To keep my toolbelt lightweight, I pare it down to essential tools that are only as large as they need to be for the job. However, sometimes bigger is better. That is the case with the Shark Corp. 14 ⅛-inch nail puller—a tool that eclipses smaller cat’s paws and has earned a permanent place in my demo and framing rig.

Much of the tool’s utility comes from its shape. The sharp teeth and flat grind on the inside of the paw dig into wood with ease, and the tapered notch grips a slightly proud nail without needing to be set with a hammer. In addition, the acute angle on the notch lets the tool pull an entire spectrum of fasteners, from 18-gauge finish nails to 4-inch spikes. Finally, the curve along the head of the tool enables a smooth, easy pulling motion. All these details add up to suit the tool for a wide range of situations.

Then, these characteristics are supercharged by the tool’s size. At 14 ⅛ inches, the Shark has all the leverage I need to pull or pry anything that doesn’t require a wrecker bar. While this does result in a heavier tool, I have been able to leave my Wonderbar in my toolbox since acquiring the Shark, which frees me up to carry one tool to do what I previously needed several to accomplish. The thick handle is stiff and transmits force well. When in the past, for example, I might have struggled to pull apart a double top plate using smaller or flatter pry bars, I now simply drive the pointy end of the Shark between the plates, using its size and heft to wedge the plates open enough to cut the nails.

The nail puller’s size is especially an advantage when I’m pulling a lot of nails. Its length allows me to pull them significantly faster because I don’t need to switch to a hammer to deal with the stubborn ones. Rather than using a cat’s paw to pull a nail up, then switching to a hammer claw for leverage, I can pull it in one swift sequence with the Shark.

Set, hit, pull, repeat speeds up the task. And the comfort of knowing my fingers are good and clear, far away from where the hammer hits the tool, lets me hit with force. Although, the Shark’s shape means the weight of a falling hammer alone is often enough to capture a nail.

With the set, hit, pull rhythm, I can pull nails out of a subfloor with speed and ease. I pulled a few hundred nails the other day, and I could barely count on two hands the number that needed another tap or pull. At around $25, this tool is a must-have. sharkcorp.com

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