For a homemade nail punch, lock a 2in/50mm nail in a vice (without crushing the head), point up. Using a hacksaw, cut the tip off at an exact 90 degree angle; then smooth the cut surface with a metal file. You now have an instant nail punch that does a good job of embedding 1in/25mm finishing nails, since the shaft diameter matches the finishing nail head.
To drive smaller finishing nails, reduce the diameter of the cut end with a metal file and emery paper.
