How to remove skirt nails from solid wall?

[Mattatooi]

Simple question. Took old skirting off, and all the nails are attached to the solid wall. I would say skirt has been there since house was built in 1975.

Tried to remove with claw hammer, but they are not budging. Ideas?

 

[ladylola]

Probably better to simply snap them off , trying to pull them out could cause more damage than is necessary and I assume you will be replacing the skirting so they will be covered up.

 

[KenGMac]

Agree with last post.

Use a hammer and tap left / right the nail will shear at the surface of the wall, after a few taps.

Caution, if the nail is a masonry nail? these can shear violently and fly off at speed in unexpected directions

 

[Mattatooi]

Thanks. Just snapping them off was best way.