Removing old or stuck nails from the wall can be a bit frustrating and at the end of the process, there are chances of damaging the wall. Our main aim is to get nails out of walls or any other surfaces successfully. How to get nails out of wall without damaging needs careful consideration.
In this guide, we have covered essential information to help you remove nails from your wall by using specific tools. We have also highlighted some useful tips to help you while doing so. Let’s start!
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How to Get Nails out of Wall
Generally, there are some techniques and tools you can use to get nails out of walls without damaging them. Check out the techniques and tools to make your job stress-free.
Claw Hammer
Generally, the hammer is used to insert the nail into the wall but the claw hammer is designed to help you pull the nail from any surface including wall and wood.
The claw hammer works efficiently in dealing with stubborn nails. It makes it possible to remove the nails. Pulling the nail in an upward position can be tricky, so try to prey the nail sideways.
When you are working on pulling the nail from the wall, there should be at least a distance of 0.25 inches between the surface and the head of the nail. To expose the head of the nail you can use a cat’s paw or screwdriver.
Cat’s Paw
The cat’s paw is a specifically designed tool used for pulling the nail out of the wall. If you have stubborn nails, a cat’s paw can be so effective. It features two claws that help to prey on the nail easily. To pull the nail, slide the tool under the head of the nail and pull it away from the nail.
A cat’s paw is useful to expose the head of the nail if it is deeply embedded. It is suitable to work on varying types of surfaces. By using it, you can face some marks or any minor damage on your wall. The use of the cat’s paw tool can damage drywall.
Nail Puller
The nail puller is specifically designed to pull the nail and features two claws and a handle to pull the nail. The nail puller is very efficient for small and large nails.
How to get nails out of wall by using a nail puller? You just need to position the claws around the head of the nail, grip the handle to tighten the space around the nail head, and pull it up. It is easy to use. You can get the tool online or at any construction supply store.
How to Get Nails out of Wall Without Hammer
In case you are not willing to use a hammer to pull the nail out of the wall, there are alternative ways that can help you to make your job easier.
Flathead Screw driver
By using a flathead screwdriver, you can get nails out of the wall without a hammer flawlessly. It is not difficult to pull out the nail but you need to know the right way to pull out the stubborn nail. If you are unable to follow the right way, you can damage the wall.
Position the tool near the head of the nail on the wall. Make sure the screwdriver should be at a 45-degree angle against any surface including the wall. Apply force to pull out the nail from the wall.
It is advisable to wear safety gloves and goggles to keep you safe while working.
Using Butter Knife
Have you ever thought that a butter knife can be used to pull out the nail? If not, we will make it possible. A butter knife can be the best option to prey stubborn nails from the wall. Make sure the butter knife you are using should be sturdy. A butter knife resembles a spatula and can work best if the head of the nail is not thick. A butter knife is less prone to damage the wall.
Hold a butter knife and place it under the head of the nail on the surface. When you feel that you have made a way to maintain a firm grip on the nail, apply some pressure evenly and steadily to pull out the nail.
Using Chisel
The use of a chisel is another best approach to pull out deeply embedded nails on varying types of surfaces. Without any hesitance, you can easily pick the chisel to prey the nail from hard surfaces especially, concrete walls. It is suitable for the large and sturdy nail’s head.
Hold a chisel and make it close under the head of the nail. You have to be careful while doing so because one wrong move can cause to damage the wall. Obtain a firm grip on the head of the nail and pull out the nail instantly without waiting a single second.
A pry bar and fork are some other tools that can be used to pull out the nail from the wall. The process is as easy as you do with other tools. You just need to determine which technique is most suitable for you.
Useful Tips to Get Nails out of Wall
When you are working to get nails out of the wall, you need to follow some given tips to make the removal process safe and successful.
- Picking the right tool to get nails out of the wall is a wise decision and makes your work more efficient. The right tool can be a claw hammer, cat’s paw, flathead screwdriver, chisel, or nail remover.
- Getting nails out of wall are prone to some kind of eye and hand injuries. The injuries can be minor to severe. It is recommended to wear safety gloves and protective goggles to prevent any incident.
- When pulling nails, apply even and steady force. Move the tool back and forth to loosen it. It will help to remove nails from the wall without damaging the wall.
- The tool position plays a major role in pulling the nails or screws. Place the tool under the nail head to pull.
- After removing the nail, you can fill a hole with a spackle and a putty knife. You can apply the paint on the wall to make it blend with the existing paint color if necessary.
How do you get nails out of drywall without damaging it?
To get nails out of drywall without damaging it, you need to do some simple steps.
In the first step, you need to determine the depth and location of the nail. After that, you need to pick the right type of tool for your nail. The wrong selection can cause the wall to be damaged. The plier is good enough to pull out the nail from the drywall without damaging it.
Position the plier along the base of the nail’s head firmly. Hold it securely. Move the plier back and forth to pull the nail out. Do not apply excessive force. You are done!
How do you get rid of nail holes in drywall?
To get rid of the nail hole in drywall, you need to use a lightweight spackle. Spackle is a paste-like compound used to fill holes, gaps, or cracks on varying types of surfaces. You need to follow some steps.
- Remove dust or debris from the hole thoroughly with the use of any thin tool.
- Apply a small amount of lightweight spackle into the hole with a putty knife.
- Smooth out the spackle with a putty knife and remove the excess with a clean cloth.
- Feather the edges for a seamless look and let it dry for a few minutes. It is best to use fast dry spackle that takes only a few minutes to dry.
- Sand the treated area, wipe away the dirt, and apply paint if you desire.
How do you drill out a nail?
To drill out a nail, you need an electrical drill with a drill bit, ensuring small in diameter as compared to the nail’s head. Position the drill bit on the head of the nail, and start slow speed to make a hole around the nail. With a claw hammer or plier pull out a nail.
Conclusion
Pulling nails isn’t as difficult as it seems, it takes some techniques and the tool if the nail is stuck or damaged in the wall or any other surface. How to get nails out of wall? If you want to expose the head of the nail, it is suitable to use a screwdriver or cat’s paw before pulling the nail.
Otherwise, a claw hammer, cat’s paw, and nail remover is the best option to remove the nail from the wall safely.
