This tip is probably one of the first things a new carpenter or builder will learn on site when pulling out big nails during a demolition job.
Start with the block close to the nail
As you might have already found out, big nails can be pretty tough to pull out and this is all to do with the friction added by pulling the nail at the wrong angle. This can pretty much lock the nail in place and you’ll need a lot of force to wrench it free.
Fortunately here is a simple solution. Using a claw hammer knock the nail through from the other side, then simply raise up the wrecking or crow bar by placing a piece of scrap wood underneath its heel.
Then move the block back a little, under the heel of the crowbar
This works miraculously by placing the crowbar or hammer jaws at the right angle and in the right place for maximum effect. Use a block of wood roughly the same thickness as the amount of nail sticking out from the wood.
Don’t forget to wear gloves when dismantling anything with sharp things sticking out and it’s good practice knock nails though as you go to avoid getting stuck later!
By Ian Anderson
