A unique way to remove buried nails

[dstig1]

I'm with CalG. This is demo. Unless you are trying to save something else you did not mention, pry the cabinets off the wall and them pull the nails once exposed (channel locks work well for pulling exposed nail like this). With a couple different pry bar types, you would pop them off pretty quick. Also damage is pretty minimal to the surface of the trim if you pull them through. That said, it is a good technique for the right situation. Thanks for posting!:thumbsup:

 

[RBLapham]

Finish nails can be easily hammered in past the board (cabinet) using a punch. Do this all the time on trim. Don't pull them out - punch them in. I've used the hole saw thing on sub floor removal but it is very time consuming, ended up just using very large pry bars.

 

[widefat]

That's a great tip. I can use that in my house reno. Lots of cut nails in oak and chestnut -

 

[BleedingOrange]

Great idea. Have you got a link to the plug cutters you bought ?

 

[beowulf]

Finish nails can be easily hammered in past the board (cabinet) using a punch. QUOTE]

That could have worked, though the many cabinets had small doors and permanent shelving and really cramped space inside. And they were really large nails so not sure how that would have turned out - but we could have tried that out. We were just glad that the plug cutters worked out so well.

 

[dfkrug]

Finish nails can be easily hammered in past the board (cabinet) using a punch. QUOTE]

That could have worked, though the many cabinets had small doors and permanent shelving and really cramped space inside. And they were really large nails so not sure how that would have turned out - but we could have tried that out. We were just glad that the plug cutters worked out so well.

I think the plug cutter is a great idea. Like many, I have hammered finish nails thru trim to remove the
trim. But, 3" finish nails? If you have ever tried that with a nail-set or drift, it does not work well
in my experience. First, it is hard to hit the nail hard enough as the drift absorbs some of the impact.
Then the drift will often go off the nail head and into the wood.

The installer of those cabs may have done so before long screws were commonly used.

 

[beowulf]

Great idea. Have you got a link to the plug cutters you bought ?

Harbor freight - four sizes - we used the smallest size I believe.

Plug Cutter Set 4 Pc

 

[JRobyn]

And here I was expecting to see a harley rake with magnetized tines or something....