Caleb Foster
Removing tiny nails from a drawer without damaging the wood can be challenging. If the nails are small with tiny heads, they may be difficult to grip with a hammer. In such cases, a pair of nippers or end nippers can be used to grip the nail and pull it out. For longer or tougher nails, a cat's paw or a pry bar can be used to pry the nail out. If the nail is deeply embedded, a nail set or pin punch can be used to drive it through the wood, and then the nail can be pulled from the other side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail size | Tiny/small |
| Nail type | Finishing nail, flat-head nail, bent nail |
| Nail head size | Small/large |
| Tools required | Claw hammer, cat's paw, prying bar, nail remover, screwdriver, chisel, pliers, pneumatic nail remover, nippers, putty knife, nail set tool, drill, saw, sandpaper, claw, scrap wood, flat metal bar, end nippers, stainable wood filler, flathead screwdriver, mallet, diagonal cutters, belt sander, pry bar, nail puller, hammer, nail set, pin punch, reciprocating saw, screwdriver |
| Techniques | Wedge the claw into the nail body and twist, use a combination of tools, use the cable-cutting part of pliers, use pincers, disassemble the drawer, pull the nail through the back, use a flat metal bar or "trim bar", use a flathead screwdriver, use a nail set tool, drill the nail, cut the nail, sand the wood, use a block for leverage, cut the nail with a reciprocating saw, grip the nail with nippers, use a cat's paw nail puller, pry or hammer the wood apart, use a scrap piece of wood between the good wood and the tool |
| Considerations | Direction of pull, protecting the wood, protecting the eyes, nail depth, hardness of the wood, presence of glue, thickness of the wood, aesthetic outcome, damage to the wood |
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What You'll Learn
Using a claw hammer
Removing tiny nails from a drawer can be a challenging task, especially if you want to keep the wood intact. The claw hammer is a popular tool for nail removal due to its versatility, precision, and control. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a claw hammer to remove tiny nails from a drawer without damaging the wood:
Prepare the Workspace:
Before starting, gather the necessary tools and put on safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear. Place the drawer on a stable surface and inspect the nails and the wood for any signs of rust, damage, or old age, which may complicate the removal process.
The claw hammer has a striking face and a curved, two-pronged claw. Identify the claw end, which has two metal prongs. If the nail head is too small for the claw to grip, use a thin putty knife or a similar tool to create a gap by gently tapping the hammer handle or using the striking face to nudge the nail head slightly out of the wood. This will give the claw something to grip onto.
Grip and Lever:
Line up the claw with the nail head and slide it until you feel the nail gripped securely in the claw. Gently tap the hammer on its head to loosen the nail before applying pressure. Hold the hammer handle firmly with one hand and place the other hand on the hammer's head for control. Rock the hammer back and forth gently, using the curved claw as leverage to pry the nail out.
Pull the Nail:
Apply steady and controlled pressure to pull the nail out. Avoid jerking or using sudden force, as this can damage the wood. Pull the nail out slowly and straight, allowing the wood to release it gradually. If the nail resists, try wiggling the hammer to loosen it further before trying again.
Protect the Wood:
To protect the wood surface from scratches or dents, place a soft material like cardboard, a shop rag, or a piece of scrap wood under the hammer's claws. This will distribute the pressure and reduce the risk of damaging the wood.
With these steps, you can effectively use a claw hammer to remove tiny nails from a drawer while minimizing potential damage to the wood.
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Levering with a crowbar
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Before you begin, ensure you have gathered the necessary tools, including a crowbar and a piece of scrap wood or a putty knife. It is also recommended to wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from any flying nails or wood splinters.
Step 2: Position the Crowbar
Place the flat end of the crowbar against the nail head. If the nail is small and recessed within the wood, you may need to use a screwdriver or chisel to expose the nail head first. Gently tap the crowbar with a hammer to ensure it is securely lodged beneath the nail head.
Step 3: Enhance Leverage
To increase your leverage and reduce the risk of damaging the wood, place a piece of scrap wood between the crowbar and the drawer. This added buffer will help distribute the force more evenly and protect the drawer's surface.
Step 4: Apply Force
Once the crowbar is securely in place, slowly and carefully apply force to the crowbar, prying the nail out of the wood. If the nail is deeply embedded, you may need to apply more force or wiggle the crowbar gently from side to side to loosen the nail's grip.
Step 5: Remove the Nail
Continue applying force until the nail pops out. If the nail is long, grip it with pliers or nippers to remove it entirely. Be cautious when the nail is almost out, as it may suddenly pop out and go flying. Always hold the drawer securely and be aware of your hand placement to avoid any accidental injuries.
Tips for Success:
- When removing multiple nails, work systematically to avoid losing track of your progress and accidentally damaging the wood.
- If the nails are very small, consider using a specialised tool like a cat's paw or a nail puller, which are designed for removing small or stubborn nails.
- If the nails are glued or deeply embedded, you may need to use a hammer drill with a chisel function to loosen them before attempting to remove them with a crowbar.
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Using nippers
Nippers are a great tool to remove tiny nails from a drawer without prying them out. This method is especially useful if you have access to the backside of the nail.
First, open the jaws of the nippers around the nail. Place the sharp, pointed ends on either side of the nail and push them slightly into the wood. Then, squeeze the handles together to grip the nail right below the head. You may need to rock the nippers back and forth and regrip the nail multiple times before it comes out.
If the nail is stuck or stubborn, you can use a flathead screwdriver to expose the head of the nail. Place the tip of the screwdriver flat against the surface, 0.25-0.5 inches (0.64-1.27 cm) next to the head of the nail. Then, raise the angle of the screwdriver to rest at a 45-degree angle against the surface. Brace the screwdriver with your non-dominant hand and strike the head with a mallet. Hit it as many times as necessary to drive the nail through to the other side.
If the nail still won't budge, you can cut off the head of the nail with bolt cutters or nippers. Then, rip the nail through the back. This method will cause some damage to the wood, so be sure to use a good wood filler to cover any holes.
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Using a nail puller
To use a nail puller, first assess the condition of the nail and the wood. Look for any signs of rust or damage that could make the process more complicated. If the nail head is missing or broken, you can use the nail puller to tap under the remaining part of the nail and extract it. Place the pointed end of the tool around the nail head and gently tap it with a hammer to drive it under the nail. Once the nail puller is securely in place, use its leverage to pull the nail out.
If the nail is stubborn, you can use a lubricant like WD-40 on the rusted area and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting to remove it again. To protect the wood surface, place a piece of scrap wood under the nail puller to distribute the pressure evenly. Work slowly and carefully to minimize any damage to the wood.
Safety should always be a priority when removing nails from wood. Wear safety gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and put on protective eyewear to shield your eyes from debris.
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Drilling the nail out
One way to do this is to use a drill bit to drill a series of tightly spaced holes around the edge of the nail head. Keep drilling around and through the wood until you feel the drill bit exit the back. Be careful not to let the drill bit snag on the nail shank as you drill. Once you have drilled through the wood, you can pull the nail out with a wrecking bar.
Another method is to first make a 'hole saw' by sawing a few shallow cuts into the end of a thin metal pipe with a hacksaw. You can even twist the 'teeth' slightly with needle-nose pliers. The internal diameter of the pipe should be slightly larger than the nail head. Position the 'hole saw' over the nail head at a slight angle, then drill until you feel it exit the back.
If the nail head has broken off, you can try drilling two small holes on either side of the nail to relieve some of the pressure. Then, use a steel punch to drive the nail through the board.
Finally, if you are unable to remove the nail without damaging the wood, you could drill a bigger hole through the damage and glue a piece of dowel into it. Once the glue has dried, you can saw, plane, chisel, or sand down the excess.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have access to the backside of the nail, you can use nippers to remove it. Open the jaws of the nippers around the nail, squeeze them together to grip the nail, and then pull upwards to rip the nail out. This method is quick and easy, but it will only work on wood and soft metals.
If the nail is too small to get the claw of your hammer underneath, you can use a combination of tools. For small nails with large heads, try using the cable-cutting part of your pliers. For small nails with small heads, try using pincers. You can also use a nail set tool to drive the nail in a bit, and then use wood filler and sand it down after it dries.
If the nail is stuck and you can't get enough leverage with the claw of your hammer, try putting a scrap piece of wood between the claw and the timber. This will increase the leverage, making it easier to remove the nail. If that doesn't work, you can use a crowbar with the scrap piece of wood in between to lever the nail out.
