Nail pullers, nail removers, nail lifters or nail extractors are all general terms used to describe tools designed to remove nails and other fastenings, usually from timber. Within this general category of fastening removers, there are a number of sub-categories and many variations of each type are available, this is because there are so many different types of nail.
When considering which type of nail puller you might need, you should take into consideration the material the nail is being pulled out of, how delicate it is and how much you will mind if it is significantly damaged.You will also need to take into account the nail being pulled, its size, length, type and condition. You should be aware that the specifications of similar tools may differ so it’s always worth checking before you buy.
The traditional nail puller is specifically designed to remove nails which are difficult to pull as it can reach under the surface of the wood to get to sunken nails.
Other types of nail removers you are most likely to come across are claw or cat’s paw nail pullers, nail pulling pliers and electric nail removers.
Some claw nail pullers and cat’s paws are designed so they can dig into the wood to reach out sunken nails, although some claws will need to grip an exposed head.However a cat’s paw is more likely to tear up the wood as it is hit into it because of the rounded claw and the angle it needs to be at when it goes into the wood.
