diff --git a/pcbnew/tools/pcbnew_control.cpp b/pcbnew/tools/pcbnew_control.cpp
index c80736f448..60caa56e2b 100644
--- a/pcbnew/tools/pcbnew_control.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/tools/pcbnew_control.cpp
@@ -836,6 +836,11 @@ int PCBNEW_CONTROL::AppendBoard( const TOOL_EVENT& aEvent )
         return 0;
     }
 
+    // rebuild nets and ratsnest before any use of nets
+    board->BuildListOfNets();
+    board->SynchronizeNetsAndNetClasses();
+    board->GetRatsnest()->ProcessBoard();
+
     m_toolMgr->RunAction( PCB_ACTIONS::selectionClear, true );
 
     SELECTION_TOOL* selectionTool = m_toolMgr->GetTool<SELECTION_TOOL>();
@@ -900,11 +905,6 @@ int PCBNEW_CONTROL::AppendBoard( const TOOL_EVENT& aEvent )
     editFrame->ReFillLayerWidget();
     static_cast<PCB_DRAW_PANEL_GAL*>( editFrame->GetGalCanvas() )->SyncLayersVisibility( board );
 
-    // Ratsnest
-    board->BuildListOfNets();
-    board->SynchronizeNetsAndNetClasses();
-    board->GetRatsnest()->ProcessBoard();
-
     // Start dragging the appended board
     if( selection.Size() )     // be sure at least one item is loaded
     {