How to remove nails from trim that you want to save.

Removing nails from trim that you want to save is another trick of the trade.

I had better be careful I am going to put myself out of business!

How many of you have removed trim work that you intended to save?  How have you gone about removing the finish nails?  Did you tap them through the front side and splinter the wood?  If you did here is how to prevent that from happening the next time or if you haven't done that before but just might here is what to do.

Once the trim is removed get yourself a nippers, grab the nail close to the wood surface and pull the nails out through the back, yes that is right grab ahold of the nail from the pointy end as close to the wood as possible, grip firmly but dont squeeze the life out of it or you will cut the nail and pull it the rest of the way through the back!  It is that simple and not that big of a secret as I am sure most of you know this trick already.  You can also use a linemans pliers or a vice grip but the best tool to use is a Nippers.

The nice thing about doing this is the old holes will stay puttied and all you will have to fill are the new holes!  The trim will also stay in nice condition and you won't have splintered wood to fill.  You may have one or two nails occasionally that just don't want to come out so you might have to tap them back through the front but do the best you can to get all of them through the back and you will save yourself a lot of work!

Sincerely,

James D. Van Raden

Owner~ Paragon Renovations

www.paragonrenovations.net  or  www.paragonbathrooms.com