This Tool Makes PRYING UP NAILS Easy! (Nail Puller/Carpentry Demolition Tool/Cat's Paw Tool)

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Estwing 9" Cat's Paw Nail Puller:
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This Tool Makes PRYING UP NAILS Easy! (Nail Puller/Carpentry Demolition Tool/Cat's Paw Tool)
Prying embedded nails out of boards can be nearly impossible without the right tool. The nail puller known as the "Cat's Paw" is one of the most useful carpentry demolition tools ever made. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will show what it is and how to use it!
Embedded nails are nails that have been fully driven, so the head of the nail is barely exposed, or sunken beneath the surface of the wood.
The Cat's Paw nail puller is a prying/gouging tool.
To pry up an embedded nail, you drive the sharp points of the cleft at either end of the cat's paw tool into the wood around the nail head.
By driving the tool forward while embedded, the cleft of the cat's paw notches around the shaft of the nail.
Using the hammer to carefully tap back on the longer shaft of the tool, you can lift embedded nails to the surface. At this point, it's often easier to pry the nail the rest of the way with a hammer or pry bar.
NOTE: Cat's paw tools will often damage wood, so don't use them on any vulnerable surface you want to reinstall. They're best used on decks, and framing systems.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to visit us at The Honest Carpenter Website:
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Пікірлер: 267

@bobtaylor7361 3 жыл бұрын

I use a cats paw my grandfather gave me Back in the 70s. And he said he got it in the early 50s. My wife says don't use it. But my grandfathers voice in my head says "its made to be used" so I do. I have a lot of old hand me down tools. Keep up the great videos.

@QuantumPyrite_88.9 3 жыл бұрын

I like this comment a lot and Thanks .

@davidnorton9997 3 жыл бұрын

Me too. I have several tools from my grandpa. Probably most of them are older than I am. Some, like a framing square, haven't aged so well or were well used. But most of them are still great. The one thing I still don't understand is why he had so many socket sets. Was he buying them every time they went on sale? Did he lose them in his garage and buy another? Unclear. But after he passed and my dad collected tools from his house every possible family member you could think of got a socket set.

@colinpears8357 3 жыл бұрын

I've had one for years. It's great for opening wooden, nailed packing cases.

@diamondback2085 3 жыл бұрын

Another tool I have and love! Does an awesome job without damaging even the nastiest water damaged wood. Great addition for the tool bag!

@suedavies6743 3 жыл бұрын

I love my pry bar but had never seen a cat's paw. I definitely will be getting one. I love your videos, learn something new all the time.

@taco6989 3 жыл бұрын

These are incredibly useful in construction. I’ve never seen a framer that doesn’t have one in their belt

@lindak8664 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve had one of those for years. I had no idea it had an actual name, i just call it the tiny crowbar. I did massive revos on my house a few years back, it was worth its weight in gold!

@vipahman 3 жыл бұрын

I always thought it was called a Camel Toe. LOL

@tomgio1 3 жыл бұрын

I remember using this tool when I worked on a condo framing crew 30 years ago, and forgot all about it until now. Is very handy, thanks for the reminder!

@kathrynmeehan3738 2 жыл бұрын

I Watched your video on deck repairs yesterday and made a list of tools we needed to proceed. The cats paw was on the list. I decided to clean out our tool box and luckily found that we actually had a cats paw in there. Your video’s are great for someone like me just learning how to do some of my own home repairs. Thanks for explaining things in a way that helps a newbie learn.

@RyanCaesar 3 жыл бұрын

This is one of those tools i've had for a while but never really knew its proper use (new to DIY, got it as a gift). Thanks for the info!

@johnross6436 3 жыл бұрын

Fun fact, Mexican coworkers call this a “chiva” for goats hoof.

@galvanizedgnome 3 жыл бұрын

And they are always yelling clavos way, tornellos way

@sleazybtd 3 жыл бұрын

Let's call it a "camel toe".

@johnross6436 3 жыл бұрын

@@sleazybtd lets not

@seanpetersen9326 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnross6436 😆

@Sundayfunnies 3 жыл бұрын

I'm in the trades I've always used one. And the bench you can use the one end like a finishing hammer

@booboo8577 3 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite tools. I have two sizes of the one you show and one with a flat blade on one end for prying and lifting things like base cabinets up to perfect level while I put the shims in.

@mammothfilms 3 жыл бұрын

I got my first one in the mail yesterday. I’m looking forward to using it. Thanks for a simple tutorial!!

@GregLanz 3 жыл бұрын

I've had the Estwing one for almost a decade now and use it all the time

@brianmccarthy557 3 жыл бұрын

This is one of the single best tools I have when we are doing work with Appalachia Service Project, doing demo where we need to salvage useable material. Great video and great advice, as always.

@lesviamartinez2185 3 жыл бұрын

You're an amazing person and awesome in describing tools and how to use them. So glad I found you on the KZfaq.

@philhaggard3393 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve used one for over forty years and always called it a nail digger. Never knew the correct name until now. Great tool. Thanks!

@majorfrost8206 3 жыл бұрын

I have several but my favorite is a "cats paw" from Lee Valley. The flat end is very useful when removing mouldings.

@philipperiondel3093 3 жыл бұрын

I've been using the same as the one in the video for 5 years, and... it's really a must have.

@SoleEpiphany 3 жыл бұрын

Cats paw, a mechanical puller and a small flat pry bar I always called a “wonder bar” were my three most used for such tasks along with a hammer.

@FloydMarsh 10 ай бұрын

Over the last few days, I've used my Cat's Paw more than 800 times, a conservative estimate. Saved a tremendous amount of time. I didn't worry about damaging the wood surface as the material was destined to be recycled. This tool goes everywhere with me. Everything in this video was spot on.

@feldmanjared 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this… successfully replaced a single deck board without damage to surrounding boards with this tool!

@pto200 3 жыл бұрын

Down thru the years, I've used it. I have the older one with a wider paw, but it works real well. Hard to think of what I would replace it with. Love it.

@JuniorG707 Жыл бұрын

Whale-Tail.

@simplerider3159 3 жыл бұрын

I call it the little pry bar and that thing is awesome. I love that tool for removing nails.

@F4CreationsNJ 3 жыл бұрын

I have the model with the 90deg cat paw on one side, and a flat(ish) bar head on the other. Its my absolute favorite tool for any demo work.

@grainplaner216 3 жыл бұрын

Just start immediately next to the nail head with the points of the nail puller and you won't make huge craters in the wood surface. Finesse and precision always work better than brute strength.

@hiker64 3 жыл бұрын

I like the addition of the hole-depresser to give better access to the nail.

@1970jstone Жыл бұрын

I was reading a book and came across this term! Always good to learn something new. Thank you.

@kevindrevik7351 2 жыл бұрын

I"ve got one, but didn't know the best method to use, so this was very helpful. Thanks!

@benharrison1069 3 жыл бұрын

I've seen this tool, but this is the first explanation I have seen of its proper use. Thank you.

@quadfunpi 3 жыл бұрын

I used this for pulling up staples today! Awesome!

@howardsutherland66 3 жыл бұрын

A friend of mine who happens to be a trim carpenter came by one day to help me with a project. When I pulled out my little Cat's Paw (it's only 8 inches long) he went nuts. He had never seen one that small. I bought him two of them, one for his tool bucket and the other as a spare to keep in his van. They are branded "Makuma Shark Grip 200" and are made in Japan. I don't remember where I got them at but that little tool has proven to be quite helpful.

@waynesligar5948 3 жыл бұрын

I always had a cat's paw in my tool bags, there is so may different things kinda like a 5 in 1. Screw guns are for pulling screws out hammers are for driving screws

@richardstrada212 3 жыл бұрын

I have never used one but now plan on getting one for my tool box.

@QuantumPyrite_88.9 3 жыл бұрын

A fan who gives a thumbs up before watching the entire video is a True fan . Estwing tools are top of the line . American made drop forged 52100 steel and watching how they are made is fascinating to an old machinist . The price for this heirloom quality tool is Excellent . Thanks again .

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Quantum! 😁

@shauna_tac Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Exactly the information I needed!

@garykorzelius5930 3 жыл бұрын

You found one that I haven’t seen before. Thanks for the knowledge.

@craigpeel5995 3 жыл бұрын

Have used one for years in the uk called the shark bar. One of my top 10 tools in my bag

@pattysherwood7091 3 жыл бұрын

I love my cat’s paw. Thanks.

@adl6067 3 жыл бұрын

Good to learn something new every day. 👍👍👍

@gapster46 3 жыл бұрын

Just stumbled onto your channel today. I ordered the DeWalt one from your link. I have a project that I’ve been procrastinating on for months. A few rotted cedar boards on the front porch that I put in with nails back in the 1980's. I turn 75 next month and it’s hell doing anything on my knees anymore. This little tool will help a lot.

@philippebleau4809 3 жыл бұрын

Extremely well presented topic. Thanks.

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Philippe!

@someonespadre 3 жыл бұрын

I have one, found it in my Mother’s garage when I was cleaning her house and garage out. I assume my Dad bought it some time in the past. Like you said, very handy.

@Stevej2013 3 жыл бұрын

I use it for my home diy. It's great for removing baseboard, and the broad end doesn't damage drywall.

@terryq9966 3 жыл бұрын

Best tool ever for removing popped drywall nails without making the repair WAY too big. I am talking nails here, NOT screws.

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Good call, Terry!

@galvanizedgnome 3 жыл бұрын

I use a spring nail set

@kickyourfaceandlaugh607 2 жыл бұрын

I have both the stiletto and Martinez nail bars really nice tools to keep on you since they are made of lightweight titanium.

@leolee190 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the information.

@kencoleman7762 3 жыл бұрын

Great tool when needed.

@stevea.8816 3 жыл бұрын

We used to use " Rosen nails for plywood" they held like crazy but dont try to pull them out, the head broke and that was it, you had a hole the size of the Grand Canyon in order to pull it out with Plyers. I haven't seen them in 20 years now, good.

@profcah 3 жыл бұрын

This is great! Never seen it before and will be getting one now!

@reidflemingworldstoughestm1394 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I been using mine to nail in replacement shingles that go in below another course.

@fyt00000 3 жыл бұрын

New to me, I love it....needed it desperately

@scottwebber652 3 жыл бұрын

My brother had this n couldn’t remember where he got it but works great. U can beat it without wrecking it. I’ve got one saved for later I been looking for years for it !! 👍

@jhoodfysh 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and tips as usual. I'm going to check out the trim video. Thank you!

@420WILD 3 жыл бұрын

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="138">2:18</a> Instead of beating on it, try slipping a long iron pipe over it and using it for more leverage, like a breaker bar. You wouldn't even need a hammer then.

@therealslimsunny556 2 жыл бұрын

I found 2 of these in one pack one bigger than the other for like 15$ at tractor supply and it’s served me well

@chrisnash2154 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent for deck demolition.

@electricalron 3 жыл бұрын

Every tradesperson should have one of these for persuading situations. :thumbs

@SoleEpiphany 3 жыл бұрын

Always called a piece of pipe a “persuasion bar” for wrenches, rachets, lug wrenches etc lol

@guyfuller1369 3 жыл бұрын

Got one. Love it.

@stevenmoss6043 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve seen those, but never used one. Cool vid! I learned something.

@TheHonestCarpenter 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steven!

@billmorash3322 3 жыл бұрын

I found your channel a couple of months ago and subscribed but I thought I should mention that Steve Ramsey recommended you to his viewers.

@jasongr3219 3 жыл бұрын

Pullers are handy as hell when it comes to demo or board cleaning.

@joshzytkiewicz 3 жыл бұрын

Recently used one of these to pull up staples after removing carpeting.

@seanpetersen9326 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the knowledge!

@angelafox4380 3 жыл бұрын

Handy tool!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Time to buy one!!!

@WorkSmart4U 3 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. You are very good on diction and editing videos. Good job.

@coreydavoll7622 3 жыл бұрын

These work great! I used one too remove some closet shelf rails that were nailed in with finishing nails about three inches long. Made a lot of firewood lol

@jobacuda4472 3 жыл бұрын

That's some long finishing nails!

@coreydavoll7622 3 жыл бұрын

It was insane. There were 8 of them per board!

@woodworksbygrampies1284 3 жыл бұрын

That little tool gives back in so many ways, always very handy to have around. @John Ross, that's very true; chiva for the longer ones but "chivita" for these little paws.

@mikepare8838 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I am about to go shopping for one to use for the first time. This answered all my questions. Bonus that you even explained what that round cylinder is that some have protruding from the side. Thanks again!

@TheHonestCarpenter Жыл бұрын

Great tool to have, Mike! 😁

@billvandergrift1231 3 жыл бұрын

I have one and when I pick up a bunch of scrap wood that has Nails in it I use it and it works great

@leathelandlady 3 жыл бұрын

I love my cat's claw!

@hfdny37 3 жыл бұрын

Favorite tool in my pouch next to my stiletto hammer. Might be a toss up. Most cats paws also have a small striking face, and can be used for tiny nails where you don't need a lot of force

@jaypowell0185 3 жыл бұрын

A very useful and versatile tool.

@YukonHawk1 3 жыл бұрын

My dad gave me his that he used in carpentry school. Someday I'll pass it on down to my son🙂

@glorygloryhallelujah 3 жыл бұрын

I' live with this tool

@catcar8212 3 жыл бұрын

Just went on my wish list I have carpets that need to disappear, thus will help. Thanks...

@shawnp8878 3 жыл бұрын

It wasn't until I worked a few construction jobs where I learned the name cats paw. They were great when I was removing old decks, door jams and wooden siding.

@richieruss5742 3 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks HC

@davidavi8554 3 жыл бұрын

I have the shorter version, maybe 6-8" , it's my go to tool all summer long.

@charlesviner1565 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful tool I have in my tool box

@caballitodehierro27 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, you can do the first movement with the long part and use the hammers grip under the paw making a lever action to force the nail out more easily, and the shot part of the tool it's also used to force a panel deeper into some surface to nailed more inside, sorry for my English, i don't know if you understand me at all haha

@peterbarlow8912 9 ай бұрын

When I started out the only nail pullers were the old school American one like you showed. When the Japanese style came to the American tool scene it was a revelation. The tube punch on the side I haven’t seen. I had to remove a jack stud that twisted out of plane and the gunned nails were in 3/8. I had to drill holes next to the nails to get the tool on them. Pretty hard to trim a doorway if the jack curls 3/8” out pushing the drywall with it.

@ninjaguysith 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. I have used one for a long time now, but never to it's full potential as you've shown.

@melindawallin3713 8 ай бұрын

I am replacing the nails in my deck with screws and was so hoping there was something magical out there to make the job easier. I am using a pry bar and hammer which seems pretty similar to the cats paw, but I will definitely get a cats paw because I love tools. Thanks !

@rh9915 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff

@nikkiely4992 2 жыл бұрын

thanks 👍🏾 I've been using this tool, but thanks to your video I'll be using it to remove nails quicker than I have been 😉 Ace!

@lcook0825 3 жыл бұрын

Good video. Thanks.

@PeteLewisWoodwork 3 жыл бұрын

I am a carpenter here in UK and have been using pry bars for many years. The one mentioned above is a nail pry bar and there is another pattern for lifting trims, such as architraves, which has a different, wide and flatter shape on the long end.

@PeteLewisWoodwork 3 жыл бұрын

I have been using this tool for a very long time, it offers the best of both worlds.

@markstevens1729 3 жыл бұрын

I was introduced to it years ago as an “oh shit! tool” and have had one ever since.

@beverleythomas5708 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I've seen a few being used, but did not know what they were called. I thought they were some sort of mini crowbar. I've learned something new again! 😊

@carlb1409 Жыл бұрын

"Rounded scoop shape" seems better. I'm a huge fan. So I bought the one you recommend. Even in your vid, ya have to really dig into the wood. Then I came across my old generic black one. Way better and faster. Doesn't take as many hammer swings. The long side of the old style is the one to dig out a bit of wood before knocking the paw side under the nail. I'm turning over all the boards on my parents' deck. Been using that old one with far quicker success. I gave up on the nice new one.

@thomasalison6188 3 жыл бұрын

My favorite is the Shark brand cats paws (Japanese), the claws are the sharpest I have found (grip the nails better), & gets into the wood better also.

@mindofmadness5593 3 жыл бұрын

Got one of those floating around here. Never used it as I thought it was just a small prybar. I do know mine is thicker in the ends tho so....best get one that is similar to yours.

@josezarate4118 3 жыл бұрын

It’s a really good tool 😎👊🛠🛠

@Darrow1991 3 жыл бұрын

I love my cat’s paw.

@mnm1067 3 жыл бұрын

I use it for getting baseboard up. I find that lots of times the baseboard is installed before the flooring which makes removing it difficult. Cat’s paw allows me to dig into the baseboard and pry it above the flooring for removal.

@donb8447 3 жыл бұрын

I've been carrying the Estwing model for 20 yrs...in the same pocket no less, on my Occidental bags.

@henri6595 3 жыл бұрын

How many years did the bags last you? I'm thinking about buying the Seven Framer Series bags.

@donb8447 3 жыл бұрын

@@henri6595 they are on their 18th yr with no sign on stopping. I do however wash, and oil them about twice a year to keep them from cracking... just like you'd care for a baseball Mitt. In my opinion, unless they get stolen, they'll be the last set of bags you'll ever buy...you can also check out "essential craftsman Occidental bags" he does a great review video on them.

@henri6595 3 жыл бұрын

@@donb8447 18 years and still going you say! I really like the sound of that quality! I assume you have the all leather Occidental bags? How does the leather hold up to screws, nails, and random sharp objects being thrown directly into the leather pockets?

@janiomota5384 Жыл бұрын

Good to know. Thx

@dougdaniels 3 жыл бұрын

Many years ago, that was known as a crow bar, at least in my area. Named after many different animals in different parts of the world it seems. Regardless of the animal or name, it is an invaluable tool for many uses.