How do you remove embedded nails?

What are embedded nails?

Embedded nails are nails that have become stuck in wood or another material. This often happens when a nail is driven too far into the material, goes in at an angle, hits a knot or hard spot, or encounters other issues during the nailing process. An embedded nail can be difficult to remove, as it is firmly held in place. Trying to pull out an embedded nail with pliers often just results in the nail bending or breaking off while still stuck in the wood. Special techniques are required to remove embedded nails efficiently and minimize damage.

Why remove embedded nails?

There are several reasons you may need to remove an embedded nail:

• To reuse the wood – If the wood will be reused for another project, any nails sticking out need to be removed to create a smooth surface.
• Aesthetics – Protruding nail heads look unsightly and can create splinters and snag hazards.
• Safety – Exposed nails can cause injuries to people, animals, tires, and more. Eliminating embedded nails improves safety.
• Prevent damage – Leaving nails in can lead to rust stains, accelerated rotting, and other damage over time as moisture gets trapped.
• Allow refinishing – Sanding, staining, painting, and other finishing techniques require an nail-free surface for best results.

Removing embedded nails properly allows you to reuse lumber, create attractive finished products, and prevent long-term issues.

Tools and materials for removing embedded nails

Removing embedded nails often requires specialized tools to pry up or drive the nails through the material. Here are some recommended tools:

• Cat’s paw – A curved pry bar specifically designed to grip nail heads and pull out nails.
• Pry bar – A long straight pry bar can also grip nails to pull them and provide leverage.
• Hammer – For driving nails through the material if pulling is not possible.
• Punch – If the nail head is not protruding, a punch can expose it for gripping.
• Side cutters/nail puller pliers – Grips the nail to wiggle it loose and pull it out.
• Screwdriver – Can be used like a punch or pry under nail heads.
• Specialty nail pullers – Such as the Nail Jack, which uses a slide hammer action to pull nails.

You may also need a block of wood to place under the material being worked on for support and to prevent damage. Safety glasses are recommended to protect your eyes from flying nails or wood chips.

Steps for removing different types of embedded nails

The technique for removing an embedded nail depends on how deep it is driven in, the direction it was driven from, and how accessible the nail head is. Here are some common scenarios:

Protruding nail head

If the nail head is still protruding above the wood’s surface:

1. Place a block of wood under the material for support.
2. Use cat’s paw, pry bar, or pliers to grip nail head and pull directly up and out.
3. If nail does not pull out, use hammer to tap cat’s paw, pry bar, or pliers to help loosen nail.
4. Once loosened, pull nail out rest of way. May take some wiggling.
5. Use punch or screwdriver to recess nail head slightly below surface if necessary.

Buried nail head

If the nail head is buried below the surface:

1. Place wood block under material.
2. Use awl, punch, or screwdriver to expose nail head slightly.
3. Grip exposed nail head with cat’s paw or pliers.
4. Pull nail directly up and out, tapping with hammer if needed.
5. Recess nail head if needed.

Nail driven from the side

For nails driven into the side of a board:

1. Support board on wood block.
2. Use pry bar, cat’s paw, or pliers to grip nail head and pull.
3. If nail head is not accessible, use side cutters to grip nail shaft and wiggle nail loose.
4. Once loosened, continue pulling/wiggling nail to remove.

Nails driven through both sides

If a nail has been driven all the way through a board:

1. Support board on wood block.
2. Use hammer to tap nail back through to other side just enough to grip head.
3. Grab protruding nail head with cat’s paw or pliers.
4. Pull nail fully through initial entry side.
5. Flip board over and drive nail back through from other side.
6. Grab nail head and pull nail fully out original side.

Tips for removing stubborn embedded nails

Removing tightly stuck nails can take some extra effort. Here are some tips if a nail refuses to budge easily:

• Use penetrating oil like WD-40 to lubricate the nail and loosen rust or grime. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes before trying to pull nail.
• Use a hammer or mallet to tap the pry bar, cat’s paw, or pliers gripped on the nail. The vibration can help break the nail free.
• Try gripping the nail in several spots with pliers or vice grips and wiggling it back and forth to loosen it.
• For nails driven into end grain, use a block of wood to support the end grain while pulling to prevent splitting.
• If necessary, use a rotary tool or hacksaw to cut off the protruding portion of the nail before attempting to pull.
• Drilling around a buried nail with a small bit canweaken the wood’s grip for easier removal.
• As a last resort, drill out the entire nail with a bit slightly larger than the shaft.

With patience and the right techniques, most embedded nails can be removed without damaging the wood too extensively.

Preventing embedded nails

While embedded nails are sometimes unavoidable, you can take steps to reduce how often they occur:

• Use appropriately sized nails for the thickness of material being fastened.
• Predrill holes for nails going into hardwoods, near edges, or any time nail might bend.
• Hammer gently and straight when driving nails.
• Use a nail set tool to drive nail heads just below the surface.
• Choose galvanized or stainless steel nails for reduced chance of sticking.
• Keep hammer faces smooth to prevent nails from bending on angled surfaces.

Proper nail selection, predrilling, controlled driving, and setting techniques will result in fewer stubborn embedded nails to deal with later.

Conclusion

Embedded nails can be frustrating but are manageable with the right approach. Having proper prying and pulling tools on hand makes removal much easier. Penetrating oil, vibration, wiggling, and drilling techniques can all help free stubborn nails. Whenever possible, take steps during nailing to reduce the chances of nails embedding in the first place. With practice and patience, even the most stubborn embedded nails can be removed while keeping lumber damage to a minimum.

Tool	Uses
Cat’s paw	Gripping and pulling out protruding nails
Pry bar	Leverage for pulling nails, exposing nail heads
Hammer	Driving exposed nails back through, tapping tools to loosen nail
Punch	Exposing buried nail heads
Pliers/side cutters	Gripping and wiggling nails
Screwdriver	Exposing nails, prying, punch substitute
Penetrating oil	Lubricating stuck nails

Safety Tips

• Wear safety glasses when removing nails.
• Use a block of scrap wood for support.
• Pull nails straight out to avoid bending.
• Keep fingers clear of nail’s exit path.
• Set protruding nails below surface to prevent scratches.

Nailing Best Practices

• Predrill holes when needed.
• Use proper nail size and type.
• Drive nails at correct angles.
• Set nail heads just below surface.
• Hammer gently to prevent bending.

Even with the best techniques, you’ll encounter stuck nails from time to time. Having the right tools and knowledge for removing embedded nails without causing excessive damage will ensure you can reuse lumber and avoid frustrations. With practice removing nails, the process becomes quicker and easier over time.