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Discussion Forum

The best catspaw and ……….

AJinNZ | Posted in Tools for Home Building on June 9, 2004 02:53am

Just wondering what the best brand of catspaw and mini flat bar is. Also best place to purchase online. ( if possible )

 

We dont get the mini flat bars here. A mate sent me one and I love it, was thinking of getting a few more for friends etc and wanted to get quality. Ditto on the catspaw. Also would like to try one of those wee bars with a spade type end on for careful prising off of mouldings etc.

 

I know this one has been done before, but while we are here…….gloves. Damn but the cold mornings are playing merry hell with my hands lately. Need a glove that has good dexterity, lasts a long time and keeps me warm. A big ask but I cant help but think somebody has come up with one.

 

Thanks for any help

 

So many cool gizmos available that we dont get, so little time………………….:-)

 

Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.

DW

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Replies

  1. TrimButcher | Jun 09, 2004 03:41pm | #1

    I like these sharp-edged small prybars from Lee Valley. I find the large one to be a good size: big enough to pull nails but small enough to slip behind trim.

    I also have a smaller flat bar that I use, gets into the tightest of crevices, made by a Canadian company, A. Richard, but they don't appear to be on the web.

    Regards,

    Tim Ruttan

    1. Adrian | Jun 09, 2004 06:09pm | #3

      I love those bars.....my wife had to replace my ole sidekick when I misplaced it, because I was desolate.....the original turned up later, so now I feel like a king. It has consistently been my most borrowed tool on job sites, and the hardest to get back. I thin the edge of the wide part down by running it on the drum of a belt sander so it can get in anywhere.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

      1. NormKerr | Jun 09, 2004 07:20pm | #4

        There is no "best", I find that there are so many different situations and so many different shapes, kinds and sizes of cats paws that I have never been able to decide on just one.

        Most of all, get the "teeth" real sharp. From the store, I find that most are too dull to really grab onto a recalcitrant nail head.

        Tools = good.

        :o)

        Norm

    2. PhillGiles | Jun 09, 2004 10:06pm | #9

      edite to add URL for Richard

      Second the catspaws and small pry-bars from Lee Valley

      Also Richard tools - they have a large 6-in-one (9-in-one ?) and a small 3-in-one that become a perfect pair of pry tools for trim (NB, they require serious sharpening before using)

      http://www.a-richard.ca/index.html

      .

      Phill Giles

      The Unionville Woodwright

      Unionville, Ontario

      Edited 6/9/2004 3:09 pm ET by Phill Giles

  2. User avater
    goldhiller | Jun 09, 2004 04:56pm | #2

    Here's a fancier version yet of those restorer's pry bars.

    http://tinyurl.com/2q9lh

    Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
  3. Snort | Jun 09, 2004 08:15pm | #5

    The best cat's paw, bar none:

    http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=815-513

    Don't worry, we can fix that later!

  4. CAGIV | Jun 09, 2004 08:44pm | #6

    I'm going with snort on this one.  those cat's paws rock.

    I've got a few of those, and I've got one with the little flatbar prying thing at the end, which always seemed to cut into me when I was pulling a nail.

    Team Logo

    1. billyg | Jun 09, 2004 09:43pm | #7

      I use a traditional catspaw for framing, like this,

      Stanley 55-033 9/16" Nail Claw/PullerOther products by Stanley  

      and the flat prybar style for trim.

      Billy

      Edited 6/9/2004 2:51 pm ET by Billy

  5. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jun 09, 2004 09:54pm | #8

    In addition to the usual suspects in catspaws, for prying up casing, etc., without damaging it, I've found a honed painters 5-in-1 tool (or 6-in-1, 7-in-1, a-baker's-dozen-in-one) is the first thing I reach for.  It can cut the paint seal, wedge under the molding and pry it up enough to slip in the tail of the catspaw.  I have one in each tool belt and tool box, and spend time at the grinding wheel and the wet wheel to get them where I like them.  My wife even has one in her tool/junk drawer in the kitchen.

    I never met a tool I didn't like!
    1. User avater
      Sphere | Jun 09, 2004 10:06pm | #10

      I have few japanese ones..Tagaki comes to mind..I dunno fer sure, I picked it up in tokyo..and estwing has a new breed available as well, a Japanese concept hybred..

      I dig ( no pun) the double ended as well..the Tagaki will grip a 3d brad..with out making a crater. I have found that belt sanding and pounding the claws closed a bit more really works well on the better ones..do not attempt it on a cheap one the claw will break..you want malleable steel not hardend. 

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

      1. Snort | Jun 10, 2004 01:10am | #12

        Thas the one Woodworker's Supply carries, makes the american ones seem like a cruel joke<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jun 10, 2004 01:22am | #13

          roger that 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          1. Pinkard | Jun 10, 2004 01:36am | #14

            I like the Stiletto Titanium nail puller.  Its expensive at $49.99, but there is no sting when hitting it with the hammer.  I have used the exhumer by dead on tools, and I like those as well, but the stiletto is better IMO.

          2. User avater
            Sphere | Jun 10, 2004 01:45am | #16

            Now THAT"S one ya fetch at the end of the day! 50 bucks?..shoeeewee..I buy my help stuff like that on occaison..but 50 bucks? nope.

            Last helper kept leavin his utility knife whereever I had to be ...I finally chucked it in the woods..and I bought it for him..doan know about throwin a fifty$ bill in the weeds.. 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          3. AJinNZ | Jun 10, 2004 11:35am | #17

            Thanks for all the info dudes.

            I recently bought a Dogyu bar, almost identical to the one Bucksnort posted a link to. Got it on the advice of a mate who has bashed the daylights outa his without hurting it. Has to be good.

            Anyone know if something like a midgit sized Vaughn super bar exists?

            I have 3 super bars, my original one I have whaled the crap out of and other than lose some paint it hasnt changed a bit. I even tried prising way too heavy stuff with it and bent it out straight............just bounced back to normal. Tough tool. A teeny version would make my day. 

            Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.

            DW

          4. Sancho | Jun 10, 2004 04:51pm | #18

            I dont know who makes it a couple of manf. I guess but I buy my minis from a carpet layers supply. Little in length and very strong. I usually get them from Big D 

            Darkworksite4:

            El americano pasado hacia fuera ase la bandera

          5. Snort | Jun 10, 2004 05:22pm | #19

            Here's our line-up of some weapons of mass destruction. I do have a teenie-weenie flat bar that is hiding somewhere deep in the bowels of the truck. Never cared much for the Vaughn bars, way to flat compared Stanley's Wonderbar, can't get that rockin' leverage. That little flat bar is a Workforce (Lowe's/HD?)

            Geeze, some days I carry all those on me. Phew! Don't worry, we can fix that later!

          6. CAGIV | Jun 10, 2004 10:22pm | #20

            that 4th from the right, the small flat bar..... I love mine.

            but what's missing from your pic is the new vaugh(I think) 21ish" flat bar, the extra lenght kicks so much asz when you got the space.

            Bought it during a siding job while pulling 12" lap off, made it alot easier then it's stubby brother..

            Jon Blakemoore(sp) turned me onto them, I'd pay twice or three times the 12 bucks I paid for the thing

          7. User avater
            IMERC | Jun 10, 2004 11:16pm | #21

            3 times huh???

            Where do you want this slightly used one sent...

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

          8. User avater
            Sphere | Jun 11, 2004 12:33am | #22

            and this one..for 36 bucks 

            Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

          9. Snort | Jun 11, 2004 12:52am | #23

            Bet that separates the men from the boys! HA HA HA Don't worry, we can fix that later!

          10. User avater
            jonblakemore | Jun 11, 2004 02:12am | #24

            Still haven't used my old 15" flat bar since the new Vaughan arrived. 

            Jon Blakemore

          11. AJinNZ | Jun 11, 2004 03:15pm | #28

            'Snort,

            Those are just the gizmos. The ones I am particularly interested in are the 4th and 5th tools in from the left. Just the sort of thing I am after.

            The reason I am asking about brands is I know like so many things there are cheap versions around that wont stand up to the work. ( I spent $50 on an adjustable spanner the other day cos I like my tools to last forever.........)

            I have a painters tool already. saw one and had to buy it. havent used it yet though. Still had to have it, will be handy one day when I need it. :)

            Titanium catspaw..............I'd be afraid to hit it.  

            Everything, 100% of it, depends on how you look at it.

            DW

          12. ronbudgell | Jun 10, 2004 01:38am | #15

            I prefer Vaughn tools for both flat bar and cat's paw. I bought a Japanese cats paw from Lee Valley ages ago but the bigggest nail it would grab is maybe a 2". Two inch commons? That's why we have fingernails.

            I bought a Dasco too. It pulled maybe three nails before it broke.

            Ron

  6. ANDYBUILD | Jun 09, 2004 10:57pm | #11

    nail exhumer from Duluth Trading Company

    "My life is my practice"

  7. User avater
    ProDek | Jun 11, 2004 03:55am | #25

    Here is my next Titanium catspaw from Stiletto........

    This thing "Rocks!"

    Not to mention it looks very Cool.........

    "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

    Bob

    1. Adrian | Jun 11, 2004 05:38am | #26

      Ya know that little wide bladed Japanese restorers catspaw I was rsemi-raving about? Used it like crazy today doing chimney work.....brick stuff, and flanges nailed inside small wood wells.....man, I love that tool.

      have a bunch of the ones in Billy's pictures....sometimes, BB, it's like I'm right inside your head, man, know what I mean? Don't have some though, and, obviously, I need them. And that's the truth; you need them in all manner of sizes and shapes, and they're so cheap considering.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

    2. ronbudgell | Jun 11, 2004 02:51pm | #27

      Titanium catspaw!

      Does it come in a little velvet lined box? Do you actually hit it with a hammer? How long does it take to polish up after work?

      I'd love to have one, though.

      Ron

      1. User avater
        ProDek | Jun 11, 2004 07:38pm | #31

        LOL, It really should have a nice velvet lined box so I could hang it on the wall with my hammers. I really am going to buy one just to see how long it will stay sharp after pulling a few thousand nails................Plus it has a great "cool factor" hanging from your bags..........:-)"Rather be a hammer than a nail"

        Bob

        1. User avater
          Gunner | Jun 11, 2004 07:51pm | #32

          And after all the "cool factor" is what it's all about.Who Dares Wins.

          1. Snort | Jun 12, 2004 02:01am | #33

            The fourth from the right, ah , my personal fav:

            http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productList&function=search&categoryId=WRECKING_BARS_%26_NAIL_PULLERS.CATEGORY&topic=goShopping

            seems to also be the choice of burglars, too. Truck got swiped along with all the tools. Cops caught a crackhead breaking and entering specialist in it a week later. No tools left except for that Wonder Bar, seems he'd pulled three new jobs with it! Dang thing gets me in my truck every time the door's locked and I can see the keys on the console LOL

            Still can't figure out where I got the little one... Don't worry, we can fix that later!

    3. User avater
      IMERC | Jun 11, 2004 03:34pm | #29

      You let that out of the house???

      Keeping it in the shop would be unthinkable..

      Clear lac, wall mount it and is this the start of a new collection????

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....                                                                   WOW!!!   What a Ride!

      1. User avater
        ProDek | Jun 11, 2004 07:32pm | #30

        LOL, that catspaw costs $49.95 and it has a cool dimpler on the side you pound on to recess the wood around the nail before you exhume it, eliminating wood splinters. If I do by it I will proudly use it, I'm not going to start collecting catspaws........They're made for smashing. "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

        Bob

  8. DANL | Jun 12, 2004 04:24am | #34

    Concerning prybars and gloves--my two favorite catalogs that have good stuff I've bought from before, though not prybars or gloves, are Duluth Trading Co. (http://www.DuluthTrading.com) and Garrett Wade (http://www.garrettwade.com). Stuff can be pricey, but quality is good.

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