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How to remove stuck nail piece from timber?

A part of my chair broke off. Turns out that out of 4 nails supposed to hold it, pieces of 2 are still inside of their holes. How do I remove them?

There is varying diameter between legs as they are curved, so drilling another set of holes 2cm away is not a very useful option.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @st22

I propose cutting carefully around the nail head with a Stanley Compact Fixed Blade Folding Knife. Once there is enough space, I suggest using a Trojan 250mm Nail Puller or a Trojan 250mm Tower Pincer Plier. One other technique you can try is to reverse sit the nail from the other end with another nail. This will force the nail head to reveal itself which will allow you to pull it out with the appropriate tool. The damage can then be filled and sanded down.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @st22

You could punch the nails through, which will split the timber on the other side, but I can't see any way around that. You can fill the split once the new nails are in.

Nailbag

AlanM52

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55321#Comment_55321

CC: @st22,

With regard to @EricL's idea of tapping out the nail from the other side.

Screenshot 2025-07-30 163909.jpeg

I use these... the hollow point makes it easier to find the tip of the nail and tap out.

I have another method but it's unlikely you have a soldering iron.

I clean and tin the end of the nail with a soldering iron

Then cut the point off a similar nail tin that and solder both.

I do not use a nail pulling tool, simply wire cutters with the front shimmed with cardboard.

This method provides a straight pull action.

Sometimes I may have to drill two tiny holes on either side of the nail.

Cheers

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/89920#Comment_89920

Good Evening @st22

Im also thinking of punching the nail through with the tools that have been mentioned, tho if you have the ones @AlanM52 have mentioned they would be easier to use.

You could also work out where the nail is expecte dto come out, drill a hole to make it easier to channel the nail so it wont split the timber as much.

One last question, are you sure its a nail? Just checking as if you try and push a screw through there is a high chance the leg will splinter.

Dave

st22

Hi @EricL @Nailbag @AlanM52 @Dave-1

I think it may be a screw not a nail so may be challenging to take it out.

I can make new holes at a distance of 1-2cm from existing holes which are unusable. But the chair legs are curved. The diameter will be different. I will need an extra buffer between the two pieces of timber that I are being screwed together. Could you please recommend a product?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57590#Comment_57590

Are you able to drill new holes right next to the stuck screw instead of moving 1–2cm away @st22? That might let you keep the same fixing position and avoid alignment issues with the curved legs. In terms of adding a buffer between the two pieces of timber, it would help to see some photos of the chair and where this buffer would go so we can suggest the most suitable product for your situation.

Mitchell

Nailbag

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57590#Comment_57590

Hi @st22

I would use a 1mm drill bit and make a series of continuous holes around the edge of the screw. Then pull it out with pointed pliers.

3/4 fill the hole with builders bog for strength and the rest with best matching wood filler. Once fully cured you should be able to use the same hole location for the new screw.

Nailbag.

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