When I need to tear two pieces of nailed lumber apart (a trimmer that needs to be replaced, temporary posts, built-up beam members that aren’t quite flush), I reach for a Skilsaw. Next, I cut a 6-in. long wedge of 2x material that tapers from about 1-1/2 in. wide on one end to a point on the other. Once I have that wedge, I drive it between the two pieces, and they come apart. No cat’s paw required. Nails then are driven backward and pulled out with the claws of a hammer.
—Jim Anderson, Littleton, CA
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #149
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Short Blade Chisel
We always have a wide chisel on my belt for fit and fitting because it’s often faster to grab the chisel rather than going back to the saw.
Used to tap walls or sheathing into position, we all this the “persuader” on the job site. This is a demo model, so it can survive the job site and the back of the truck — a true must-have.
When it comes to framing, it doesn’t get much more fundamental than a speed square — and with its sturdy metal build, Swanson’s will not let you down. Some of our team members have had theirs for 20 years.
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