Nail-related wisdom sought

[undyingking]

Preparatory to moving we need to replace some skirting-board in the living-room. I've pulled the old board off, but the nails which were holding it are still embedded firmly in the wall and I can't work out how to get them out without pulling out large chunks of wall. But they're too flush for me to get a hacksaw in and cut them off. Or should I just make hollows in the back of the new board (which I'm going to be gluing on) to accommodate their heads? They're big old rectangular-cross-section things and look like they've been there for some time...

Comments

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

That sounds as though it might involve some screechy metal noises... I'm a bit scared of drills. Although open to persuasion that it's not as bad as I think, as I do actually have a drill but not either of the other suggested implements.

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

If you drill a hole right beside the nail on the side and on the bottom, you should be able to wiggle the nail out and then have an easily disguised neat hole rather than a big divet.

Wear goggles, though, as if bits of metal fly off the nail they are sharp.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

I have now done this, and yay! -- it worked just fine. Thanks!

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

I am the DIY guru ;o)