Published on: April 1, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by David Rowan
There are different shapes and sizes of nail pullers in the market. Some nail pullers do a lot of damage to the pulled surface, while others minimize this damage. If any nail is mistakenly placed in the wrong place or direction by a Nail Gun, then a nail puller can pull out the nail without loss, even if they are sunken into the wood. Overall, a nail puller makes the pulling process much more comfortable and safe.
It is normal for any buyer to get confused by the myriad options in the market. Here we have included some nail pullers details reviews with pros and cons to eliminate your confusion and make your purchase easier. We also assist you with our buying guide to focus on what you should look for when purchasing one.
The Factors You Consider for Nail Pullers
Before proceeding, you need to decide how much nail pulling control you need to finish your job. Few nail pullers can dig into the surface to remove a nail insert under, and some can dig if there is a space between the nail head and surface.
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It’s better to buy the more extended nail puller’s handle, so you need less force to get the nail loose. So there are some other points you need to keep in mind while purchasing to get a perfect nail puller. Those mentioned below:
Power and Strength
Some nail pullers work only on wood, and some others can work on all surfaces despite the clearance between the nails and surface. It depends on puller power. A pressure-powered nail puller performs the nail extraction task within a smooth effort.
Longer handle pullers have this pressure power strength to minimize the amount of force needed to gouge out the nails. Shorter handles don’t have much strength. So we suggest going for a long handle puller.
Handle
Always choose the nail puller that has a substantial and sturdy metal handle with a rubber gripper. Because you will be able to quickly and safely grip to handle to use your force to pull out the nail. Please don’t pick a spacious diameter handle; it will hurt your hand and make the work harder.
Weight
The lighter the nail puller, the more comfortable you can carry and work.
Lighter is more helpful because you can work all day with the puller without feeling exhausted. But ensure that the lightweight design doesn’t negotiate the product’s structural strength and performance.
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Ergonomics
Ergonomic means to increase efficiency and productivity, and reduce discomfort. So the ergonomic handle in a puller can minimize the stress of the user’s hands. Most of the pullers in the market are layered with rubber or similar materials to improve grip and reduce stress on your hands.
Durability
Sometimes an enormous amount of physical force needs to pull a nail. So if the puller can’t manage the pressure, it can quickly bend or even break. So, the tool must be built of forged steel. Also, ensure the handle is forged through a single piece of metal. Besides, it should be covered with paint or enamel to keep the tool away from rust and corrosion. All these features together make a puller durable enough to use for the long term.
Versatile Pulling Surface
A versatile nail puller is the one that can pull off the nail on any surface rather than wood without damaging. A powered nail puller can do the work smoothly without scratches and dents on any surface than a traditional nail puller. Powered models have smooth and slender profiles and can work on any surface like plywood, metal, bricks, etc. If you are confused about your working surface, then take your time and choose a versatile working surface puller wisely.
Compactness
There are two types of puller available in the market, one is plier-style, and the other is lever-style. You have to decide between these two. If you have sufficient space, then go for lever-style; it needs less force as it works as a lever. On the other hand, pillar style works well in tighter space but needs much effort to pull the nail. So the compactness is an essential feature of a puller to fit into almost any place.
In the following writing, we present some up to the mark puller’s features to help you to choose a perfect nail puller.
Cost
One of the variables that will suit most of your abilities and needs is cost. However, the cost is nothing more than a huge problem, even if you think of it as an abstract problem, if you consider this purchase as an initiative, you will have the option to discount it without a second thought.
Editor’s Speech
The primary purpose of a nail puller is to pull out nails. As well as, it needs to be strong enough with enough leverage and can be fitted in a small place to get the job done. It also needs to be handy and safer to pull out the nail faster without damaging the wood. Each nail puller has its features, but you should always consider the one that perfectly fits your work requirements.
Now, we believe that you have gained a deeper understanding of nail pullers and will pick up the favourite one for you from the below list. We suggest you choose a versatile nail puller for flexibility on different projects.
See OurSelected Nail Pullers, Below-
Stiletto TICLW12 Clawbar Titanium Nail Puller
- Weight: 8 oz;
- Material: Solid titanium bar;
- Length: 12 inches.
Stiletto is a traditional nail puller that can correctly take out the trickiest nails embedded into the wood. It is made of the most robust titanium material to enhance strength that couldn’t compare to any other nail puller in the market.
Additionally, the puller is exceptionally lightweight, giving the tool’s better and more accurate overall control. Furthermore, the titanium core of the material helps buffer out any form of recoil shock faced while pulling out the process. This will help you limit the wooden surface’s accidental damage and make sure you don’t damage the tool while hammering.
The corrosion-resistant surface enhances the longevity of the puller. Moreover, the tool works as an excellent nail exposure; once you turn it on its sides and hammer it around, it creates a tiny divot that allows quicker, cleaner, and smoother nail extraction. Overall, it is an excellent nail puller at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Made with substantial titanium element;
- Propellants deliver consistent accuracy;
- Lightweight and compact;
- Super strong prying power;
- Less recoil shock;
- Corrosion-resistant;
- Comfortable for holding for a long time.
Cons
- The nails keep on slipping out;
- The claw bar is not very durable.
2. Crescent 56 Nail Puller
- Weight: 3.89 pounds;
- Material: Alloy steel;
- Length: 19 inches.
It is a traditional slide hammer nail puller that drives a small head into the surface deeper around the nail head and then uses support to pull the nail out. The head’s compact size ensures the wood has to undergo mild damage after the nail is taken onto the force to pull it out.
The hammering feature is designed to take in the extra pressure using an alloy box-joint and tempered jaw to make sure your nail pullers last long. Moreover, the whole structure gets a black enamel finish to prevent rust and increase its durability.
Both short and long jaw forms are available in the market. The smooth nail removing process ensures the nail doesn’t bend at the pulling time. If its head breaks the inserted nail, the tight gripping jaws can hold the nail body and pull it out. It is suitable for renovation or remodeling projects.
So if you’re looking to remove deeply set nails from any surface, then go for this nail puller within the affordable price range.
Pros
- Works fine in hard to grip or headless nails;
- Hard an alloy steel material;
- Tempered jaw and formed alloy structure;
- Available in both short or long jaw patterns;
- Minimal damage on a wooden exterior;
- Coated by black enamel to prevent corrosion.
Cons
- The handle is fragile and narrow;
- The jaw is thicker to enter deep into the surface.
3. Estwing DEP12 Double Ended Nail Puller
- Weight: 1.21 pounds;
- Material: Steel;
- Length: 12 inches.
You will get both a pry bar and nail puller features together in this nail remover. This versatile tool is ideal for those who are looking to get two tools at one price. The one rounded claw bar head extends the support and torque with your prying and pulling actions. The other head is a V-slot end, thin enough for fitting into small spaces between surfaces and nails.
This 12-inch long nail puller is manufactured out of steel that isn’t prone to bend and snap to enhance durability and strength. The weight appears manageable for any professional carpenters, framers, woodworkers, demolition crews, roofers, merchants & serious DIYers. It is perfect for window & door trim, moulding, and baseboard type of work.
This versatile nail puller has the claws on both ends. The claw on one end is ideal for digging into nails or headless nails, and the other end is slender that has straight claws for working on exposed nails. The accurate thin claw can access confined and hard-to-reach places with minimal wood damage.
Pros
- Have a beautiful blue and yellow varnish;
- 2 in 1 claw bar and nail puller;
- Steel construction;
- It can pull a variety of fasteners;
- Slim ends for reaching into tight spaces.
Cons
- Doesn’t have enough energy provided by the long bar;
- Uneven curve ends don’t grab nails properly.
4. Air Locker AP700 Heavy Duty Air Punch Nailer
- Weight: 2.35 pounds;
- Removable nails range: 10-20 gauge;
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch NPT thread;
- Operating pressure: 80-120 PSI;
- Driver Diameter: 0.16 inch.
Those who need to use a nail puller daily and want to reduce the pressure of removing or placing hundreds of nails at a time can purchase this nail puller without hesitating. The pneumatic device makes your tiresome process as quickly and as accurately as possible, ensuring that the wooden surface remains protected.
Furthermore, the punch driver system is clasping itself onto the nail and removing it in seconds. The entire body is moulded with a die-cast aluminum body that can survive in the offensive environment. The lightweight material is comfortable and durable enough for stiff handling.
The handle with a rubber grip gives you a tighter grasp of the device to control and enhance comfort to work continuously for hours without getting tired or aching arms. The pointed tip nose ensures it can easily be pressed into small nooks and corners to provide more mobility and usability. It comes with a nail puller and punches nails in the same package.
Pros
- Rubberized comfortable grip;
- Remove nail between 10-20 gauge sizes without damage;
- The lightweight die-cast aluminum body;
- The nail puncher drive nails out of the versatile surface;
- Minimum wood damage;
- Quick and efficient work.
Cons
- Don’t arrive with an inlet plug and a case;
- It doesn’t work well on the oak wood surface.
5. Stanley 55-116 Nail Removal Tool
- Weight: 3.84 pounds;
- Material: Carbon steel;
- Length: 8 inches.
Stanley is a dual tool with a thin nail puller on one end and a fin-shaped 1¾-inch-wide prying edge on the other. The fin edge is thin enough to wedge easily between two boards with the least damage to the wood. Additionally, the prying end has an exact curve to lift about an inch in a single force.
Furthermore, it is an 8-inch nail puller and has a chisel scraper. It is built with formed high carbon steel. Also, it is heat-treated to increase durability and tempered to improve safety. Further, the arc of the fin made it easy to lift the tiny nails out. Nails can be easily pulled and pried by the beveled claws.
Pros
- Dual-use of thin nail puller and a fin-shaped nail puller;
- The fin edge is thin enough to wedge easily;
- The other prying end has a pronounced arc;
- Durable carbon steel;
- Easy to use and lightweight.
Cons
- Small in size so inefficient to work in all surface;
- Claws ground unevenly.
6. Shark CORP 21-2028 Hardened Steel Alloy Nail Remover
- Weight: 0.85 pounds;
- Material: Carbon steel;
- Length: 11 inches.
This tool is popular among the professionals for its durable hardened steel body and longevity. The rigid body and aptitudes can withstand a harsh environment. Additionally, an upper-level tempering process in the drop forged production of this nail puller provides extra durability to prevent bending or tearing.
This 11 inches long puller is perfect for pulling small and medium-sized nails. The excellent leverage design comes with a rounded head that provides more energy to make the pulling process easier. The sharp fangs can easily pull headless and embedded nails. It can work on a versatile surface in construction projects. It works to finish the nail 2 to 3 inches, for the standard nail will be 2 to 3-1/2 inches and ring shank.
Pros
- Build by hardened steel;
- It can grip on embedded, headless, or rusted nails;
- A drop forged construction method enhance durability;
- Scratch and bend-proof;
- Can pull different types of nail length.
Cons
- Works fine with small actions of pulling nails;
- Little pricey than other similar models.
7. Estwing PC210G Pro Claw Nail Puller
- Weight: 0.42 pounds;
- Material: Steel;
- Length: 9 inches.
This nail puller is drop forged and tempered in every piece; that is why this one is a long-lasting tool on the market. It is constructed with a more excellent steel leverage structure and holds a circular head for leveling up the leverage. Its accurate thin claw allows you to get into hard-to-reach places and great for pulling right-angled nail removal.
The chrome finish enhances its durability and protects it from corrosion. Apart from it, this nail puller has a non-slip comfortable blue cushion grip, which is durable, convenient and assists for sturdy grasp in some situations. Besides, the thin claw can remove headless or inserted nails easily with minimal wood damage.
Pros
- Drop-forged and tempered tool steel;
- Ergonomic and long-lasting;
- The chrome finish gives extra protection;
- Precision thin claw design;
- Lightweight and compact.
Cons
- Small in size to pull the nail;
- Sometimes I need an extra-long bar to support leverage.
8. PacTool RS501 Shingle Nail Remover
- Weight: 1.4 pounds;
- Material: Steel;
- Patented 1-inch offset nail-slot.
A roof snake is an ideal tool for adding shingles without fear of damaging the underneath material. You can also remove shingles without pulling other ones out. Using the roof snake nail pullers can result in a precise installment of the shingle and leave a perfect alignment.
The 1-inch unique offset design allows maintaining roofing nails distance correctly. Furthermore, the tool is the right size to maximize usability that doesn’t require a massive strength. To remove the nail, push the claw end under the nail and roll the nail out by twisting the roof snake until the shingle comes out.
It’s a little heavier than other models. As roofing needs a long time to work, it designs so that the user doesn’t feel fatigued. It maximizes comfort without compromising on efficiency.
Pros
- Advanced well-structured design;
- The Head angle is already offset;
- Little energy is needed to remove shingles;
- Safe, easy, and accurate performance;
- Compatible and convenient.
Cons
- Not suitable to use for more oversized shingles.
9. Bates Nail Puller Tool
- Weight: 0.40 pounds;
- Material: High Carbon Steel;
- Length: 7 inches.
This is another popular and excellent Bates product with both nail puller and plier that could operate effectively for different tasks. It is manufactured from high-quality, long-lasting carbon steel to boost more power but smaller in size. It can pull out staples as well.
The soft plastic-coated grip can prevent rust and provide a good grip at the time of work. The plastic grip also enhances your control at the operating time and reduces fatigue due to prolonged usage.
Apart from it, it can be used as nipper pliers to cut wires and can pull out wires too. Construction workers and carpenters prefer this model because of its versatile service at installing new flooring and construction.
Pros
- Durable and robust with excellent shape;
- Soft plastic coated grip;
- Manufacture by high carbon steel;
- Dual-use end nipper pliers;
- Rust-proof long-lasting performance;
- Able to pull nails without causing any damage.
Cons
- Notably small to nip average nails;
- Handles are too short for real support.
10. Vaughan & Bushnell BC10 Bear Claw Nail Puller
- Weight: 0.85 pounds;
- Material: High tempered steel;
- Length:10 inches.
If you’re seeking a device that can be used as a usual nail puller, then Vaughan & Bushnell bear claws provide a cheap and easy way of getting the nails in a minute. This USA made nail puller is manufactured up of forged, tempered steel with a flat claw for easy wedging and minimal wood damage. It is forged using a single piece of metal that makes the tool more durable.
Furthermore, it doesn’t have the risk of breaking a weld under heavy pressure. Not only is it durable, but the design will also allow you to pull out the toughest of nails without difficulty. The black rust-proof finish and a rocker head provide excellent leverage.
Pros
- Satisfactory and easy to use;
- Flat claws reach narrow places;
- Minimum wood damage;
- Corrosion proof finishing;
- Made up of tempered and forged steel;
- Rocker head allows for gripping any size nails.
Cons
- Teeth can break-off easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Decking Boards Would It Be a Good Idea for Me to Utilize?
6-inch wide boards are generally ideal, to say the least. The 4-inch wide material takes longer to introduce, creates more holes, and requires much more hugging yet you can still use it. 8-inch-wide sheets, due to their more prominent width, are much more prone to breakage and cupping. Try not to use them.
What Tool Is Utilized to Eliminate Brads or Nails?
6-inch wide boards are generally ideal, to say the least. The 4-inch wide material takes longer to introduce, creates more holes, and requires much more hugging yet you can still use it. 8-inch-wide sheets, due to their more prominent width, are much more prone to breakage and cupping; Try not to use them.
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About This Writer
Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.
