Trim-Saving Pry Bar
A wide, thin blade with an integral wedge makes the Zenith Industries Trim Puller an effective tool for carefully removing old molding.
As a remodeler, removing trim is an almost daily chore. I have tried any number of pry bars or combination of pry bars to make the job easier with little success, typically ending up with broken trim, broken drywall, or both—until a recent a trip to the big box, when I picked up the Trim Puller by Zenith Industries ($29).
Removing trim on a remodeling job usually falls into three categories: removing the trim to preserve and reuse, removing the trim for replacement while saving the wall board, or removing both for total replacement. When both are destined for the trash, we pull it all down with a mattock, and that’s that. But on simple trim swaps, drywall damage from prying at trim adds another layer of repair to the work. And on historical renovations, one false move has banished me to the shop for days, replicating and finishing custom moldings, usually for free. When the blade of the Zenith Trim Puller is driven between the wall and the trim, it stays flat to the wall and the 15° wedge pops the trim loose. Paint scuffs replace drywall gouges and the trim is removed intact. I have yet to break a piece of trim with this tool.
It may be hard to get excited about a bent chunk of steel with a plastic handle. That is, until you’ve tried this particular bent chunk of steel. I can’t express how much time and money this pry bar has saved me.
A.G.
Photos: Patrick McCombe
From Fine Homebuilding #284
