gcotterl wrote:
How do I prevent finish nails from bending when I hammer then nails
through pre-drilled holes in quarter-round oak molding into drywall?
(I'm not using a brad-nailer).

Use a brad nailer. A perfectly acceptable one is available from HF for under
$20. Once you get a brad nailer, you'll use your hammer for pounding
everything EXCEPT nails.

'Course you'll need a compressor, too.