This Tool Helps Remove STUBBORN NAILS + FASTENERS! (Nipping Pliers/Nippers/Nail Puller--How To Use!)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

See how to use nipping pliers to clean trim boards easily in this video!: HOW TO REMOVE TRIM LIKE A PRO! Don't mess up your trim and casings... kzbin.info/www/bejne/enfbhaN5eJqGidE

[@northernlightsrenovations1710]

Great advice, I use them all the time. A smaller pair works great for removing brad nails left behind when removing trim, but you have to be careful not to snip them off (unless that's your objective of course).

[@Asiansxsymbol]

I've used it to pull out my teeth. 😬

[@chowderwhillis9448]

I suggest anyone who’s in the business get a pair of Knipex 62 02 200s they’re head is offset and are strong enough to cut most nails especially the galvanized passload nail gun nails. Top of the line cutters imo

[@pamboatwright8281]

You are amazing and so very helpful to me. I am a “more mature” female, and a lot of my strength has disappeared. Some of your suggestions are just a lifesaver to me. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Pam, I’m glad they help! I’ll also mention that a longer pair gives you even more prying force with less work. Pliers 12” and over are best 🙂

[@robinrummel1359]

When my father moved into an apartment and not having sons, he gave me all his old tools. Over the years I've used many of them and this is one of my favorite for all the reasons you gave. I've used a putty knife to save a surface that might otherwise be marred. Thanks for your great videos!

[@mercoid]

It’s great that you inherited a pair. As an average homeowner, not in the construction trade, I have very little need for nipping pliers, so I’d never purchase them. But there have been times when these would’ve been a god-send.

[@robinrummel1359]

@@mercoid I've been very thankful for them and many other of his tools. They haven't always been used for their intended purpose as necessity was often the mother of invention so to speak. Before I ever had any tools, a knife was a screwdriver and the heel of my shoe was a hammer. There's been a lot of similar adaptions since then but I hardly ever have to do that now. 😁

[@jossurbab]

What's the specification/ measurement of that you were using in the video OR which one you suggest for home use?

[@patpringle4812]

Hey Ethan, Pat here from Toronto. In the early 1900’s my Great-Uncle was a farmer/blacksmith. My Dad took me to visit a few times and these nippers were used in the blacksmith shop for pulling nails from the horse’s hooves while changing their shoes. I believe Dad said these nippers were forged by hand in the shop. I think your videos are well done and very informative.

[@pranayhukum]

Thank you I have one now I can make the best use of it I watch all your videos from the Fiji islands in the South Pacific 🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯🇫🇯♥️♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹🌹

[@julianugentarchitect]

I picked up a 12” one of these in a yard sale box-o-tools 30 years ago. Love them and use them all the time in all the ways you show.

[@druegillis1744]

I have found that keeping a 4” square of Formica laminate around to put under the pliers jaw when you rock it to pry out the fastener really helps to prevent marring the surface of the wood. The Formica is thin, small and fits into a pocket of your tool belt.

[@T_Jonesy]

Gotta thank you for this video. You recommended this tool, so I purchased it months ago but didn't have a chance to use it until just recently. What a game changer! Talk about the right tool for the right job. I've used this continuously in the last two months on a renovation I'm working on. I haven't damaged a wall or a piece of trim yet. These things are amazing! Thank you for the recommendation.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

I inherited a bunch of tools from my farther-inlaw, and there were a pair of these in there. I suspected what they were, but this confirms it. Thanks!

[@charlestaylor3195]

I'm sold. You showed some nippers with a straight handle, and for me they look like a pinky pincher. I can't seem to get my small finger out of the way with handles that come close together, but they pack away neater. Thanks for the video, your tips REALLY help. I had to remove some peel and stick tiles and the person used nails, they didn't know about the adhesive,. every kind and size of every nail in the world was used, even some upholstery tacks, covered by a nice layer of spilled paint. She thought it would be easier to remove when dry. It's a good thing she didn't let paint dry on the puppies that spilled it.

[@paulsmith9341]

I got a pair a long time ago. I bought them for fence repair! Fencing pliers are also a great tool

[@garykorzelius5930]

So that's what they are for! I have had these in my toolbox for decades, never knew what to use them for. L learned something new so the day is not wasted. Thanks.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

😁

[@lisaferrara8120]

I have several 8” nippers, and I always regret not getting the longer ones. Very helpful video!! Thanks.

[@richardcopp5547]

I inherited a pair of these from my grandfather and rarely use them. Now I can see many projects in my past where I wasted time and effort. Thanks for this simple and useful explanation.

[@michaeldufresne9428]

OMG, I wish I had known about these before. The have been numerous times in the past were these would have been the perfect tool. Thanks so much for introducing me to it.

[@profcah]

Thanks for the video, Ethan. I have had a pair of these for 20 years and had NO IDEA what they were for. Got them from my dad. Now I do and as I do demo work on my new home I will start to use them properly!

[@HepauDK]

I was just a young kid when I got my first one. It was part of a small tool kit I got for christmas somewhere around the mid-80's. Both my dad and my grandfather built their own houses, so diy runs deep in my family. ...I opted to buy my own house though, but still one that needed a fair bit of diy work when I bought it in '05, as not much had been done to it since '76 when the house was built. :)

[@earlyriser8998]

This is a great tip and something a novice can do right away. Crescent Tools makes a "Nail Puller" that is purpose built for this and very effective. Doing a remodel in an old house with square cut nails they had little to no head on them and could not be easily pulled up with a hammer. We used the nail puller, and nippers like these, to pull these old, stuck nails.

[@gregorywalker4997]

a great video, as usual. as someone who worked in construction, the only thing i would add is that jerking an old nail out will eventually break a wooden handled hammer and the edge of the jaws of even high quality nippers. slow rolling the nail out without jerking always worked best for me. crescent branded nippers worked best for me, but they can be hard to find. the steel in cheap nippers will deform and ruin the cutting/pulling edge.

[@peterbarlow8912]

Been using EDC Klein diagonal cutters in similar fashion for decades. Paired with EDC early style Hyde stiff back single bevel putty knife for a pad you can extract nails with minimal damage. When you remodel old homes you often have remove and reuse trim because the modern equivalent no longe matches. Also an EDC is my Granfors prybar (Lee Valley). It’s suitable for careful trim removal or heavy demolition. The stiff back starts lifting the trim and then pads the prybar.

[@paulonorato4081]

I really like that you show old and used tools because it really shows your authenticity. Good work!

[@kimhall]

Ordered the Irwin Vise-Grip 8" End Cutting Pliers from your list. They'll be here tomorrow.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Kim! I hope they’re helpful 😄

[@kimhall]

I received them earlier. I tried them on some old boards that I'm getting ready to joint & plane, and they worked great. I can't believe how useful these are. Thank you! Keep up your great and informative videos.

[@johnburbage4829]

Best and most underrated tool ever, a must for anyone that likes to reuse and recycle old used boards. Thanks for all your videos, nice work!!

[@richardstrada212]

Thank you for this explanation and how-to directions. I have only used them to cut things such as copper rivets or wires.

[@jimaronson2323]

Bought and used those to remove the sub flooring in my porch. They worked great. Thanks for the great videos.

[@davidguy6408]

Great video I keep a pair in my tool belt but smaller channel lock ones. I don’t use them much on framing nails as I have a stiletto hammer and the side nail puller always is the best option. Where I think there key is for removing finishing and Brad nails. When pulling of base and casing grab the nails with the nippers on the backside of the trim and pull them through so not too mark up the finished side 👍

[@jimadams6159]

I inherited a pair of these from my father and use them regularly, excellent tool.

[@HockeyGuy_in_STL]

After watching this video, just ordered a very nice 8" nippers from Wiha. Thanks!

[@CHenry1951]

Yes, I have a pair in my tool bag............. they do work and work well !!

[@Steve-bj2se]

Heard these pliers called Hog Ring pliers. As always I learned a better way to use. Many thanks!

[@shakeeshakee9457]

Great information for people who don't know about these they are always on me working on my old house..thanks for your time and effort you put in to your videos

[@drewmartone5660]

This tool is the best! Been using it for decades.

[@johnschiltz6440]

Your videos are packed with straightforward and solid info. I eagerly look forward to each notification.

[@earlmorton1216]

I have an old pair of these that were my dad's, but I've never known exactly what they were for. Thanks!

[@danpatch4751]

Converting a an old hoof nippers with straight handles, weld a 3/8 or 1/2 diameter by 2 or 3 feet long shaft and thread or weld an end on it with a slide weighted slide pipe. Turns into a slide nippers. Just cling the nail and slam and it's out. Works great on old roofing nails when there is a million of them.

[@weldo1948]

Another good video and this one brought back memories of my earlier days while working summers for my dad’s construction company. For three summers, I used my end nippers as a rod buster. I preferred them over side cutters when tieing rebar for concrete columns and bank vaults. Had to be careful not to break the tie wire. However, they gave me the greater leverage to secure larger rebar. Even though I was faster with side cutters, the nippers were almost as fast and were preferred on the tougher jobs. Thanks. I really enjoy watching your informative videos!

[@bigron26048]

I find these things are very useful in removing screws, nails and other things that puncture my tires.😊 Don't see how I've done without them all these years!

[@jhoodfysh]

Yup great tool. I used them a lot when I was rebuilding some of the double hung windows in my 100 year old home. I also use them to remove nails from old true dimension reclaimed wood I was given by a friend. Thanks Ethan.

[@denisoriordan6739]

We use that style of pliers for all of the above in Europe, but their primary use over here is for tying ReBar. We nip ReBar tight with those pliers.

[@JackKirbyFan]

Yes it is a great tool. It saved my life when we redid the basement and I had to save the paneling. It still wasn't fun by any means but I could get the job done. I hate nails Nate - then again rusty screws - that's a pain too. And on old houses you get the added feature of flathead rusty screws. Those are always good for a curse or two.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

The flathead era was a curse, Dave! 😆

[@johnlcallaway]

I don't even bother with a claw hammer to pull nails. A cats paw and nipping pliers are so much easier to use and more dependable. I never thought about switching directions though, thanks for the tip.

[@ehudgavron9086]

Again you're my hero. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@CT-hm1hh]

Great explanation, we have but I never use as I thought it only nip or cut the top of nails or screws - now see a use for them. CT from SF,CA.

[@phillehr2787]

Great tip on pulling nails but end nippers are not just a demolition tool. In my trade we tie a lot of stainless steel wire to hold things together and nippers are the tool of choice. Some people will use pliers for this but when you get used to cutting and tying wire with end nippers it is more efficient. The same way you pull a nail you can use to pull wire tight and whatever you are tying will stay tight.

[@ryanrobot2003]

Congrats on 600K subscribers!!! Thats AMAZING.

[@chefspenser1480]

Holy Crap!!!! Who Knew?!?!?! Thank you- did not know this-cheers!

[@DadOutdoors]

Thank you for this! I inherited a pair of these, and had no idea what they were for.

[@chowderwhillis9448]

I suggest anyone who’s in the business get a pair of Knipex 62 02 200s they’re head is offset and are strong enough to cut most nails especially the galvanized passload nail gun nails. Top of the line cutters imo

[@heathlane9706]

They work great for taking pallets apart.

[@gregsmith2308]

I carried set of nippers or catfish skinners for 35 years,a great essential tool

[@beeftec5862]

These are my dads favourite tool. A tip for very small panel pins with heads slightly proud, the rolling action you'd naturally want to use often won't grip enough. But if you pivot along the jaw line (similar to how one of the the claw hammer methods you showed)you get a much more controllable start to lift the item slightly, then can have enough material to grip and pull out the standard way.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

True - one of the more versatile tools in my arsenal.

[@kurtmarks4161]

Great video- these also came in handy for quickly pulling out those longer staples from floorboards.

[@bw538]

Thanks for the info, might have to get a pair of these. I use fencing pliers right now and they work great but more tool options is better.

[@junglehacker]

The cool tool that I don't know how to use for decades. Thanks for sharing.

[@David.M.]

Thanks for the information.

[@soulmca]

Great video I was able to remove all the nails from my door jamb by the time the video ended. Thank you!

[@CleaveMountaineering]

Gotta have the nippers! Farrier's hoof nippers work well also. These are great when the head falls off or finish nails.

[@misterf.2662]

I use a set of nips that was used to build my cottage in 1887. They're still good as new, albeit with a patina that only time and tool oil can give. I use them for historic property deconstruction to remove nails from hardwood trim and interior framing by pulling the nails out from the back of the wood so there is no blow out on the face side so it can be reinstalled in a different structure without obvious damage.

[@stevenmoss6043]

This was a real useful video! I had wondered a different way to get out hardware.. I had thought to myself about notching out the base of a wood, than cutting the screw/nail…, then using wood filler to improve the aesthetic. This looks much easier! I’d say a floor sample wood help prevent denting the wood.😉 . As a side note floor samples make great shims😎. Thanks for sharing Ethan 👊🏻

[@disklamer]

Amazing. I have a couple of those, haven't used them or even looked at them for years. They are also for working with metal wire used for fences, tying up rebar and stuff like that. Combination pliers get to do it all now.

[@imnotanalien2948]

The main disadvantage of a hammer as a nail puller is you need a lot of space to make it work. If you ever renovate or need to do work on an old house you will find nails in angles and places you never thought possible. These pliers and a catspaw are essentail tools

[@cwcole]

Thanks for the tips! I used them to pull flooring staples. What a time saver!

[@georgenewlands9760]

I have an old set of “carpenter’s pincers”…only about 6” long and somewhat more curved jaws than the modern ones you showed. One of the legs also has a “forked” end for getting under the head is small nails and pins, to raise them enough to get a grip with the main jaws. Not used often but very good at what they do, especially if you do restoration work.

[@woodrowsmith3400]

As a pro hardwood flooring installer, I use end cutters daily. They work great on 18ga Brad's and quarter-crown staples. Also do very well on J-nails from pneumatic nailers. I keep a 7-8" Channellock pair on me, and keep a 10" Husky pair in my tool bag for the tough pulls.

[@chowderwhillis9448]

Try the Knipex 62 02 200 set which the head is offset and can cut most nails way easier than a pair of Irwin’s or whatever

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

Thanks I'll add a pair of Nipping Pliers to my toolbox, since it looks really useful when I need to back out screws & pull out old nails still stuck in the wall.👷🏿‍♂️

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Definitely great for just about any fastener removal, W! 😄

[@csimet]

Stepless (single ear) hose clamp crimper also works like a champ. ;)

[@Kevan808]

Never knew what that was. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! 👍

[@johnkelley9877]

I wish I had known about this years ago but I am glad you made this tutorial and I will use this information.

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

One of my most used tools I build toolsheds and while my primary use is to pull nails I’ve also tied rebar with them (for shed slabs) used them to nibble off pieces of smart siding to fit trim. I even used them to replace a damaged plug on a skilsaw once, you can use them to strip wire but it’s not as nice as linesman’s or wire strippers. I ground one of the handle ends into a flat head screwdriver and I find it incredibly useful

[@edwardm9788]

Good tip mate. I have two and always close by. From Downunder

[@mikeking7470]

I bought a new expensive pair of nippers and they are great but you can also pull nails with a hammer but crank sideways not in the direction of the "rockers" (as you posted). And if you have finishing nails in trim pull the nails out through the back of the boards so that you don't damage the face.

[@chrisnash2154]

Crescent makes a nail plier that looks like a regular set of long handle pliers with a large curves anvil on one side. This works the same as your nipping pliers, but the curved anvil offers more leverage, a longer pull and a smooth flat leverage surge that generally won’t dent the wood.

[@edwardsmith7131]

Used this for years pulling nails out of the hard wood decks of 53' box trailer when I was driving long haul. The only improvement would be to give them a little more bite at the business end like these nippers. They pull most nails in one action with ease; ridged nails with glue would break but a grinder was usually the best option when you ran across those.

[@clivewilkinson5394]

Do you have a fencing tool. They. Are incredibly useful for many construction jobs removal of old metal work. Prying. Even an occasion use hammer. Designed for fencing but they should in my opinion be in every tool box

[@lindam.9282]

I use these a lot in my wood shop! Thanks for the pointers.

[@billsedutto8824]

I have a pair of these that belonged to my great uncle. I think they’re actually cast iron. I use them to pull nails around the house all the time. I find they do a lot less damage than the claw hammer and they fit in tighter spaces. Hate to get rid of them cause they’re probably antiques but they no longer sharp and don’t cut well. I never knew for sure what they were called until now. I will be getting a new pair soon. Probably keep the old one for sentimental value.

[@johnnysimes5082]

I have a pair like that, but also a pair my father ground down to a very sharp point that can go perfectly flush. Super handy. Not as strong as those but more useful in many situations. He was a toolmaker by trade and would not hesitate to modify tools for a new purpose.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s awesome, Johnny!

[@danielkirkhart]

The ones from harbor freight are my favorite!!!!

[@ChristianN-]

I'm surprised at how often I need and use nipping pliers. In woodworking, home improvement or just to clean up old materials before making firewood out of it. Amazingly versatile little tool 👍🏻

[@elvinparker3367]

Enjoy your videos, I was wondering what is the best wood putty or epoxy to hide the line on kitchen cabinets while butting them up together to paint over them. Thanks

[@MBMCincy63]

Always a helpful tip, thanks Ethan. I don't have nippers but for the little projects, I have needlenose , and I try the same wiggly way with smaller nails/ screw's.

[@phoenixmacallan763]

If you have a hammer and the nail gets caught but refuses to release, but a piece of a 2x4 under the hammer and pull. It creates so much force, the nail just slides out of the material.🙏🏻👍🏻

[@robertnatale8808]

I always have one with me they are very useful, good for taking nails out of molding. Don't forget to use a putty knife or a piece of board to protect your surface if you want to reuse the wood. They come in all different sizes depending on the size of nails you have to remove

[@chowderwhillis9448]

Try a pair of Knipex 62 02 200, the head is off set and is actually strong enough to cut most nails

[@rickwidlund3512]

Great information. Thank you.

[@danielbackley9301]

Learned to call these shoemakers pliers as an 40 years ago. As much as I love channellocks the Knipex are even better.

[@goodtobehandy]

I recognize those (HF) .Always find a need whether I'm demoing or not . A tool you didn't know you needed till ya have one. Yours look in need of some new grips.Maybe that dip stuff .

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗GREAT ADVICE ETHAN …ALMOST ALWAYS HAD THEM IN MY TOOL BELT …unless I forgot them 😉 or someone borrowed them and forgot to return them 😜…same with cats paw… then I had to chase them down 😂😍😍😍

[@12thDecember]

I always wondered what that tool was in the hardware store. Now I know. Thanks!

[@MikeTheMass]

One of the first tools I learned to use as a child, cleaning nails out old boards for my father (my son is now doing the same for me). I always carry one, and have an old puttyknife close by for protecting the surface when needed. I also use it to tie rebar (with steel wire) when in a pinch. The name for it here in Sweden (hovtång) gives a reference to it origin with was for removing horseshoe and nails from the horse hoof .

[@bretwhitten7038]

very interesting information!

[@vincentcloutieryes]

Didn't know that these pliers were for nail removal, I thought these were for front cutting. Thanks for the advice

[@TuleeMaster]

I've been enjoying all your helpful videos. Great stuff, very informative and explanatory. Just had a question, if you don't mind answering. Why do people and contractors in general always rag on the brand Ryobi? There not the most expensive, but they do get the job done the same as their counterparts. Is it just preference or are they less quality of tool?

[@JohnnyTheMonkey]

Great video. Another technique for terminating long finish nails that won’t pull e.g. finish nails embedded in hardwood: wiggle the top of the nail sideways, parallel to the nipper jaws, with a light grip so the nail doesn’t cut. The nail will break off just below the surface of the wood. Also remember that nippers are pretty handy for tying rebar, especially in odd spots you might need to twist several pieces of tie wire to pull rebar together. And of course, who hasn’t opened a bottle of beer with this tool?

[@lewisblack3053]

Nipping players help salvage and reuse interior casings and trim. Pry millwork boards off the wall with finish nails attached, then use nippers to pull the finish nails out from the backside. The result is no nail holes or damage to the front of the trim, so the boards can be easily recycled.

[@ezpoppy55]

Mind… expanded! Thank you!

[@danielbackley9301]

another way to remove a screw that is partially lifted is to grip with vise grips and turn 1-2 turns usually enough to allow you to turn out with fingers or by twisting with the vise grips in a vertical grip

[@JohnHallgren]

I have used vise grips to remove nails and screws instead of these nippers! And used the cats paw to make enough of a dent/notch to get those jaws around head of a flush screw that’s totally stripped out.

[@tomdeutsch3141]

Absolute necessity for demo and framing. They're also good for nipping off the end of a nail (blunting it) for situations where you want to avoid splitting - like when you have to nail near the end of a board. My only gripe with them is they're pretty bulky to carry around in a tool apron.

[@pebs1070]

You the man THC!!!

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

Thanks for sharing

[@jackmalvern5704]

I use a vice grip to pull exposed nails using the same bending technique.

[@JohnHallgren]

I use vise grips also but rotate the nail back and forth to loosen it and often it’s straight enough to reuse when reinstalling the item that i am removing.

[@jeliarra]

Seen so many tools over the years, using them in a manner that they weren't designed for. Have tools in which I know what they are for, but didn't know the tricks to make them work even better for me. Thank you! Now if you could only teach me to stop being so afraid of the circular saw! I've operated many a powerful and dangerous tool and equipment and yet at 54 years old I'm STILL nervous with the circular. At 14 years old I cut myself with a mini electric chainsaw; I had zero respect for the thing and it got me good!