Ever had a nail stuck in a wall, or even worse, a nail that is deeply buried in a wall? If you're planning to pull a nail or two from a wall, how do you determine which one is the best method?
What other options are available for you to remove these pesky fasteners? We've done the hard work for you and found the best methods for each nail type.
To pull a nail that is stuck in a wall:
- Pry at the head of the nail using a thin flathead screwdriver.
- Once the head is out, grasp it tightly with a plier (a vise-grip is preferred).
- Try to twist and turn until it loosens up.
- If unsuccessful, try to claw the head out with a hammer.
- Make sure to protect the wall regardless of what material it is made from.
The type of nail and its condition can also determine the difficulty level of the ordeal. We'll discuss the proven methods for each nail type so you can effortlessly pull a stuck nail out relative to its type and condition. With that said, let's dive right in!
How To Remove Nails That Are Stuck In The Wall
When you have a nail stuck in a wall, you might feel like you're in a pickle. Fortunately, there are many different options for extracting it.
But to choose the right one, you'll need to consider the type of nail so you can select the appropriate method.
How To Remove Common Nails (With A Head)
- First, you want to know the condition of the nail. Is it embedded deeply, or is it sticking out?
- You can use a hammer claw to remove it if it's sticking out.
- Protect the wall from damage using a thin board or anything that can withstand the pressure between the wall surface and the claw. This way, you won't chip or damage the wall.
- If embedded deeply, you may need to use a flathead screwdriver, a cat's paw, or a pry bar.
- Depending on how deep it is, you may need to drill it out to loosen it.
- Once you pull it out, you'll need to clean up any damage you've caused to the surrounding area.
- Cover the damage and let it sit for a while before you plaster over it.
How To Remove Common Nails Without A Head, Brad Nails, And Finishing Nails
Common nails without heads poking out of a wall are the last things you want to see on your wall, especially if you have kids and pets in the house.
However, removing them is pretty easy. Since they're already exposed, you won't have to pry them out, unlike buried nails.
Here are the steps:
If You Use A Claw Hammer:
- Slide the claw into the nail
- Use a wide putty knife between the claw and wall surface to protect the wall
- Side pull the nail until it is loose enough to be removed
You can watch this YouTube video to get the idea:
Using A Plier Or Vise Grip:
- Grip the protruding nail using any of the tools mentioned.
- Slowly twist and turn until you feel the nail has loosened up.
- Depending on the length of the nail, you may need a claw hammer to finish the job.
A deeply buried nail without a head is a more challenging task. You may be forced to drill a hole into the wall so you can leverage your plier or vise grip.
Once the nail protrudes, you can grip it tightly and loosen it by wiggling it out until it is free.
You can also combine the functionality of a claw hammer and a vise grip for this purpose. Check out the video below for a visual guide:
Best Tools For Pulling Out Nails In A Wall
Generally, nail removal requires the right tools and the proper knowledge.
Most people aren't prepared for such a challenging task. And if they try to use their tools, it's more likely that the nails will break off, and they will end up frustrated.
Be careful to use your tools judiciously and safely. While you can get lucky and hit a nailhead with an ordinary hammer, you can also hurt yourself or someone else.
To avoid accidents, we have listed the best tools to use for this task:
Top 5 Claw Hammers
1. Irwin Fiberglass Hammer
Designed with precision, Irwin Fiberglass Hammers feature a fully forged steel head and a fiberglass body, providing superior power, strength, balance, and control.
Fiberglass absorbs vibration and dissipates impact, and the hammer handle is ergonomically-shaped to prevent hand strain.
See this Irwin fiberglass hammer on Amazon.
2. Mr. Pen Hammer
This hammer is designed to withstand any outdoor adventure. This small hammer is made of high-density carbon steel, making it suitable for various uses.
The non-slip grip makes handling easy, even in the wet. It has anti-rust properties that make it great for everyday use. A must for all campers!
See this Mr. Pen hammer on Amazon.
3. Amazon Basics Hammer
The tool features a heavy-duty steel handle with a comfortable non-slip grip. Designed to be a great-fitting grip in any hand, the ergonomic handle provides superior comfort for long periods of use.
The lightweight design is ideal for carrying in a backpack or bag. This hammer is perfect for anyone who loves DIY projects, remodeling, or home improvement.
See this Amazon Basics hammer on Amazon.
4. Spec Ops Hammer
This multi-purpose hammer is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use. It is constructed from premium alloy steel. This hammer has a shock-absorbing handle that provides comfort and protection.
The head is engineered to withstand heavy-duty use while remaining balanced, providing easy, comfortable handling. The Spec Ops Hammer comes complete with a mallet cap.
Click here to see this Spec Ops hammer on Amazon.
5. Craftsman Fiberglass Hammer
A multi-purpose hammer that has everything a homeowner needs to do repairs, this hammer is an excellent choice for anyone who likes to work with their hands, as it's durable enough to withstand the rigors of DIY.
Craftsman hammers are built to last and designed with innovative features to make every blow easier, cleaner, and more efficient.
Furthermore, it's ergonomically designed, which makes it comfortable to hold and use. The fiberglass handle of this hammer is reinforced to protect against damage.
The handle is equipped with overstrike protection to increase safety, which helps prevent injury.
See this Craftsman fiberglass hammer on Amazon.
Top 3 Vise-Grip
1. Irwin Vise-Grip
Constructed of high-grade alloy steel, providing superior gripping, the vise grip's jaws are designed with a long nose that extends beyond the gripping area to ensure access to hard-to-reach places.
The Irwin Vise-Grip's unique nose design allows you to grip it tightly, even in areas where others fail. This tool is an ideal replacement for your existing pliers.
Check out this Irwin vise grip on Amazon.
2. Sata Locking Plier
The Sata Locking Plier has a super-solid feel and will not slip. The curved jawline allows for a superior grip and better control. The jaws have a nickel-plated finish that protects against corrosion.
Additionally, it has a spring-loaded opening mechanism to keep the jaws locked tight and strong. These allow you to firmly grip even the thinnest wires, filaments, or the most delicate materials.
Click here to see this Sata locking plier on Amazon.
3. Workpro Locking Pliers (Set)
This set is an essential tool for any tradesman. The pliers have been designed to withstand the demands of the trade and will provide ultimate strength and comfort.
Furthermore, they have a chrome-vanadium steel jaw for corrosion resistance and a premium alloy steel body for strength and durability.
They also feature a quick lock and release mechanism, which means no fiddling around if you want to get the job done fast.
See this set of Workpro locking pliers on Amazon.
In Closing
We hope this guide has helped you learn how to safely and effectively get a nail out of a wall safely and effectively. If you know of another method to remove nails from a wall, leave us a comment and tell us about it.
Made it this far? Check out these helpful related posts: