How to Detect Nails in Your Driveway

Push a magnetic push sweeper up and down the length and width of your driveway. A magnetic push sweeper contains a magnetic strip or cylinder positioned horizontally between two wheels that allows it to roll as you push it along. The magnetized area automatically picks up the nails as it goes. Remove them afterward, and place them in a storage container.

Sweep your driveway thoroughly with a push broom. Work from one end to the other to create a pile of debris that contains the nails. Sweep the debris into a dustpan with an ordinary household broom, and discard it in a trash can.

Scan the driveway with a flashlight at dusk or after dark. The light will reflect off the nails and reveal their presence when they may be hard to see otherwise. Pick up the nails one at a time. Go over the area with the flashlight again to ensure you've found all the nails.

Operate a metal detector to locate nails on the driveway. This is cost-effective only if you own a metal detector already. The expense of purchasing a metal detector usually is not worth it for a few stray nails.