Nail Cutter for siding....other than a chisel

A carbide tipped chisel, if it exists, would chip badly when encountering a nail. Use a Sawzall and a fine tooth blade. Milwaukee's "The Torch" blade works great.

Dave

Watch the line wrap:

-Leuf

Agreed, a reciprocating saw and a fine tooth blade is faster than you think. I would also add that it would probably not cause as much damage as a chisel or a straight end of a cat's paw pry bar.

Tom in KY, That is, IF you have a recipro-saw available. If not, maybe a Stanley mini Wonderbar?

for finish nails a good stiff putty knife driven in will either cut or drive out sideways. it mungs up the edge, so don't use your grandfather's heirloom putty knife, but the technique works.for bigger nails, pry up a bit and use the sawzall like Dave sez.

HEH HEH... I just "saw" this while studying the net for my latest post, a Disston # 240 Nail Cutting Saw on this page:

You're wrong. A standard steel chisel will work better than carbide, because carbide is brittle and chips. You might also want to think about sticking some hacksaw blade handles, and some blades, in your tool box or drawer. Those will work best, take jus a few strokes per nail, and do almost no damage to the side. Similar handles are available for recip saw blades, which are sturdier.

Prybar: not a crowbar, a prybar. Perfect for the job.

Yes, there was an old tool that was flat with a hook and notch to cut siding & shingle nails. The bottom end had a right angle bend that could be hammered to hook and cut the nail. Haven't seen one for a long time but your local blacksmith [Welding Shop?] could whup one out in a fer minutes. Bugs

siding to cut the nails, other than a chisel? ...

I've used a reciprocating saw with a Porter-Cable #12466 Blade -- 18 TPI "Nail Embeded Wood". It's long enougn and it will flex enough tor you to cut the nails behind the siding. I'm sure other brands have comprable blades.

Thanks all. I will definitely not repeat the unpardonable sin of not having a hacksaw or recip saw with me on a jobsite. I may check out that shingle ripper too. Heck I might clean up my beater chisel for next time as well!

JP