How to Remove Headless Nails

Is the nail head broken? Now you are worried about removing it? Don’t worry; I have a few simple solutions to help you safely remove the headless nail without causing any damage. Keep reading to discover easy methods to extract headless nails safely.

Remove Headless Nails

Easy Methods To Remove Headless Nails

I am providing two proven solutions from my experience on how to remove headless nails. Both techniques are reliable.

Pliers, Claw Hammer, Or Pray Bar

If part of the headless nail is visible, you can use pliers and a claw hammer or pry bar to remove it. Grasp the top surface with the pliers, then insert a claw hammer or pry bar and the gap between the surfaces and the nail. This will cause it to stress and eventually come out.

Alternatively, you can use vise grips, pinch clamps, or locking pliers instead of general pliers.

Warning: Exercise caution when trying to pry out a headless nail from drywall, plywood, or any other surface, as it could result in damage.

Use another Nail or Nail Punch

To remove a headless nail that is flush with the surface:

  1. Start by blunting the sharp end using a hammer.
  2. Place another nail or nail punch tool on the headless nail and hit it with a hammer. This should cause the headless nail to emerge from the bottom slowly.
  3. Use pliers to remove both nails.

Alternatively, What Can You Do?

Driving Headless Nails into the Wood

If you are looking for an alternative, an excellent option would be to drive the headless nails into the wood with a hammer. However, this method should be avoided if you plan on cutting the wood in the future, as the nails may cause damage to your saw blades.

Use Hollow Screw Extractor

If the above methods don’t work for you or you want another alternative approach, use a hollow screw extractor. This tool is designed to remove broken screws, bolts, or nails. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Select an appropriate size of hollow screw extractor that matches the diameter of the headless nail.
  2. Drill a small pilot hole in the center of the broken nail. Be careful not to drill too deep or damage the surrounding surface.
  3. Continue turning until the nail is completely removed.

Using wood filler is an effective option if you need to conceal a hole in wood. Once you have removed the headless nail, you can apply wood filler to the hole.

& Done!

FAQ’s

What About When They’re Thin, Short, And Delicate?

When dealing with thin, short, and delicate headless nails, use pliers or needle-nose pliers to grip the nail lightly and wiggle it gently. Be sure to handle the nail carefully, As it is delicate and can be easily damaged if not handled with care.

Can I Use Heat Or Lubricants To Make It Easier To Remove A Headless Nail?

While heat can assist in loosening a nail, it is generally not advisable for use on wood due to the potential for damage. Therefore, I do not recommend applying heat in this case. 
On the other hand, lubricants like WD-40 or penetrating oil can effectively reduce friction and facilitate the removal of a headless nail, although their effectiveness may differ depending on the situation. These lubricants can be applied to the nail area to smooth the extraction process.

Conclusion

This article was helpful to you. If you have any other issues with removing headless nails, please let us know in the comments, and I’ll try to provide the necessary assistance. Remember to share with your friends if you found it helpful! We’re here to provide assistance services and answer any questions. Thank you for reading.

You may read also – How to Fix Brad Nails Sticking Out

Leave a Comment