"Next i use the large hammer to flatten the blade. I put a drill bit through the hole for multiple reasons. 1. Aids in keeping blade oriented in the same plane. 2. Provides hard core in case I "slip" with the hammer. I don't want to be smashing the hole shut yet. It is important to strike evenly. Frequently turn nail over to work both sides simultaneously to prevent the blade from bending too much. Too much bending can cause cracking as well as being more difficult to control. Keep the part of the nail with the hole hanging over the edge while hammering."