A nail puller is a short pry bar with a metal claw that can be driven beneath the head of
an embedded nail and then used to pull the nail head above the surface.
Using a Nail Puller
Position the tip of the claw as close as possible to the nailhead to minimize damage to the
wood and reduce the chance that large pieces will splinter from the lumber. Hit the back
of the claw with a ball peen hammer to drive the forked end beneath the nail head; then
pull back on the tool to raise the nail head above the surface.
Some types of nails are harder to pull than others. Galvanized nails, for example, have
roughened shanks that stubbornly grip wood fibers. To increase leverage, put a piece of
scrap wood underneath the bar to act as a fulcrum. After exposing the nailhead, you can
pull the entire nail with a hammer or a pry bar.
Avoid driving new nails through holes left by old nails; the new nails won't grip as
effectively.
Purchasing
Some nail pullers have cushioned grips. Others have a claw on one end that curves 90
degrees from the shank, and another that's in line with the shank. (The latter is good
for reaching awkward or tight spots.) Still other models have a claw on one end and
a pry bar on the other.
Other Names
Cat's paw
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Brought to you by Book of Skills and Tools and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual
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