Prising planks apart

[lizwizz]

Can anyone suggest a way of getting 2 planks, which are very firmly nailed together, apart? I rescued them from a skip (with permission) but they are nailed together and the nails are bent over and embedded into the wood. I can't even get a saw in between the planks. I want to use them to make raised beds on my allotment. Thanks in anticipation.

[danchip]

try and use a screwdriver or opther such device to unbend the nails and then hammer them out

[lizwizz]

Thanks, I'll try that but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get underneath the nails with the screwdriver.

[dundurn]

I have an old broad-bladed chisel that has seen better days for jobs like this. The problem with a screwdriver is that you end up making quite deep, abrupt and not very pretty marks on the plank where the nails have been turned over. Another tip if you are using a claw hammer to pull the nails through, is to tap the nail quite a way through from the other side first and then put a small block of scrap wood between the hammer and the plank. Once again it limits the amount of damage you do,

[BatFastard]

Dynamite!

[FRISKA]

How about lying the planks on the floor and use a garden spade to lift the nails so you can then knock them back thro. Then use the spade to prise the planks apart...

[lizwizz]

Thanks, you've given me something to think about. Dundurn's idea definitely sounds a good option. Already tried the spade though Friska, but thanks anyway.

[alishalexy]

If you really can't get them apart still, which I bet you have already done so. Try drilling a tiny hole next to it to pull it out. One small hold should not matter! Last resort of course after trying everything else.