My community has a pier that’s been in place for about 50 years. The decking is 2X 6s nailed down with 20d nails. Many of the boards are badly checked and/or splintered and need to be replaced. Most of the nails have rusted and are stuck in the stringers (joists) like nobody’s business. I’m looking foe clever ides for getting up the boards (and nails). Keep in mind that there’s no way to wok from underneath…..
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Quickstep
Don't know if this will help, I don't own one yet, but from the my adopted state of Idaho home to the I joist comes the nail jack it has been winning a bunch of awards PM mag tool of the year. Might want to take a look, though 20d is big it may help get the nail started.
http://www.nailjack.com/
You may want a look at this also "the deck wrecker"
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/tools/4316381.html?page=3
Hope it helps
Wallyo
Those nails are likely rusted in place too badly for easy removal. I'd set a CS to cut the decking, but not the joists, and run a cut down either side of the nail line. Bust out the small scrap of deck with the nail in it and pull, break, or cut off the nails -- whatever's easiest.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Everything fits, until you put glue on it.
A common Garden Mattock and 4' wrecking bar for the wood, sawzall off the nails ya can't pull.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"
Jed Clampitt
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I do not know how to do that kind of work. ;>)_________________________________________________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_h1vk23kik
I can watch it all day, easily.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
View Image
How about a 3/4" carbide hole saw, drill over nail, lift board, then deal w/ the nal?
You first, I'll hold yer beer.
The mattock is really fast, and the leverage is awesome.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt
View Image
Go to a supply house that specializes in concrete forms and accessories. Ask for a stripping bar. Make sure you get the correct tool. About four feet long with a 90° bend about 5 or 6" long with claws for pulling nails. The other end is just a bent taper for prying up the boards.The bar weighs about 25 or 30 lbs I think.
This will do the job.Do not get the bar that is similar in size but has an arc instead of 90° .I have used both,the one I favor is much better.The stripping bar will pop up the boards with the tapered bend end.The claw end will pull 20 d nails with ease,if you don't break the heads.
If you have trouble finding a supply house then call any contractor that does commercial work,they should put you on track.
mike
I have two of these.
http://www.thegutster.com/
First thing to do is hit the "stop" button on the little video on the website--or turn the music down!
It's not a gimmick.
Once you're used to it, you wouldn't think of a hammer and prybar again.
Perfect for your job.
I'll second that. When I bought mine they first came out and I paid over double what they are now. It's a necessity for pulling up deck boards.
I bought #2 for 12.95$ on ebay, new in the box.
Couldn't resist.
I leave it with a friend of mine.
I tore down my deck about two weeks ago. I bought a "Deckwrecker" from McFeely's and it worked great. The deck I tore out was 10' x 30', the deck boards were PT 2x6, that were nailed in with an air nailer. They came out with no problem. I'd definitely recommend this tool.
I noticed that someone recommended a "Gutster". I've never used one, but I looked at their website. It seems to be more versatile than a "Deckwrecker". I don't think you'd be disappointed either way.
Here is a pneumatic cat's paw.
http://www.nailout.com/
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe