nail set

a short rod of steel used to drive a nail below or flush with a surface.

Also called nail punch.

Origin of nail set

First recorded in 1895–1900

Do not use a file for a nail-set, for the end is too hard and will dent the face of the hammer-head.

Woodworking for Beginners |Charles Gardner Wheeler
It can be fastened with fine nails (see Nailing and Nail-set).

Woodworking for Beginners |Charles Gardner Wheeler
Nails are usually "set," that is, the heads are driven with a nail-set below the surface.

Manual Training Toys for the Boy's Workshop |Harris W. Moore
The corners must be mitred, and the moulding fastened on with fine brads, which must be set (see Nailing and Nail-set).

Woodworking for Beginners |Charles Gardner Wheeler

This shelf can be simply put together by nailing, setting the nails carefully (see Nailing and Nail-set).

Woodworking for Beginners |Charles Gardner Wheeler

nail set

a punch for driving the head of a nail below or flush with the surrounding surface