What Will Cut Through Nails Or Screws?

Sometimes you may need to remove old, rusty screws or nails that do not have a proper head anymore to get them out.

Then, the only option to remove nails or screws is to work with some power tools—like a reciprocating saw, which is ideal for demolition and fast metal cuts.

Whether you’re cleaning up an old deck, hacking through a misfired DIY project, or just dealing with mystery fasteners in a renovation, there are plenty of tools, manual and powered, that’ll slice through nails or screws like a hot knife through butter. Here’s how to pick the right weapon and get the job done without losing your temper (or a finger).

Snipping

When a nail or screw head is poking out and you just need it gone, snipping is often the simplest fix. Two trusty tools can get you there.

Wire Cutters

The everyday wire cutter is perfect for smaller nails and screws. Look for cutters with beveled blades, also called anvil cutters, that cut as the blades strike together. They require less effort and give a cleaner cut.

Go long and choose a cutter with long handles for extra leverage and power.
Mind the belt, the trade-off is bulk. These cutters aren’t exactly pocket-sized, so plan your access before you start.

When using wire cutters, position the jaws so they bite as close as possible to the pivot point, that’s where you’ll get the maximum force. If the fastener is embedded in wood or another surface, you might need to chisel a little space to seat the blades properly.

Bolt Cutters

For heavy-duty fasteners, bolt cutters are the big guns. They’re basically wire cutters on steroids, long handles, massive jaws, and the leverage to slice through thicker screws and nails.

Bolt cutters excel when you need serious force, think large-diameter screws, stubborn bolts, or nails that refuse to budge. The downside? Their size. You’ll need enough clearance to swing those long handles and position the jaws.

Pro tip: Always seat the fastener deep near the pivot of the jaws. That’s where the cutting power is strongest.

Sawing

Snipping works for protruding fasteners, but when you need to cut through nails or screws that hold two materials together, sawing is the way to go.

Reciprocating Saws

Also known as Sawzalls, reciprocating saws are the go-to sawing tools for cutting screws and nails that are used on construction sites. You can also find them on demolition sites.

Reciprocating saws can cut almost any size and diameter of fastener—especially when equipped with the best metal-cutting blades designed for nails and screws.

Thanks to the design, you can insert them into a small space around the screw or nail, and ensure the tool is fastened to a solid surface.

This will reduce vibration and makes the cutting much more effective.

Jigsaws

A jigsaw works in a similar way but needs a solid surface to rest on and a blade hanging over the edge. It’s more accurate than a reciprocating saw, but not as versatile. If you’re cutting a fastener flush against a surface and can keep the baseplate steady, a jigsaw delivers a neat, controlled cut.

Hacksaws

Think of a hacksaw as the manual cousin of a reciprocating saw. With a tensioned straight blade and sturdy frame, it slices through nails and screws when power tools aren’t practical. It’s slower and requires elbow grease, but sometimes the quiet approach is just right.

Keyhole Saws

When clearance is tight, a keyhole saw (or compass saw) is your friend. Its pointed blade can reach into spaces where bigger saws can’t go, making it ideal for trimming nails or screws in awkward corners.

Grinding

When you’re dealing with thick metal or need a perfectly flush finish, grinding tools give you both power and precision.

Angle Grinders

The angle grinder is the heavyweight champ of metal cutting. Fitted with a diamond or metal-cutting wheel, it makes quick work of screws, bolts and nails of any diameter. Its compact size lets you maneuver into tight spaces, while the 4.5-inch blade cuts cleanly through even the beefiest fasteners.

Oscillating Tool

An oscillating multi-tool is like a Swiss Army knife for tradies. With the right metal-cutting blade, it slices through nails and screws, sands surfaces, and even tackles tricky flush cuts. It’s especially handy in tight spots where you can’t fit a grinder or saw.

Pro Tips For Cleaner, Safer Cuts

Use the right blade. For metal, always choose a metal-cutting blade with at least 10 TPI.
Make sure to lubricate, a squirt of cutting oil reduces friction and extends blade life.
Secure your work and clamp materials or brace the tool’s shoe to cut vibration and avoid wandering blades.
Protect yourself. Goggles and gloves are non-negotiable when cutting metal. Sparks and shards don’t care how tough you are.
Finally, work slowly. Let the tool do the work. Forcing a blade through metal just creates heat and wears it out faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which blade should you use for cutting through nails?Use a metal-cutting blade, not a wood blade, with a minimum of 10 TPI. Coated blades or those designed for metal last longer and cut cleaner.

Can I cut through nails with a circular saw?Yes, if it’s fitted with a metal-cutting blade. But reciprocating saws and grinders are easier to control and safer for this job.

Bolt cutters vs. hacksaw, what’s better?Bolt cutters are faster for thick, protruding nails or screws. A hacksaw is slower but better when space is tight and you need precision.

Final Thoughts

When you are looking to remove a nail or screw from wood, plastic or other surfaces, then you will need a power tool to either extract the fastener or cut through it.

All the tools we mentioned above cut through screws and nails effectively, as long as you use a specific blade that cuts through metal—and you’ll get the best results if you lubricate your saw blades properly to reduce wear and resistance.

You will also need to make sure that the blade has at least ten teeth.