Caleb Foster
Removing nails from joist hangers can be a challenging task, often requiring a combination of tools and techniques. While some suggest using a hammer and pry bar, others recommend a cats paw nail puller, which can lift the nail head above the bracket face. The choice of tool depends on the type of nail and the accessibility of the nail head. In some cases, an angle grinder may be used, but this requires sufficient space to get under the nail heads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Hammer, pry bar, angle grinder, cat's paw, flat bar, nail puller, stiletto titanium hammer, titanium flat bar, mini flat bar |
| Technique | Use a flat bar under the hanger to get the nails up a little bit, then pry them out |
| Ease | Difficult and time-consuming |
| Reusability | Nails can be reused if removed slowly |
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What You'll Learn
Using a cat's paw nail puller
The cat's paw is a round or hexagonal steel tool with a pointed, cup-shaped tip and a V-slot for gripping nail heads. To use it, you must first lift the nail head above the bracket face. Then, hold the tool's shank with one hand and drive the claw around the nail head with a hammer. When the V-slot is firmly seated around the nail's shank, rock the bar back to raise the head, then finish pulling the nail with the hammer's claw.
The cat's paw nail puller is distinct from other tools such as the nail puller and pry bar. Its design is more scooped and rounded, allowing it to fit into tight spaces and grip the nail head securely.
When removing nails from joist hangers, it is recommended to lift the joist from the end of the deck and then use the cat's paw to remove the hanger. This process may require some patience, as you will need to repeat it for each nail location on the hanger until the joist is free.
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Using a pry bar
When removing nails from hangers, it is recommended to use a small or medium-sized pry bar, such as the highly-rated Stanley 55-116 8-inch Nail Puller, which offers excellent control and functionality at a low cost. The Shark 21-2220 8-Inch Prybar and Nail Puller is another option, featuring a crisp prying edge and a high level of finish. Japanese-style pry bars are also slim and can be tapped with a hammer to wedge into tight spaces, offering multiple ways to pull nails.
To use a pry bar for nail removal, follow these steps:
- Identify the location of the nails by using a stud finder or a strong magnet, which can detect screws or nails covered by putty.
- Place a scrap piece of wood between the pry bar and the wall to prevent damage and spread the force over a larger area.
- Gently lift the hanger or board with a hammer or screwdriver to create some space.
- Insert the pry bar under the hanger, right at the nail location.
- Push down on the bar to start lifting the nail.
- If needed, tap the hanger back down and grab the exposed nail head with a cat's paw nail puller to finish removing it.
- Repeat the process for all nail locations until the hanger is free.
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Using a flat bar
First, get yourself a flat metal pry bar, also known as a flat bar. This tool will be essential in lifting and prying the nails. If you're working near a wall, consider using a small or medium-sized flat bar to minimize damage to the surrounding area. Additionally, you can place a thin piece of wood or scrap material between the flat bar and the wall to further protect the surface.
Now, slide the curved end of the flat bar behind the nail. This step may require some patience and finesse, as you'll want to get the flat bar as close to the nail as possible. Gently tap the flat bar with a hammer if needed to help position it. Once the flat bar is in place, slowly apply force to lift the nail head.
At this point, you should have lifted the nail head just enough to access it with another tool. You can now use your preferred prying tool, such as a nail puller or a cat's paw, to fully remove the nail. If you don't have a nail puller or cat's paw, you can also use the flat bar itself for prying. Work the curved end of the flat bar under the nail head and slowly pry it out, being careful not to damage the surrounding wood or hanger.
Repeat this process for each nail in the hanger. It's important to work on one nail at a time, slowly and patiently pulling each nail out. With careful and persistent effort, you'll be able to remove all the nails from the hanger without causing significant damage to the surrounding materials.
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Using an angle grinder
Prepare the Work Area:
Before using an angle grinder, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, including eye protection and gloves. Angle grinders can generate sparks and debris, so clear the surrounding area of any flammable materials and keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.
Choose the Right Angle Grinder and Attachment:
Select an angle grinder with a suitable power level and a metal cutting blade attachment. A grinder with adjustable speed settings can be helpful for controlling the cutting process. Ensure the grinder is in good working condition and that you are comfortable with its operation.
Positioning and Technique:
When using the angle grinder, hold it firmly with both hands. Position the grinder's cutting wheel flat against the nail, applying gentle pressure. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the hanger or surrounding materials. Use the grinder to cut the nail as close to the hanger as possible, aiming for a flush cut.
Post-Cutting Steps:
Once the nails are cut, you may need to bend or pound the remaining nail stubs into the hanger or surrounding wood. This will ensure a smooth surface and prevent any protruding nails from causing injuries or further complications.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Angle grinders are powerful tools that can quickly cut through nails. However, they may not be suitable for all situations. They can be bulky and challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Additionally, they can create sparks and debris, so they may not be ideal for sensitive environments. Other tools, such as nail pullers or pry bars, may be more appropriate in certain cases.
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Using a hammer
Removing nails from hangers with a hammer requires the use of the claw side of the hammer. This method is simple and effective, but it's important to follow safety precautions to prevent injury. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a hammer to remove nails from hangers:
Step 1: Wear Protective Gear
Before starting, it's important to put on safety gloves to protect your hands from wooden splinters. Eye protection is also essential to safeguard against eye injuries, which are common among construction and carpentry workers.
Step 2: Position the Hammer Claw
Place the claw of the hammer underneath the nailhead. Specifically, you want to position the claw between the hammer's claw teeth, grabbing onto the nail's shank. This step is crucial for gaining leverage and ensuring the nail can be removed without damaging the wood.
Step 3: Rock the Hammer Sideways
Instead of pulling the nail out vertically, which can stress the hammer's handle, go for a rocking motion. Tilt the hammer backward and forward, rocking it sideways. This motion will help loosen the nail with minimal stress on the hammer's handle.
Step 4: Repeat and Pry
Repeat the rocking motion until you can finally pry out the nail. It may take a few attempts, but eventually, the nail should come out. If the nail is particularly stubborn, you can use a flat bar or pry bar along with the hammer to help lift the nailhead.
Step 5: Discard the Nail
Once the nail is removed, it's generally recommended to discard it. Nails can become weaker and deformed after being removed, so reusing them may place you at risk for injury.
While using a hammer is a straightforward method for removing nails from hangers, it's important to work carefully and maintain control throughout the process to avoid injury and potential damage to the hanger or surrounding materials.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a combination of a cat's paw, a flat bar, a hammer, and a pry bar.
A cat's paw is a type of nail puller. It has a scooped and rounded end that can be worked under the nail head to pop it up, and a flat end to pull it out.
First, use the cat's paw to lift the nail head above the bracket face. Then, use the flat bar to pry the nail out.
You can try using an angle grinder, or pounding some steel shims under the nails.
Nails used for joist hangers are typically galvanized and hammered in at a 45-degree angle.
