# How to Remove a Set Nail Without Damaging the Wood
Setting a nail is a basic woodworking procedure that pushes the head of a finish nail below the wood's surface to create a space for wood filler or putty, hiding the nail under the finished surface. Trying to remove a "set" nail threatens the surrounding wood surface, but a common carpenter's trick will remove the nail from the wood without a blemish beyond the original nail hole.
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Nail punch
- Straight pin or safety pin (optional)
Instructions
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1
Locate the nail heads in the board to be removed.
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2
Remove any putty or filler used to cover the nail heads, if applicable, using the tip of a straight pin or safety pin. Be careful not to damage the surrounding wood surface.
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3
Position a nail punch over the nail head, hold the punch perpendicular to the wood's surface and strike the punch gently with a hammer to drive the nail downward.
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4
Strike the punch until you push the nail completely through the wood piece into the support material. Remove the nail set from the hole by twisting it slightly from side to side.
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1
Carpentry
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