I have about 1000 sf of elevated exterior deck. We are located in New England. The floor boards are womanized 1×3 on 2×8’s @ 16 in centers. The headed nails are too short( #8 galv.) and the wet /dry action eventually loosens the nails. I want to replace the nails with minimum damage to the boards when removing the nails. Have attempted several methods using various head lifters and nail pullers. Some damage occurs with each method, and some loose nail heads strip.
Looking for best suggestions on method of nail removal.
Phil
Replies
Why take them out? nail next and if exposed old nails bother you, put washers on new nails to cover nail heads. 1000 sq foot is good size, Decks are meant to be enjoyed with a view over de rail not the view over de-nail.
Hope this helps
Henry
Thanks Henry,
I don't want to look at multiple nail heads. There are already two nails at each joist. Want to reuse the same holes with longer nails, different type grip.
Regards.
If you really want to do this...
Can you get under the deck with a hydraulic bottle jack and push the planks up? Maybe if you can get them started with the jack you can pry them off with a crowbar. After a few are removed it will be easier to remove the rest of them. Good luck.
I know of no type of cats paw that will remove nails easily with no damage to the surface.
Mark,
I had a similar idea also. I can get underneath. I thought of using a flat 1 1/2 " - 2" wide "crow bar" which I could tap in between the joist and floor board from below and just lift it enough to get hold of the nail head. But your idea turned me to it.
Thanks.
http://www.smithfrancistools.co.uk/nailpull.htm
The sliding hammer puller is probably your best bet, this is just the first one I Googled.
Very interesting tools. I've book marked the page. May want to find where they are sold in the US. This is a UK company.
Thanks much.
Ok, this was a lot harder to track down than I thought. To be honest I haven't used one in decades, and it is a gimick tool that every once in awhile has a place it fits well.
Maybe this link works, if not search for nail puller, >>>
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/hi/B00002N7SD/qid=1029793651/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-tools/102-9868292-2580169
The price is not quite double what I think it is worth, but it was the first tool I thought of when I read your post. If you try to bang, jack or pry from the bottom you will split a percentage of the boards, if you become proficient with this tool you can de-nail this deck in one day, with minimum inpact. You may find that what impact you do have will be minimized the next time the deck gets soaked. If most of your nails are are loose as you think, you can hammer to catch the nail and leverage while back-hammering, too easy for words...
I was hunting around also and found the tool for about the same price on a different page. Also emailed the UK supplier for a US address. I will try the tool as I think that it has useful benefits.
Thanks for the time spent to assist.
Regards
Short nails is not the problem that you have. 8d nails are 2-1/2" long, so >1-3/4" of the nail is in the wood. The problem is the nails are not retaining their hold. You could use approach from two different angles. Larger diameter shank or longer shank. Some #8 2" galvanized screws would work fine, or some 10d ring shank nails would give you the same results. Just let the nail work itself loose then pull it up once the head is exposed.
Just a thought, could he place a smaller diameter nail with a little head, like a finish nail, nailed ever slight angle down next to the shank of the decking nail and thus provide increased tension on that nail with the head of that decking nail hiding the head of the small diameter nail?Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
Jon,
You are correct, the nail has lost it's grip. I have a method of removal as noted above so I can get on with the work and get it finished. I was going for at least a #10 galv 3" long. I need a decent size head on it to hold the expansion and contraction
Thanks for the reply.
Most problems have a solution but this is a real headscratcher. Perhaps you could just turn the board over after you've removed the nails, now any damage from nail removal will be on the underside and probably hidden by the joist. The only problems I see with this method could be if the boards are cut around posts or there is water damage to the underside of the boards or some sort of finish has been applied to the surface and left drip marks on the underside.
Let us know how things work out.
Blondi,
I don't want to remove any of the boards, as I will alter the alignment of the boards. There is only a water sealer on the entire deck. I think I can successfully lift the nail heads from below with a flat bar inbetween the joist and board, and that way will not spoil the upper surfaces. Also this will allow continued use of the deck while under repair.
Thanks much.