FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Help – what is this tool?

JTBfromPA | Posted in Tools for Home Building on October 24, 2005 03:32am

Can anyone tell me what this tool is?

We had a relative pass and picked this up among a number of other tools. Everything else was plainly identified. The man was a pipe fitter for the steel mill, so it may have been a tool used in his profession. I just didn’t want to chuck this tool if it was still useful to someone.

The tools has a plier-like pincher on one end and the handle slides back and forth like a slide hammer – it’s full open in the photo and about 5″ shorter when slide shut. The tool appears to be pretty old – the machining is pretty crude.

Thanks for any help.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. RotorW333 | Oct 24, 2005 03:39pm | #1

     It's a nail puller

  2. User avater
    Bubbag13 | Oct 24, 2005 03:44pm | #2

     JTB : If that handle on the end slides looks a lot like an old nail puller .  Seen it used alot for un-crating things in (wooden boxes).

    1. RotorW333 | Oct 24, 2005 03:50pm | #4

       In the days of cut nails on lap siding it was a way of pulling nails without splitting the siding boards. I have one and still use it evey now and then.

  3. mattias | Oct 24, 2005 03:48pm | #3

    I have used one of those many times. It is actually quite useful. It is used to pull out nails that are too deep set into the wood to use a claw hammer or pliers. It works like this: place the plier-like part over the nail head. Use the sliding hammer to set the plier-like part into the wood, around the nail. Now use the sliding hammer part as a lever and pull out the nail.

  4. User avater
    BossHog | Oct 24, 2005 03:51pm | #5

    RotorW333 is right.

    I think Lee Valley (?) still sells 'em.

    The secret of the universe is @*%#|&^^^.......NO CARRIER

  5. DavidxDoud | Oct 24, 2005 04:04pm | #6

    don't believe those other guys - it's actually a medical device designed to raise blood blisters -

     

     

     

    "there's enough for everyone"
    1. DanH | Oct 24, 2005 06:40pm | #7

      Nah, it's used for "steering" cattle. Ouch!--------------
      No electrons were harmed in the making of this post.

    2. CAGIV | Oct 24, 2005 06:45pm | #9

      thought it was a proctologist tool for removing sticks?

      1. tashler | Oct 24, 2005 11:40pm | #11

        Gee, thanks for the thoughts in my head at the mere mention of a proctologist!

    3. Hubedube | Oct 25, 2005 01:21am | #12

      .....or hemoroids

    4. Pierre1 | Oct 25, 2005 01:30am | #13

      "...a medical device designed to raise blood blisters."

      LOL. I found that out right quick using one when I was 15 yo.costofwar.com/

  6. User avater
    skip555 | Oct 24, 2005 06:44pm | #8

    looks like what the dentist used on me the other day

  7. JTBfromPA | Oct 24, 2005 11:27pm | #10

    Thanks to all for enlightening me with the primary & alternate uses.

  8. DanSal | Oct 25, 2005 02:03am | #14

    Looks like a nail puller.

  9. 4Lorn1 | Oct 25, 2005 02:17am | #15

    I would like to not you did a fine job with the photo. Including the tape measure was a nice touch. Without a scale of some sort it is hard to judge sizes in a photo. The lighting was adequate focus good.

    The only thing I could add would be improving the lighting a bit. Taking the object outside on a sunny day and laying it out on the drive or lawn on a piece of plywood would be a good option. Full daylight is readily available, unless your in England or Seattle, and renders details and colors better than most artificial lighting.

    Just a tip for next time.

    1. jeffwoodwork | Oct 25, 2005 02:27am | #16

      Looks like everyone got it wrong, it's a tape measure of course!

      1. Piffin | Oct 25, 2005 04:34am | #17

        Of course it si. I was thinking nail puller from the verbal description until I saw it clearly there. Inches, feet, black diamoinds and all....What I want to know is how he got it to stay on that plywood wall like that. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. BungalowJeff | Oct 25, 2005 03:09pm | #19

        Well then, where are the black diamonds?...that's not a mistake, it's rustic

  10. User avater
    Fonzie | Oct 25, 2005 06:02am | #18

    The guy I work with says it's called a "nail jack". A home owner brought one out of his dad's just last week.

  11. User avater
    dieselpig | Oct 25, 2005 04:09pm | #20

    I've got one that I use for pulling splinters from my fingers.  I'm pretty tough though.  ;)

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Oct 25, 2005 04:48pm | #21

      It actually is for getting the ticks offa ya or the dog.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "Its MINE, I'll wash it as fast as I want"

      1. User avater
        dieselpig | Oct 25, 2005 04:52pm | #22

        I've been looking for you... gonna send you an email....

        EDIT:  The way I worded that sounded menacing upon re-reading the post!  Sorry dude.... just want to ask you a question about foam guns and didn't want to hi-jack the thread.  ;)

        Edited 10/25/2005 9:59 am ET by dieselpig

        1. User avater
          Homewright | Oct 25, 2005 06:10pm | #23

          Southern Belle booger puller.  I'm still in culture shock....

  12. rasconc | Oct 25, 2005 07:48pm | #24

    How much do you want for it?  Been looking for one.  Definately a nail puller.

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Oct 25, 2005 07:52pm | #25

      I bought one about two months ago from Garrett Wade, here's the link to the nail pullers.  I bought the set myself.

      http://www.garrettwade.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=106377&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iProductID=106377

      1. rasconc | Oct 25, 2005 08:45pm | #26

        Thsnks!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data