Comments on: A Trim Trick from Pete

By: Steve S.

Steve S. — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:07:02 +0000

I use a regular prybay sharpening the end the same way with a stick but in addition to that I use a 1 1/2″ wood chisel. The angle of the chisel and the sharpness of the tip gets behind even the most difficult trim and allows me to get enough clearance to start using my prybar. Everywhere there is a nail I pry just a little with the chisel and the nails come out pretty easy without damaging the wall or the trim most of the time the nails come right out. Once in a while the trim will pull off the nail because it is in a knot in the wood. I cut the head of the nail off and use a reversible drill to remove the nail and it leaves no marks other than the original nail hole.

By: Gene MacLean

Gene MacLean — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:43:37 +0000

Great tip about the mini pry bar. I’ve always had trouble when removing casing. I’ll stop at Lowe’s and get one. Thanks for the tip.

Gene in Idaho

By: John Burton

John Burton — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:19:16 +0000

What a great idea.You’re a genius Patrick!

John from Downunder

By: parick scally

parick scally — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:20:45 +0000

Changing router bits, ever wish you had a third hand? Take one small rubber ‘O’ ring place it over the shank of the bit, roll it down to the height required, drop the bit into the chuck of the router, now you have both hands free to tighten down.
Cheers from Brit land.

By: Jim in CT

Jim in CT — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:34:18 +0000

I have been out of the trade for many years, but my favorite tool is a “Wonderbar”, I believe it made by HYDE tools; there is a scraper edge on one end and a flat edge on the other approx. 1-1/2″ wide. Absolutely the best for removing trim, etc. I like the paint stick trick from Pete and agree with Norm in NC, I always remove the nails from the backside (tip from Dad many years ago) with a pair of pliers or similar instrument.

Thanks for sharing.

By: Newt In DeKalb

Newt In DeKalb — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:54:01 +0000

I will try this. I use to turn my trim piece, up side down, on a soft piece of wood, then I would hit the nail, starting it back out the original hole. That way, it didn’t splinter and I could reuse the same nail hole. I am new on here, and enjoy all the information. Thanks.

By: Norm In NC

Norm In NC — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:28:07 +0000

Most professionals know this but it doesn’t hurt to repeat it for the up and comers or the home handy men. After you have removed trim that you intend to reuse make sure you pull the nails out thru the back so you don’t harm the exposed side. A pair of bull nosed pliers does a real good job because of it’s shape. You can grab the nails and then pull them out similair to pulling nails with a claw hammer.

By: Mike VZ

Mike VZ — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:49:20 +0000

Hello all.

Great idea with the mini bar. Another VERY useful tool in that department that can also be used for trim removal is a “9 in 1″ painters tool. I have sharpened the edges on mine and use it for many, many things when doing finish work.

By: Chris Marshall

Chris Marshall — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:29:30 +0000

Alaska Bill,

Glad you like Pete’s trick! Let us know how the pry bar works out for your project.

Chris

By: Alaska Bill

Alaska Bill — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:15:28 +0000

WOW! Just in time I”m having contractors install 3 new vinyl bedroom windows this Thursday! They are doing the brick trim outside I’ll be doing all interior work and I’m going to reuse my mahagony casing trim over white casing. Wife’s request not mine. Thanks gotta go to Lowes! Ha! Ha! allready have the pry bar just need to flip over the belt sander and lock it the vise. Keep up the great carpentry tips and I’ll share a few of mine later on