tool sits. It is much smaller than a screw head, but for a high-end joinery finish, you will still want to fill that tiny dot with a bit of wax or filler.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
100pcs Double Head Skirting Thread Nail with Sleeve Tool
Lokatall
For just under a fiver, you get 100 fixings and the essential sleeve tool. This is an excellent budget option for large runs of skirting where cost is a factor. The carbon steel is decent enough for standard fitting jobs.
The Good
- Great value for money at roughly 5p per fixing
- Includes the necessary installation sleeve tool
- Galvanised surface prevents rust bleeding through paint
The Bad
- Can bend if forced into very hard Victorian brick
- Sleeve tool is functional but basic
Installer Tip:
Use these in conjunction with a high-grab adhesive. The nail holds the board tight to the wall mechanically whilst the glue goes off, meaning you don't need to prop the board.
Priced at £4.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCement Nails | 100 Pcs Free - Invisible Security Screws with Sleeve
Générique
Marketed as 'Cement Nails', these are slightly more robust than the budget options. In my experience, they are better suited for the mix of masonry types we find in York's older properties, offering a stiffer shank that resists bending.
The Good
- Stiffer shank reduces bending during hammering
- Excellent anti-rust coating ideal for ground-floor damp proofing areas
- Sleeve assist makes installation safer for your fingers
The Bad
- Slightly more expensive per unit
- Still requires a good hammer technique
Installer Tip:
If fixing into old lime plaster, find the mortar joints in the brickwork behind. This fixing will grab the mortar firmly without blowing out the face of the brick.
Priced at £6.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonUnifizz 50pcs Double Headed Skirting Nails, Invisible Seamless Wood Trim Nails
Unifizz
Whilst you get fewer in the pack, these Unifizz nails are excellent for delicate trim or thinner architraves where standard nails might cause splitting. They are designed specifically to minimise displace and are ideal for the final touches.
The Good
- Traceless design ideal for pre-finished or Oak skirting
- Reduced risk of splitting thin mouldings
- Hardened steel penetrates well
The Bad
- More expensive per fixing (smaller pack size)
- Overkill for basic primed MDF skirting
Installer Tip:
When working with Oak or hardwood skirting, I always recommend drilling a tiny pilot hole through the timber (not the wall) even with these nails. It ensures the hardwood doesn't split along the grain when the head passes through.
Priced at £6.49 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are these double-headed nails better than traditional screws?
Do I need to drill holes for these skirting nails?
Can I use these on MDF skirting boards?
How do I remove skirting boards fixed with these?
Do I still need adhesive?
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