Hand Tools: Cutting pliers nip nails out

Reviewed by:
Scott Gibson, Contributing Editor

Getting nails out can be as important as driving them in only harder. Channellocks 7-in. Cutting Plier with End Cutter (Model #357) can gently extract a nail whose head is damaged or missing.

With the right amount of pressure, the heat-treated jaws sink into the soft steel of a nail, allowing it to be levered out. With a thin block of wood beneath the curved head, the surrounding surface wont be marred. Squeeze a little harder and the Cutting Plier neatly severs the nail at the surface -- useful for eliminating old lath or siding nails in preparation for new work.

The pliers were available on line for about $15 in September 2004.