STARTING A NAIL

Use a bobby pin to hold the nail so you don't hammer your fingers. A slight pull releases the pin after the nail has started. Or, if the nail needs to be started too high to reach with two hands, press the nail through a small square of aluminum foil and wrap the foil tightly around the hammer head. You can also cut a strip of lightweight cardboard about 1 inch by 4 inches. Cut a slot in one end with a razor blade. Then you can slip the nail into the slot and use the cardboard as a "handle" as you hammer.