Nail removal.

[DoubleEnder]

I need to pull some galvanised nails that are counterpunched below the wood’s surface. Is the best thing to use a hole cutter to allow access to the head? Or is there a more cunning method?

 

[Martin_J]

You don't say what you're pulling them out of but I swear by one of these for removing nails from skirting, floorboards and fencing.

https://ffx.co.uk/Product/Get/Bahco-Bah38-7314150021734-38-Nail-Puller-450Mm

 

[Martin_J]

Not sure if it's the best video on how to use it but it was the first I could find..

 

[Martin_J]

To be honest, the original Bahco has quite a wide flat on the pivoting arm so I've never really found the need to protect the surface like the chap does in the video.

By putting too thick a piece of wood under it to protect the surface, it would angle the jaws slightly wrong for a straight pull.

(I've not watched that video with sound).

 

[Martin_J]

I've just watched the video with sound.

The Bahco version doesn't have that 'pinch point' he referred to.

With the bahco, the smaller jaw has an extended part which acts as the handle for your guiding hand.

 

[penberth3]

I need to pull some galvanised nails that are counterpunched below the wood’s surface. Is the best thing to use a hole cutter to allow access to the head? Or is there a more cunning method?

 

[William_H]

Much depends on just how deep the nail head is. Obviously you must dig in to get something to grab under the nail head. So 2 problems first to expose the nail head and secondly something to reach in and pull it out. I think the nail pullers especially the one with slide hammer are intended to dig into the wood next to the nail to do both jobs together. If you use a hole cutter to go around the nail head. What do you have to grab the nail head with. Pliers won't grab it so well. Unless you have old pliers and can grind the grip to make teeth at the end to slip under the edge of the nail head. You will still need some way to lever the pliers out a bit like nail puller. Perhaps you should explore tool hire business to see what they have. ol'will

 

[Thistle]

You don't say where these nails are. Certainly in some circumstances the nail pullers shown above are the dog's doodahs. In other circumstances, it can be less damaging - though perhaps counterintuitive - to pull the wood away and let the nail go right through. This leaves only the original nail hole in the surface which can be easily filled but can cause a little more damage to the back of the wood. You end up with good access to the nail which can then be removed with a claw hammer. I've removed a lot of skirting boards and door facings this way.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Didn't traditional carpenters use pincers?

 

[bikedaft]

Didn't traditional carpenters use pincers?

Bull nosed pliers. But would be hard to get them to work on recessed nails, without removing wood.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

I need to pull some galvanised nails that are counterpunched below the wood’s surface. Is the best thing to use a hole cutter to allow access to the head? Or is there a more cunning method?

Google search for "Nail Puller"

 

[Aussie farmer]

If your trying to save the timber , center punch them , drill the head off and lift the boards once you've done the pull the nails out.

 

[Praxinoscope]

Google search for "Nail Puller"

as recommended by the Spanish Inquisition.

 

[jac]

as recommended by the Spanish Inquisition.

I didn't expect that as an answer

 

[Praxinoscope]

I didn't expect that as an answer

“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition’

 

[DoubleEnder]

The nails are holding vertical T&G boards to a horizontal batten/ledge across an old door. It’s an interesting and attractive door, sized to admit a milk cow into what was the dairy and will be the kitchen. The vertical boards have cupped. I want to remove the nails, drill out the holes and replace the nails with through bolts to pull the door back together. So I can’t pull the boards away and I can’t punch the nails through. I need to pull them out.
The nails are about 1 1/4” wire, nothing too heavy.
the puller looks like it might be the thing. Quite pricey!

 

[Martin_J]

Faithfull make a similar slide hammer nail puller and it's only about £35 on Amazon.

There are also some shorter ones that need a hammer. Never tried them.

One thing I noticed in a lot of the videos was that they just placed the prongs rather wide apart at the start.

If you start with them pretty much touching either side of the part of the nail you can see, then on the first hit, because of the shape of the pincers, they can often bury themselves just under the edges of the head straight away.

Nails that have absolutely no head at all can still be removed because the grip (due to leverage) is so strong.

If you were nearby I'd bring one over for you to try. By the time you'd tried it a few times the nails would all be out!

 

[DoubleEnder]

Faithfull make a similar slide hammer nail puller and it's only about £35 on Amazon.

There are also some shorter ones that need a hammer. Never tried them.

One thing I noticed in a lot of the videos was that they just placed the prongs rather wide apart at the start.

If you start with them pretty much touching either side of the part of the nail you can see, then on the first hit, because of the shape of the pincers, they can often bury themselves just under the edges of the head straight away.

Nails that have absolutely no head at all can still be removed because the grip (due to leverage) is so strong.

If you were nearby I'd bring one over for you to try. By the time you'd tried it a few times the nails would all be out!

Thank you! Yes I’ll try that Faithful version I think.

 

[PCUK]

Using a hole saw around the nails means that you can then fill the holes the holes with plugs once the nails are removed.

 

[Boater Sam]

I need to pull some galvanised nails that are counterpunched below the wood’s surface. Is the best thing to use a hole cutter to allow access to the head? Or is there a more cunning method?

MRI scanners are good at pulling nails out.