🛠️ Make sure to check out my other video on using a Cats Paw to easily remove deck nails as well 🛠️ ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=f5wgoGVJhPVWNYUM
Use a hole saw bit with your drill to center out the nail/screw. Remove board and then you can come back and remove each nail/screw by hand or worse case is use an angle grinder and cut them off.
Great vid. Helped me replace some boards at my rental. No idea what it would have ran to hire someone but I’m glad I could save! As long as you have the right tools this is pretty easy, and very satisfying. Looking forward to replacing some more in the future
That's awesome! Yeah I was intimidated at 1st as well thinking to pay someone. Now I've found it's so trivial, I'm actually taking on replacing all the deck flooring. BTW I made another similar video recently on this topic using another $15 tool, a cat's paw. I use it and the flat prybar both now when removing boards. Make sure to check it out and thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
Makes sense. Other videos assume use of nails. I've got to replace some decking fastened with square drive deck screws that are below flush. No way they're coming out without doing what you advise. Will try your approach. Thanks!
Great tips MMM! Thanks for sharing, although I thought we would see the finished project after the replacement board was in place. Just kidding, you always do a good job! Be safe.
If the screw is a square head (Robinson), a standard in Canada, try drilling out the paint using a 7/32” drillbit for a number 2 screw, smaller or larger bits for other sizes. For the #2 size, the screwdriver3 3:373:37 will fit in the hole and the screw can be slowly removed with ease!
I am trying to remove the nails without destroying the wood. Anybody can just hack the wood and get the nail out. The mentality of throwing away wood and replacing with brand new pieces is expensive today, and synthetic deck boards aren't really the best solution for the environment either. I'm going to lift mine up, run thru a planer, pick the best side and put them back down. Maybe you could offer a tutorial on that.
This is true, my decking boards are 30+ years old and I'm replacing them so the integrity of the wood is not a factor for me. I still like nails for my new boards put down, but this is why so many like screws as they can be removed years later without any issue smashing the wood with a nail removal tool (cat's paw, crowbar, etc.). If you need to keep the wood, the hardest part will be getting enough of the wood removed to grab the nail head without damaging the wood too much. Then use a second piece of wood to pry against, NOT the actual deck board so that damage will be minimal. After putting in a new nail or screw if there was any damage around the head, you could use a little wood filler and stain/paint to match. I have another video where I use a cat's paw to remove nails, but it also isn't preserving the wood. It still may help though with the suggestions above. Thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
Good luck with that. I wish I could see how you remove boards that have been down 20 years without disturbing the adjacent boards. Most boards I replace is due to rot so there is no reusing them. I think you're dreaming.
What i am doing is flipping 2 x 6 deck boards that are surface cracked or worn and cutting off rotted sections. Been able to salvage most boards that are fine on under side. I used both a cats paw and slide hammer nail puller which works great for the 3.5 inch Ardox spiral nails the previous owner stupidly used. The puller in the video did not hsve enough leverage. I use the same nail holes after flipping the boards then 3 inch squarehead deck screws. Not an easy job but the price of wood is still insane snd would be too costly for my 10 x 40 foot deck. Cant tell the difference between old and new in most cases. Not an easy job but beats wasting wood that is still good. Will stain after pressure washing or sanding with flap wheel disk on my angle grinder.
I’ve never seen anyone using a wonder bar. (Trade marg. Name for the flat bar) to dig out that many nails. Just get and love a cat claw/cats paw. No comparison. Nada nope. What were you thinking
Buy a good cat's paw, like the Dewalt. Don't use the pry bar he has pictured. My Dewalt has a circular tube on it that allows you to lay it over the screw and hammer down on it so that it exposes the fastener better to make removing stubborn fasteners easier.
I actually have another video where I use a Milwaukee cat's paw to do a similar job on the deck, so make sure to check it out as well. I have both the pry bar and cat's paw by my side when pulling nails as they both have their place. Thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
@@sstjacques It's true this method is for removing and replacing the boards. My 2 videos 'finding hidden nails' and 'using a cat's paw to remove deck boards,' might be worth a look for alternative methods. 🛠️
Have a question for you I had a contractor damage my boards with power washer so bad that they need to be replaced and I don’t have the money. I want to try to flip these boards because the other side is in good shape problem is the nails are in bedded so bad that we can’t even see them how do I get the first board up without damaging any of the boards since I want to reuse them any tips for be helpful thank you!
Hello - tough to answer as there are several ways to handle this including not replacing the deck boards at all. As you can see in my video my deck boards are a blue color as I used a 'deck restore' paint like Rustoleum Deck 20x (or 6x smoother) and this fills in major gaps and smooths out old decks. Comes in a variety of colors. However this isn't for everyone as it's a major commitment to paint the deck. However it does fill in imperfections and can be done again as needed. That's option #1. To me option #2 is to replace individual damaged boards. Wood is cheap enough that getting some matching boards from Lowe's or Home Depot, removing the damaged boards, and replacing is better than flipping boards. The issues with flipping boards could be the bowing and existing nail holes once flipped would cause more issues than it's worth buying a new 8', 12', or 16' board , cutting to size, and replacing. It's not as intimidating as you'd think. I used to have no idea how to do it, and once I did a few and gained confidence, I basically ended up (per what I wanted to do) replacing all the deck boards as they were 30+ years old. Option #3 would be to use some outdoor wood filler where the pressure washer damaged areas (assuming it's not major), and then staining the wood filler to match the deck as close as possible. Might be one of those things where you can't tell the difference without looking closely. You could also hire a contractor to ask for other possible solutions or have them replace the boards too. If you do remove the boards, make sure to check out my other video on using a Cat's paw tool which I find even easier for removing nails. Good luck, and thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
Use a slide hammer nail puller as they work great and bite into the nail below the wood. I am flipping my deck boards and the puller is well worth the price.
Looks like whoever build the deck used non-galvanized nails, and didn't adequately space the boards to allow for proper drainage. Deck boards should never be butted tight together. Also, there are nail pullers you can buy for about $30 at places like Home Depot. The advantage is they don't chew out as much of the surface. As you'll typically find the bottom of most deck boards are typically in pretty good shape, as long as they haven't started to rot all the way through they can be flipped and refastened to the joists. If you do the whole deck you could even rent a floor sander and re-stain the wood to get many more years out of it at a cost that is significantly cheaper than replacing all the deck-boards.
Good observations! So this was a tiny area of the deck used for example, but the decking is over 30 years old so all being replaced. All the structure and joists are in good shape so just replacing the decking. Adding joist tape, new premium PT boards, and stainless hardware. That particular spot was an anomaly because the rest of the deck has some crazy spacing, almost too much. That 1 spot those 2 boards were butted together. I'm guessing it was a replacement board at some time after the deck was built. It's ironic how well the overall deck was built, but the nails used for the decking were too cheap and too small. Thanks for watching! 🛠️
Yep for lots of nails I find using a Cats Paw is easier. Here's my video using the other tool: ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=f5wgoGVJhPVWNYUM
🛠️ Make sure to check out my other video on using a Cats Paw to easily remove deck nails as well 🛠️ ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=f5wgoGVJhPVWNYUM
This video was so helpful - thank you! I have tried 100 different things, and finally the vice grips are what made the difference.
@@ladesafortunadamente Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
This is good information on how to get the nails out and an added plus on how to remove deck screws that have stripped heads.
This is the video I was looking for to remove few deckwoods from my deck. Thanks.
Use a hole saw bit with your drill to center out the nail/screw. Remove board and then you can come back and remove each nail/screw by hand or worse case is use an angle grinder and cut them off.
hole saw was how I dealt with it
Yes yes. I'll try this. Last time, I used the method in this video. Lotta work, 'cause my nails didn't come out easily at all.
Exactly what I was considering
Thanks a million, this will definitely help me get this done before beer drinking time.
Great vid. Helped me replace some boards at my rental. No idea what it would have ran to hire someone but I’m glad I could save! As long as you have the right tools this is pretty easy, and very satisfying. Looking forward to replacing some more in the future
That's awesome! Yeah I was intimidated at 1st as well thinking to pay someone. Now I've found it's so trivial, I'm actually taking on replacing all the deck flooring.
BTW I made another similar video recently on this topic using another $15 tool, a cat's paw. I use it and the flat prybar both now when removing boards. Make sure to check it out and thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
@@TheEclecticHandyman
Thanks for practicing and stressing safety when doing a project like this🥽 Great tips to get the job done💪💪
Makes sense. Other videos assume use of nails. I've got to replace some decking fastened with square drive deck screws that are below flush. No way they're coming out without doing what you advise. Will try your approach. Thanks!
Great information. Now I am equipped to remove my deck railing!
You need to buy a cats paw my friend!
Make sure to check out my other video where I use a Cats Paw 🛠️ ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=f5wgoGVJhPVWNYUM
This video is just perfect for me. Thank you!
Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
Great tips MMM! Thanks for sharing, although I thought we would see the finished project after the replacement board was in place. Just kidding, you always do a good job! Be safe.
Very helpful. Thanks so much.
Good suggestions. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I did the same thing but I used the other end of the pry bar and went cross grain into 2x6 boards which were a beast
If the screw is a square head (Robinson), a standard in Canada, try drilling out the paint using a 7/32” drillbit for a number 2 screw, smaller or larger bits for other sizes. For the #2 size, the screwdriver3 3:37 3:37 will fit in the hole and the screw can be slowly removed with ease!
I am trying to remove the nails without destroying the wood. Anybody can just hack the wood and get the nail out. The mentality of throwing away wood and replacing with brand new pieces is expensive today, and synthetic deck boards aren't really the best solution for the environment either. I'm going to lift mine up, run thru a planer, pick the best side and put them back down. Maybe you could offer a tutorial on that.
This is true, my decking boards are 30+ years old and I'm replacing them so the integrity of the wood is not a factor for me. I still like nails for my new boards put down, but this is why so many like screws as they can be removed years later without any issue smashing the wood with a nail removal tool (cat's paw, crowbar, etc.). If you need to keep the wood, the hardest part will be getting enough of the wood removed to grab the nail head without damaging the wood too much. Then use a second piece of wood to pry against, NOT the actual deck board so that damage will be minimal. After putting in a new nail or screw if there was any damage around the head, you could use a little wood filler and stain/paint to match. I have another video where I use a cat's paw to remove nails, but it also isn't preserving the wood. It still may help though with the suggestions above. Thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
Good luck with that. I wish I could see how you remove boards that have been down 20 years without disturbing the adjacent boards. Most boards I replace is due to rot so there is no reusing them. I think you're dreaming.
Good luck with that one!!! The time and effort to do that is not worth it!!! Comes down to what do you have more of time or money 🪓🪵🪓🪵🪓
What i am doing is flipping 2 x 6 deck boards that are surface cracked or worn and cutting off rotted sections. Been able to salvage most boards that are fine on under side. I used both a cats paw and slide hammer nail puller which works great for the 3.5 inch Ardox spiral nails the previous owner stupidly used. The puller in the video did not hsve enough leverage. I use the same nail holes after flipping the boards then 3 inch squarehead deck screws. Not an easy job but the price of wood is still insane snd would be too costly for my 10 x 40 foot deck. Cant tell the difference between old and new in most cases. Not an easy job but beats wasting wood that is still good. Will stain after pressure washing or sanding with flap wheel disk on my angle grinder.
Thanks for sharing your video.
Thanks it worked!
Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
I’ve never seen anyone using a wonder bar. (Trade marg. Name for the flat bar) to dig out that many nails. Just get and love a cat claw/cats paw.
No comparison. Nada nope. What were you thinking
Here you go: ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
Great tip!
Thanks!!!!
Another creator uses a grinder to grind off the nail head but I don't have one of those so I'm going to go buy that handy crowbar looking thing!
Buy a good cat's paw, like the Dewalt. Don't use the pry bar he has pictured. My Dewalt has a circular tube on it that allows you to lay it over the screw and hammer down on it so that it exposes the fastener better to make removing stubborn fasteners easier.
I actually have another video where I use a Milwaukee cat's paw to do a similar job on the deck, so make sure to check it out as well. I have both the pry bar and cat's paw by my side when pulling nails as they both have their place. Thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
By the time you do this you could replace the deck boards and not that much extra cost. Get a deck wrecker tool.
Much easier with a "cat's paw" pry bar.
Agreed, and I have a video on that as well here! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=qlseKUtdq8m7U7xt
Not ideal, what if you want to save the boards?
@@sstjacques It's true this method is for removing and replacing the boards. My 2 videos 'finding hidden nails' and 'using a cat's paw to remove deck boards,' might be worth a look for alternative methods. 🛠️
New catspaw distroyedby16guage ring shank .I am removing deck boards
Have a question for you I had a contractor damage my boards with power washer so bad that they need to be replaced and I don’t have the money. I want to try to flip these boards because the other side is in good shape problem is the nails are in bedded so bad that we can’t even see them how do I get the first board up without damaging any of the boards since I want to reuse them any tips for be helpful thank you!
Hello - tough to answer as there are several ways to handle this including not replacing the deck boards at all. As you can see in my video my deck boards are a blue color as I used a 'deck restore' paint like Rustoleum Deck 20x (or 6x smoother) and this fills in major gaps and smooths out old decks. Comes in a variety of colors. However this isn't for everyone as it's a major commitment to paint the deck. However it does fill in imperfections and can be done again as needed. That's option #1. To me option #2 is to replace individual damaged boards. Wood is cheap enough that getting some matching boards from Lowe's or Home Depot, removing the damaged boards, and replacing is better than flipping boards. The issues with flipping boards could be the bowing and existing nail holes once flipped would cause more issues than it's worth buying a new 8', 12', or 16' board , cutting to size, and replacing. It's not as intimidating as you'd think. I used to have no idea how to do it, and once I did a few and gained confidence, I basically ended up (per what I wanted to do) replacing all the deck boards as they were 30+ years old. Option #3 would be to use some outdoor wood filler where the pressure washer damaged areas (assuming it's not major), and then staining the wood filler to match the deck as close as possible. Might be one of those things where you can't tell the difference without looking closely. You could also hire a contractor to ask for other possible solutions or have them replace the boards too. If you do remove the boards, make sure to check out my other video on using a Cat's paw tool which I find even easier for removing nails. Good luck, and thanks for watching! ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.html
Use a slide hammer nail puller as they work great and bite into the nail below the wood. I am flipping my deck boards and the puller is well worth the price.
Might need to chip paint away if screws are stained over.
Looks like whoever build the deck used non-galvanized nails, and didn't adequately space the boards to allow for proper drainage. Deck boards should never be butted tight together. Also, there are nail pullers you can buy for about $30 at places like Home Depot. The advantage is they don't chew out as much of the surface. As you'll typically find the bottom of most deck boards are typically in pretty good shape, as long as they haven't started to rot all the way through they can be flipped and refastened to the joists. If you do the whole deck you could even rent a floor sander and re-stain the wood to get many more years out of it at a cost that is significantly cheaper than replacing all the deck-boards.
Good observations! So this was a tiny area of the deck used for example, but the decking is over 30 years old so all being replaced. All the structure and joists are in good shape so just replacing the decking. Adding joist tape, new premium PT boards, and stainless hardware.
That particular spot was an anomaly because the rest of the deck has some crazy spacing, almost too much. That 1 spot those 2 boards were butted together. I'm guessing it was a replacement board at some time after the deck was built. It's ironic how well the overall deck was built, but the nails used for the decking were too cheap and too small. Thanks for watching! 🛠️
Use acrews in the firat place
Screws can be problematic after many years in a deck as well: ua-cam.com/users/shortsRNQG2eWbv1M
For nails a slide hammer nail puller and cats paw works great.
Yep make sure to check out my other video where I use a Cats Paw: ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=f5wgoGVJhPVWNYUM
Gloves bro?!?! Is it cold or something
Tell tale sign.
But you damaged the wood!!
Hundreds of nails in a normal wood deck.
There's gotta be an easier way.
Yep for lots of nails I find using a Cats Paw is easier. Here's my video using the other tool: ua-cam.com/video/5QYETfA0h18/v-deo.htmlsi=f5wgoGVJhPVWNYUM