by Bob Schmidt

Created on: July 03, 2007

Several tips for removing nails with ease might include the following suggestions. First, most nails begin bending well before they have been driven all of the way into the wood. If a nail begins to bend, don't stubbornly try to make it go in anyway. Use the claw end of your hammer, a small wood pry block, and remove it. A partially driven nail is usually a snap to pull back out.

Before trying the next nail, take a good look at the wood to see if you are trying to hammer the nail through a knot. If so, relocate the nail to a different location for hammering. Sometimes the nail itself may have a weak spot, so if you don't see a knot, attempt your nailing once again.

For the really tough nails that don't seem to want to give up, a pry bar is probably your best bet. With good leverage provided by a wood block, the toughest of nails should come out. On the rare occasion when a nail head strips off, and there just doesn't seem to be a way to remove it, I use my hacksaw. Cut off the nail close to the wood, and file it smooth, level to the wood. Then you can easily use another nail without an unsightly bent nail sticking out.

Occasionally, I have found that I am working too tired to be efficient. If fatigue is the reason that driving nails straight and true is difficult, it is time for a break. It's amazing how much better we work when we are fresh, and rested. Our attitude benefits from a break also. Removing bent nails should be a snap if you take your time, and don't become exasperated!

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