Cement nails - Woodworking Talk

asimmers · 02-02-2008, 06:50 PM

Hello all. I am new here. I am doing some work on my front door. The storm door is pulling away from the wood it is attaced to. I found two two inch strips of wood running vertically. Then the fluted molding on top. Here is the question. When removed the wood, I found cement nails had been use. My house is brick. How do I safely remove the nails. Really would appreciate some help. Thank you A.Simmers

raskgle · 02-02-2008, 08:29 PM

Most cement nails that I have used can be best removed counter clock wise. To pull may bring morter chunk out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by asimmers

Hello all. I am new here. I am doing some work on my front door. The storm door is pulling away from the wood it is attaced to. I found two two inch strips of wood running vertically. Then the fluted molding on top. Here is the question. When removed the wood, I found cement nails had been use. My house is brick. How do I safely remove the nails. Really would appreciate some help. Thank you A.Simmers

BlockHead · 02-02-2008, 09:01 PM

Maybe you could get behind the wood with a sawzall and cut the nails.

chris_klee · 02-03-2008, 05:43 PM

the nails are hardened. a sawsall wont work very good. just hit the hail up and down like your bending it and it will either snap off or fall out.

edit:
are the nails thru the door still? i was imagining them by them selves.

dbhost · 02-03-2008, 09:05 PM

Not to derail the thread. But hey Block Head... I think more than a few of us on here resemble the remark in your signature!

woodman42 · 02-04-2008, 11:24 AM

Welcome to the site asimmers!
I agree with blockhead. A reciprocating saw will work if you use a bi-metal blade. This approach will cause the least amount of damage to your frame and brick.

End Grain · 03-12-2008, 03:20 AM

Are these cut or fluted masonry nails? Cut nails can be gently tapped back and forth - not up or down - to loosen them. Fluted nails should probably be cut off flush.