Nail pops in ceiling

[Andrewdouglas80]

Looking for advice. Got rows of nail pops in ceiling. Appears to be a long standing problem - house is 18 yo and I've been here for 2- problem hasn't got worse during this time. Based on online guides - I was going to: 1) Drive 1.75 inch coarse thread drywall screws either side of each pop. 2) Overlap the loose nail with a further screw and set it into joist and prevent it reappearing 3) Fill and sand.

Am I on right lines?
Concerned that doing this along the length of the ceiling could cause movement/damage?
Also some pops are very near junction of wall and ceiling so unsure how to set new screw into joist in these areas?
Any advice gratefully received.

 

[JohnD]

is it a loft above?

is there heavy stuff up there?

 

[stevethespreader]

You sure it's nails and not screws seeing it's only 18 years old?

 

[Andrewdouglas80]

Thanks guys -loft above but no heavy items (at least since we moved in). Checked a few and appears to be all nails. Just want to ensure any repair work I do isn't just a short term fix

 

[stevethespreader]

Use a nail punch to push the nails up a couple of mm fill and paint

 

[Doggit]

As Steve suggests, but I'd add a screw alongside each nail (just one) for good measure, as some of the nails may not grip so well as they've come lose.