Professional contractors, handymen, and remodelers frequently encounter the need to remove a finish nail from different surfaces.
In some circumstances, removing nails from delicate surfaces can take a couple of minutes. While in other cases, it might be necessary to acquire a few special tools and follow a more detailed procedure to preserve the integrity of the materials or structure.
Learning how to remove nails correctly will help you finish the project without damaging it, make the most of your nails, and save time and energy.
Continue reading to learn Fastener USA's nail removal process.
What Happens if You Remove a Finish Nail Incorrectly?
Suppose you are working on a project where you must remove buried finish nails from a loose piece of wood. Since the head of the nail is buried in the wood, it will be necessary to pull it from the back.
For some people, hammering the back of the nail to pull the head is the easiest method to remove it. However, this can cause a blow out to the surface and leaves an unpleasant mark.
Because these pieces are supposed to be a discrete part of the project for aesthetic purposes, removing them incorrectly can cause issues with delivering neat results.
If you want to avoid ruining a material while removing nails, then the following tips and tricks can help you solve that problem the easiest way.
Tips and Tricks: How to Remove Finish Nails
- Let’s Talk About Tools
The first step after locating the problem with a finish nail on a project is to gather the tools that will best assist you in completing the task.
This is a list of tools you should always have on hand in these situations:
- Work gloves: security is always a priority. Cover your hands with the appropriate work gloves for this task.
- A drill: In case it is necessary to make a hole in the surface.
- Needle nose pliers or clamps: will mainly help grip small finish nails from different angles.
2. Removing Nails From Delicate Surfaces
Overall, taking nails out in any construction or carpentry project will depend on the materials, the angles and how deep the nail is.
Here's a step-by-step guide to removing finish nails while you protect delicate surfaces:
1. Put on work gloves.
2. Using a flat bar or cat's paw , gently pry up the head of the nail. Be careful not to gouge the surface around it.
3. Once the head of the nail is lifted, use needle-nose pliers to grab hold of the nail's shank. If you don’t want to cut the nail, be careful with the pulling power.
4. Gently pull the nail out of the surface. If it seems stuck, try wiggling it back and forth until it comes free.
5. If none of these steps work, you can drill two holes on each side of the nail and then gently pull it out with a needle nose plier.
6. Once the nail is out, use a wood file or sandpaper to smooth over the hole left behind. This will help prevent the hole from catching on clothing or other material.
With these simple steps, you can remove finish nails without damaging your delicate surfaces.
Save Yourself the Hassle and Buy Quality Finish Nails
We are your premium source for quality finish nails. We also have an extensive offering of high quality stainless steel nails.
Navigate our website to see our catalog and shop online with us safely & securely, or place your order by calling (877) 593-2131. We are more than happy to help you have access to optimal fastening solutions.
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