The Nail And Staple Extractor
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.22.07
"When removing exposed headless fasteners, the two most important factors required in being successful are to not slip off and to not cut the object that is being pulled. The extracting pliers have overcome both of these problems in a simple but effective design. If it is mechanically possible for one object to be extracted from another, this innovative tool can do it."
"The extracting pliers were invented in Charleston, SC to aid in the restoration and renovation of historic homes in the area. The importance of reuse and recycling of the old lumber and moldings in this business cannot be understated, preserving the architecture and value of these antiquities. A tool was needed that could remove fasteners without bending or cutting the exposed material during removal, especially when dealing with brittle antique nails. During a renovation or salvage project, the amount of fastener removal that is required can be extensive and time-consuming. Whether pulling finish nails on through molding so that the trim can be reused or just trying to remove a headed nail that has seen better days, frequently a fastener must be gripped and pulled. Using traditional pliers, front-end nippers, and other grippers usually results in the snapping and sheering of the nails. The nail extractor, with it's parallel, self gripping jaws remedies these issues allowing a job that would have taken a considerable amount of time to be completed in a fraction of the time with better results."
"Though the nail extractor was originally designed to pull brittle older nails, it didn't take long to realize its unique properties were invaluable in dealing with modern-day pneumatic nails and staples, with their slender shanks and undersized heads. Effective removal of these fasteners has nearly become impossible."
"The tool allows for easy, single-handed operation, using jaws that exert increasing gripping pressure in proportion to the resistance encountered during extraction. Every bit of resistance the tool encounters during the extracting process is converted into gripping force. This includes the downward resistance on the jaw's teeth, the lateral resistance at the bottom of the jaw, and the upward force from prying on the curved heel. The result: once the tool makes contact to the object, only a prying action on the upper handle is necessary. The handles no longer need to be squeezed. This auto-gripping ability is so unyielding that an extension pipe can be slipped over the upper handle to amplify the leverage, allowing for the removal of the most stubborn of fasteners. The jaws stay parallel, providing even gripping pressure to be applied to the object, virtually eliminating the risk of shearing. The parallel jaws also mean that no matter where the fastener is positioned between the jaws, a grip will be created. With other gripping devices, there is only a small area where the jaws actually make contact and a grip is produced. Induction hardened teeth gently cut small ridges into fasteners that do not have a head present, creating a slip free grip. The heel of this nail puller and its relationship to the length of the handle create a staggering pulling force more than sufficient to extract the largest nails through some of the hardest woods with minimal effort to the user. These three features mean all the user has to do is position the object between the jaws, squeeze gently, and pry. The tool takes care of the rest."
"With all other extracting devices, there's a lot of hit and miss with varying degrees of skill and power being required. Because of the features and design, this puller has a nearly perfect success rate with no experience needed by the operator. Anyone can use this tool effectively and easily. The homeowner, as well as experienced tradesmen, would greatly benefit from this tool. This extracting tool is a simple, effective, and affordable solution to this age-old problem."
Via::LifeCycleBuilding, and USEPA Region 9. Image credit:: LifeCycle Building, Nail Extractor
That is a great tool! If you want to dig and grab any size nail staple or brad, you may also want a Nail Jack!