Advice for cutting nails?

The spawn of satan comes out when I try to cut his nails. I have no idea on how to do it. I try distracting, I put on the TV, talk to him about what I am doing and how I needs to be done, but let’s be honest I am better off talking to a cardboard box. He throws the biggest tantrum because I won’t give him the nail clipper. I don’t know how else to get his nails done. It’s slightly unnerving for me cause first, his nails are long and dirty and second, because I have no idea on what else to try.