Bates Nail Puller
Easy to Use Tool For Nail Removal
TOP PICK: BATES CLAW
IN THIS GUIDE:
› BEST FOR PALLETS: AIR LOCKER AP700
› CARPENTERS HAMMER: ESTWING ULTRA
› MOST VERSATILE: SPEC OPS CLAW
› BEST FOR TRIM: GOLDBLATT PULLER
Removing nails from wood without damage to the wood is a trick that takes carpenters and other professionals years to master. And the right tools.
While some nail removing tasks require limiting damage to the wood, other extractions in rough lumber are simply about quickly and efficiently removing the nail.
In this guide learn about nail removing tools that:
- Disassemble pallets in no time
- Pull large nails from softwoods
- Extract small nails
- And, lastly, help remove the wood to let you extract the nail from the back of the board
Page Contents
How Nail Removers Work
Before looking at the tools, understanding how a nail remover works is best. So, for a traditional nail puller, there are three things that are needed:
- Cutting surface to dig into the wood
- An angled surface to grab two sides of the nail head
- Leverage to allow the nail to be pulled up
Unfortunately, removing the nail typically damages the wood.
Alternatives to Standard Nail Pullers
For projects where you want to save the piece of wood there are a couple of options that can minimize damage.
Option #1: if you are planning to remove the piece of wood altogether and can get behind the wood itself try using a trim puller. Once the trim is off, simply cut the nails using a Dremel or wire cutters.
Option #2: instead of pulling the nail back through the wood you can evaluate driving the nail all the way through using a very small diameter punch. This option is tricky, but can avoid any damage to the wood.
Option #3: using a power nail puller for larger projects that are specially designed to pull large diameter nails.
With the price of wood a lot of woodworkers are getting creative in using recycled wood. And one of the best sources of free wood is, you guessed it, pallets.
The problem with pallet lumber?
Nails. And lots of them.
While using a crowbar will quickly help you separate the pallet beams and braces it leaves a huge sum of nails still embedded in the wood. Which means hours trying to tamp them back through the wood to salvage the “free” wood.
The solution? A power nail remover that fits over the exposed nail shank and using compressed air “pops” the nail back of the wood.
Best Tools To Remove Nails
Getting started, there are a variety of tools for the job and which one often comes down to the size of the nail and the type of wood you’re working with. In general, if your project involves construction lumber like 2×4’s you’ll want at least a crowbar for leverage and cats paw to dig into the wood and expose the nails head.
1. Wrecking Bar For Construction Projects
Shown: Estwing 30-inch Wrecking Bar (Amazon)
When it comes to dismantling a wall, siding, or anything held together with larger nails you’ll want leverage.
And a lot of it.
The solution? A wrecking bar with a unique goose-head design that allows you to:
- Hammer the pointed head into the wood to grab the nail
- A curved surface for pulling long nails upward from the wood
- And a long handle for leverage
Pros
- Removes large nails
- Long handle for leverage
- Curved neck
- Angled pry bar end for separating wood pieces
Cons
- Damages wood
- Won't assist when nail shaft is exposed
2. Nail and Staple Pulling Pliers
Shown: Bates Nail Pulling Pliers (Amazon)
A simple plier with a rounded fulcrum works best for removing smaller nails, brads, and staples.
To use this style of puller, there are a few basics:
- The nail head or staple must be above the surface of the wood
- Firmly grab the nail head and press downward on the handles
- If the nail slips, re-adjust and grab as much of the nail with the jaws as possible
The downside to this style of nail extractor? It is limited to shorter nails under 2 inches. Longer nails require more leverage.
Pros
- Great with small nails, staples or brads
- Speed
- Easy to use
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Limited to small nails
- Requires strong grip strength
3. Trim Removal Pry Bar
Shown: Zenith Trim Removal Pry Bar (Amazon)
When removing nails in finished hardwood or trim you want to keep, the most common problem is removing the nail without damaging the wood.
Rather than try to remove the nail from the wood on the FRONT of the board, extract the wood from its position and remove it from BEHIND. This method doesn’t require damaging the wood surface.
Pros
- Great for trim
- Minimizes wood damage
- Fast and easy to use
Cons
- Requires nail pliers or nippers
- Can damage wood edges if not used properly
4. Nail Extracting Nipper Pliers For Brads
Shown: Bates Nail Puller (Amazon)
A simple pair of nipper pliers work well for smaller nails with or without heads (aka trim nails). With a simple design, a firm grip, and a curved face, these pliers will quickly pull nails.
And for longer nails, pull the nail out and add a wood block to gain more leverage.
Pros
- Best for small diameter nails
- Strong grip on any type of nail
- Fast and easy to use
Cons
- Requires another tool if nail is set into wood
- Only works on smaller nails
5. Nail Puller Cats Paw For Carpenters
Shown: Spec Ops Nail Puller (Amazon)
Professional alternative: Stiletto Titanium (Amazon)
This rugged cat’s paw will quickly get at nail heads in dimensional lumber.
And, with a rugged military design look cool doing so.
With an aggressive design that allows quick hits with a framing hammer, the cat’s paw, and molding removal ends are great for any carpenter.
Pros
- Aggressive design for fast nail removal
- Lightweight
- Dual nail puller in one
Cons
- Will damage wood
- Limited length for prying larger nails
6. DIY Combo Set of Nail Pullers
Shown: MAXPOWER Nail Puller Set (Amazon)
What’s better than one tool? Four tools.
If you are unsure what will be best for the job, a great option is to get the top three tools (one in compact size). This means a set with nippers, cat paws, molding, and a standard pry bar will let you choose which tool for the job.
Pros
- Multiple styles of nail pullers
- Budget friendly
- 7 and 10-inch pry bar
Cons
- Standard duty for homeowners
- May rust if not cleaned and stored properly
7. Crescent Nail Puller
Shown: Crescent Nail Puller (Amazon)
This uniquely designed extractor works great on flush nails for remodeling or new construction jogs.
Featuring drop forged steel, the Crescent brand name, and a long lever for pulling large nails, this is a tool any contractor or carpenter wants for their job site toolbox. Or, for DIY’ers, tackling a demo is an excellent alternative to a harder-to-use crowbar.
Pros
- Ability to free flush nails
- Strong nail head grip
- Pry bar surface
Cons
- Standard duty for homeowners
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tool to remove nails?
The best tool to remove nails might be two tools. First, you’ll need a curved surface to “dig” the head of the nail from the surface of the wood, which commonly requires a cat’s paw. Second, a hammer is needed to drive the cat’s foot into the wood to extract the head and allow it to be levered.
What's a nail remover tool called?
There are many names for a nail remover tool, but the most common is a cat’s paw. To access the nail head, the wood around it must be depressed or removed, and a cat’s paw is the best tool to remove the wood and nail.
How do you remove a nail without a head?
A pair of nipper pliers is typically best to remove nails without a head. By combining a curved extraction head and strong gripping pliers, a nipper will remove any nail, including headless brads.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
