a. Nail Pullers. Nail pullers (Figure 2-53) are used for removing nails, especially those that are driven flush or below the surface of wood. A nail puller has two jaws that set over the nailhead. Pressure is applied by a series of bows from the sleeve. The sleeve, which fits over the handle and slides up and down, is usually equipped with a guard to protect your hand from the sliding sleeve. The average length of a nail puller is 18 inches.

b. Wrecking Bars. Wrecking bars are usually made of forged, tempered steel. They are hexagonal in shape, with a curved, slotted neck for pulling large nails. The average length is 24 to 36 inches. They are used to dismantle and tear down wooden structures. A bar of the same type without a curved neck is called a pinch bar. It use is similar to that of a wrecking bar. Figure 2-54 shows the types of wrecking bars.