How To Get Nails Out Of Concrete Floor

Question

I am redoing the flooring in my basement and removed a built-in toy chest. I disassembled the chest and the floor 2x4'southward are attached to the cement with large nails. If I had to judge on judge I'd say around 0. I split the 2x4's and accept removed them, nevertheless I have been unable to remove these nails. I've tried hitting them from side to side with a hammer to loosen them, just after about xx minutes have no sign of them budging.

Is there a secret to removing these? I don't take an angle grinder and then I'chiliad hoping I tin remove them without having to cut them off.

Do you take a pry-bar? Put it on a flake of chip 2x4 for better leverage. — Sep twenty, 2012 at twenty:06
get a Dremel rotary tool (or something like) with some grinding discs and only cut them off. It's probably cheaper than a dedicated grinder — Sep 20, 2012 at 21:06
A large pry bar would exist the quickest, just y'all exercise hazard pulling up a clamper of the flooring with it. I'd advise wearing condom glasses with these since they are known to shatter. — Sep 20, 2012 at 21:22
One detail to consider if yous endeavour to pull them out is that the nails will likey fleck the surounding concrete and go out rather large holes. They can exist patched, simply I would recommend cutting/grinding them off to produce smooth results. — Sep 21, 2012 at 3:33
Whoever built that toy breast must have been worried near it getting upward and leaving the house. They very clearly wanted to ensure information technology would NEVER become anywhere. O_o — Sep 21, 2012 at 11:20

mikesmikes ten.9k ane aureate bluecoat eighteen argent badges 29 bronze badges · Accepted Answer · 2012-09-20 21:20:00Z

If you have acess to Dremel or other rotary tool you can use a cutoff /abrasive cycle attachment to cutting them off. They may have been inserted by a power tool that fires them in with a gunpowder charge. If this is the case prying them out will be difficult if not impossible. You could try a Sawzall but these blazon of fasteners are very difficult and you volition get through a lot of blades. Some type of cutting off cycle or grinder is the way to get. You lot may forgo the expense of ownership one by renting one. If y'all opt for the grinder you will be able to grind away a little of the concrete so the smash will be below grade. You can and so patch the low spots to level the finished surface. Be aware that any type of cutting bicycle y'all use will throw sparks and if you grind the concrete it volition generate losts of dust and then apply appropriate safe precautions.

This is another case of having the right tool for the job. I purchased an bending grinder and it worked perfectly, I had thought they'd be more than expensive but they are really reasonably priced. — Sep 21, 2012 at 17:08
@jon3laze Cheap ones that you may only use once or twice a twelvemonth are affordable. I would invest in a quality i though if you notice yourself using it more than than once a calendar month. — Sep 21, 2012 at 17:34
@maple_shaft I went with mid-level. I've never had employ for ane before, but I am sure I volition notice situations where it will come in handy. Besides I prefer my tools have cases, the cheaper ones only come in a cardboard box. :P — Sep 21, 2012 at 18:06