Crowbar or other tool to pull large spikes

[Kneetopia]

Last season I put up my wall tent in warmish conditions, only to have it turn to -20F the next day. The 8" and 12" spikes (large nails) flash froze into the ground. Three days later when I went to pull them, it was like pulling the sword from the stone. I just had my regular hammer which did not have a wide claw to "get around" the body/head of the nail.

Anyone have any particular tool that has a wider claw than the typical hammer or crow bar? I don't want to go through that again, I almost busted a nut on each spike, damn. There were thoughts of cutting grommets, baddddd.

I also will probably not pound them flush next time if there is the chance of it freezing!


Thanks!

 

[Bulldog0156]

My friend suggested a dent puller for fixing vehicle dents.

 

[MThuntr]

If you have enough sticking out, you could rig a small cable, chain, or rope around the spike and use a highlift jack to pull it out.

 

[Big Fin]

I've had it happen and it sucks. I know this sounds counter intuitive, but I've driven mine in about a 1/2 inch deeper, breaking the bond/ice that currently holds them in so tight. Then, I can pull them back out easier. Maybe it won't work in all situations, but it has worked pretty good for me.

 

[mtmiller]

If you have enough sticking out, you could rig a small cable, chain, or rope around the spike and use a highlift jack to pull it out.

Yep, handyman and chain.

 

[HighDesertSage]

I don't sink mine all the way because this has happened to me.

 

[idnative1948]

I didn't know you were old school. Pretty much the only way we have done it since we started out with dad.

I've had it happen and it sucks. I know this sounds counter intuitive, but I've driven mine in about a 1/2 inch deeper, breaking the bond/ice that currently holds them in so tight. Then, I can pull them back out easier. Maybe it won't work in all situations, but it has worked pretty good for me.

 

[Brittany Chukarman]

Leave enough up to get a little mini pipe wrench on the head. Gives you good leverage to get it to spin and break the bond. Old concrete man trick.

 

[jryoung]

Do you have an old mattock? Drill a hole through the adze end that just barely clears the head of your spikes/nails and use it as a lever. May require a 2x4 underneath to pivot off of.

 

[Corax]

I use a thing called a wonderbar - flat prybar used for prying and pulling nails. About $12.

 

[Kneetopia]

I've had it happen and it sucks. I know this sounds counter intuitive, but I've driven mine in about a 1/2 inch deeper, breaking the bond/ice that currently holds them in so tight. Then, I can pull them back out easier. Maybe it won't work in all situations, but it has worked pretty good for me.

Too bad it wasn't until the last couple spikes that I figured this little trick out. Maybe that is the only solution I need.

Keep'er simple I guess.

 

[roadhunter]

Switch to lag bolts and use a cordless impact to install/remove. Holds better and easier to remove.

 

[ckerner]

Heat

I have used a portable propane torch to soften up the ground. Or a weed burner end you can attach to your propane. Maybe? Just a thought.