How to Remove Barbed Nails

Barbed nails use small metal rings placed along the shaft of the nail to grip into the material and make the nails more effective and harder to remove. While removing barbed nails can be a challenge, there are methods that you can employ to get rid of the nails no matter how they are attached to the base surface. A reciprocating saw is the most effective tool to use for this process, and will make the job less of a challenge.

Crow bar
Pliers
Safety goggles
Ear protection
Reciprocating saw with metal cutting blade
Awl
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the piece of wood or surface from the area where it is nailed using a crow bar, if possible. Barbed nails are often used to attach things such as window sashes and roof eves. If you pry them away from the base surface, it is much easier to remove the nails.
- 2
  Pull the head of the nail loose with pliers, if possible. Sometimes it may be difficult or impossible to pull the head loose. If you cannot pull the head loose, then you will have to take a different approach.
- 3
  Put on safety goggles and ear protection. Cut the head off the nail with the reciprocating saw. If you cannot get behind the head, then cut the nail wherever you can fit the saw. You want to remove as many barbs from the nail as possible.
- 4
  Place an awl onto the remaining nail piece. Drive the nail through the back side of the material by hammering the top of the awl until the nail falls out. If you cannot reach the back of the nail, then pull out the remaining nail pieces with pliers.

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