8 Best Nail Pullers of 2024

So, we kick off with this Air Locker pneumatic nail puller. Considering it is a powered device, it’s a pretty good price. It retails less than our premium model, and that one is a manual nail puller.

So, what’s it got? The first thing you notice is it is a nail punch and extractor, so it has a dual role. Once you finish removing all those old nails, you can go right ahead and start inserting 10 to 20-gauge nails to complete your project.

It has a lightweight aluminum body and an adjustable exhaust, so you can regulate the flow of air from the compressor. We talk a lot about comfort, so this model has a rubber ergonomic grip, which protects your arm and hands from burnout.

There are downsides too. First, it needs an air compressor, so while the air tool may be keenly priced, don’t forget the extra dollars for the compressor. The second and most important thing is this tool extracts nails by driving them out of the wood.

Whichever way you look at it, that’s pretty dangerous, so you need some skill in handling this device. That said, with a little practice, it can remove nails from a large pallet in about 60 seconds.

Sometimes you need a bit of delicacy, and these Crescent 11-inch nail pullers tick that box. Small nail pullers are ideal when working on detailed projects like framing and other carpentry.

Simply clamp the nail in the teeth of the pliers and pull down, and thanks to the shape of the forged steelhead, the nail lifts out without damaging the woodwork. They are lightweight, agile, and easy to store in your toolbox, making them the ideal companion of any woodworker.

You can remove nails from the front or back of the wood. It has a comfortable rubber grip and a black-oxide coating to protect it against corrosion.

The only downside is the length of the tools restricts the size of the nails it pulls and if you want to remove really rusted nails, it might struggle. That said, the price is reasonable, and it is the best tool for fiddly nails.

Crescent features quite a lot in this review, which is hardly surprising given their 100-year history. This model differs from the rest because it is a flat pry bar, which is both simple and effective at levering nails from frames without damaging the wood.

It was almost crowned our budget award, but because it’s a pry bar rather than a dedicated nail puller, that award went to another model. That said, the price is one good reason to purchase this device.

When you remove nails from framing, you need a tool that can get into the tightest spots, extracting smaller nails from deep into the wood. Thanks to the shape and size; this tool does everything you could want.

You get a nail slot on the pry and claw end to make pulling the nails out easier without any lasting damage to the wood, and because it’s so small and lightweight, it is the ideal device to store in your toolbox.

The only negative is because it is so small, it only works when removing nails from framing or moldings, restricting its use.

When you want a top-quality nail puller, this Stiletto claw bar is pretty hard to beat. It is cast from a solid bar of titanium with an open truss design. It is lightweight and super-strong.

It has a patented dimpler feature that creates a recess around the nail head, making it easier for the claws to slide and grip tightly. This titanium claw bar is 5 times stronger than steel equivalents, has 10 times less recoil and shock, and is also 45 percent lighter.

You get 2 sets of claws that last longer than steel, with zero mushrooming, cracking, and tearing.

The bad news is if you want to own this claw bar, it will set you back a lot of money. It is almost 8 times the price of the budget model. That said, it is fantastic quality.

This Wonder Bar by Edward Tools is about as simple as it gets. At one end, you have a nail slot with extra leverage, and at the other, you get a slightly less pronounced curve for more delicate and detailed work like finishing.

This nail puller is constructed from carbon steel, so it is durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant. The ends of the tool are tapered to make it easier for the slot to slide under the nail head.

It also means you can use the tool as a scraper. If you are working on detailed work that requires a bit of precision, this device pays dividends. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can relax knowing that it will last the distance.

The downside is it is pretty basic. You don’t get any features, and the only leverage comes from the U-shaped curve on the base. That said, it only costs a fraction of many comparable models, so we can cut it some slack.

This pneumatic nail remover exists purely to punch bent and rusted nails through boards, pallets, and any other heavy-duty material you can think of.

It has a soft, rubberized handgrip that is both comfortable and practical, making it ideal for extended use. This is in part thanks to the ergonomically designed aluminum body, which is lightweight and durable.

It has a 0.25-inch NPT-thread air inlet with an operating pressure of 80 to 120 PSI (pounds per square inch), and it removes 10 to 20-gauge nails.

This is an air-powered device, so you will need an air compressor, which eats into the overall good value because compressors are expensive. You need to factor this in when making your purchase.

Plus, while this tool gets the job done in double-quick time, it is noisy and dangerous, so getting in a bit of practice would be advisable before you are let loose with this tool. Most air compressors operate at about 80 decibels, so if you are using this at home, consider your neighbors.

This Bates plier nail puller is one of the best-selling models on the market. It is a classic design and so simple to use. You can pull nails, staples and other fasteners thanks to the 7-inch cutting ends.

You get soft-coated plastic grips for greater control and comfort, and the carbon steel body ensures that it is robust and rust-resistant. You can even use the dual-end nippers to cut wires and electrical cables.

These nail removers are super cheap, which is part of the reason they are so popular, plus they are lightweight, compact, and easy to store in your toolbox.

The only negative point is you don’t get much leverage, which might restrict the size and types of nails you can pull. Most of the effort comes from you, yanking the nail free rather than clever design.

You are also restricted to the size of nail you can pull with this device, so it is better suited to smaller fasteners.

To gain the extra strength needed to pull large nails free, you need the forged alloy box joint and hardened tempered jaw that this nail puller offers. You can get it in a short or long jaw design, and it comes with a black enamel finish for durability and rust resistance.

The design works great with flush and hard-to-reach nails, and the 19-inch handle ensures that no matter how rusted the nail, this tool gives you the leverage to get it free.

It does weigh quite a bit more than the other models, coming in at 3.89 pounds, but the added weight makes it feel sturdy and able to cope with heavy-duty tasks. Crescent states that this nail puller is built to withstand job site conditions.