Use Putty Knife for Leverage (Nails)

A simple method that uses a flat putty knife or thin scrap material as both a fulcrum and a wall protector when pulling nails with a claw hammer. This prevents the hammer head from denting or cracking the drywall surface.

Steps

1. Place a stiff putty knife, thin piece of wood, or cardboard flat against the wall directly beside the nail head.
2. Position the claw of the hammer over the nail head so the hammer rests on the putty knife.
3. Lever the nail out slowly with steady pressure, keeping the putty knife between the hammer and the wall at all times.
4. For stubborn nails, reposition the fulcrum closer to the nail as it emerges to maintain leverage.

Tips

• A wider putty knife (100 mm or more) distributes force better and reduces the risk of indentation.
• If the nail bends during extraction, grip it with locking pliers and pull straight out instead of continuing to lever.