A very usefull tool *LINK*

Re: A very usefull tool

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>Very clever adaptation of an old design -- I can't recall what the name is, but the original design is larger, with a slide-hammer arrangement, designed for demolition and capable of removing a thoroughly sunk-in 16d nail, although the timber isn't worth much when you're done removing the nail. I somehow have acquired three of them...somehow.

If I ever re-do our kitchen, which has lots of ring-shank nails holding down particleboard underlayment, I'll have to write Lee Valley first.

Re: A very usefull tool

Harold Blair

>Paul: you are correct about the nail puller. I am restoring an old house. In the process we are taking down all the walls and ceiling boards. This consititues removing over 6,000 LF of 1x6 T&G. It would have been impossible w/o the nail puller.

Re: A very usefull tool

Peter Ulmanis

>This one of those "why didn't I think of that" designs accompaied by a self inflicted head slap.

One question, what is the tool made of. Does it leave a dent on the wood at the pivot point?

Peter

Re: A very usefull tool

Harold Blair

>Made of metal. Typically it does not make a dent at the pivot. Of course it makes a small gouge when it "bites" the nail head.

Pulling nails/staples

Bill Ward

>I have a whole arsenal of nail pulling gear. For major deconstruction, you want the slide hammer style puller. I think Greenlee still makes these ($35-40??), but old ones are pretty easy to find at antique stores and flea markets. I have three right now and have sold a few to my Habitat for Humanity buddies. I buy them whenever I see them for about $10. If you get a used one, make sure the jaws are not broken (or repaired) and that they close properly. Common brand names are Pexto, Rex and Greenlee (probably lots of others). These big guys will grab 16d common nails without a problem.

I also have had good luck with the little guy that LV sells. I use it on smaller nails or when the big boys won't fit. The LV puller stays in my tool belt (I mess up a lot of nails!).

For staples (like the above underlayment problems) I've had good luck using fencing pliers. Those are the 5-in-1 sort of pliers. The top of the staple has to be exposed to get a bite to use these.

Re: Pulling nails/staples *LINK*

Kirk in HMB, CA

>For Pulling staples, I prefer a pair of end cutters. Used gently, they let you pull the staple with minimal damage to whatevers underneath. They let you get a grip on both legs, less worry about the staple breaking.

If you're too rough, you end up with broken staple legs, which I just hammer down.


End Cutting Pliers

Re: A very usefull tool

Jim in Burlington Ontario

>I am not sure if you pulled up the subfloor or not? But a roofing shovel is a handy thing to use.

Re: Pulling nails/staples

Mark Harrison -- in Sydney, Australia

>The end nippers are very good for this job. I've unfortunately too much experience pulling up disgusting old carpet out of this house and these are just the bee's knees. I bought a Crescent and it is very good indeed.

Don't be conned and buy the cheap Indian/Chinese versions. They suck big time. DAMHIKT.

Re: A very usefull tool

Paul Barnard

>I resorted to a garden shovel :-)

AKA the roofer's friend

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>The square shovels are best for this.