Home Garden

How to Remove a Broken Nail From Mortar

Homeowners may use masonry nails to attach decorations or gardening fixtures to brick walls. Unfortunately, unsightly nails remain in the wall long after the attached objects are removed. Broken nails are especially difficult to remove, as they are impacted into the mortar, out of reach of most tools. You can access the nail after removing some of the mortar.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Pliers
  • Re-pointing mortar mix
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tap the side of the nail with a hammer to loosen it from the mortar, if it extends past the wall. If it is deeper into the wall, you will need to use a chisel.

    • 2

      Chip away the mortar around the nail, using a hammer and chisel.

    • 3

      Grip the revealed nail with a pair of pliers and pull it out. If it doesn’t budge, chip away more mortar until the nail is released.

    • 4

      Replace any mortar you removed, using a re-pointing mortar mix, to restore the wall’s appearance and integrity.