Remove Nails and Clean Stringers — Step 2: Prep and Clean the Stair Stringers
Part of project
Stair Tread Replacement · Step 2 of 5
In this video
After removing the old treads, address any remaining nails. Carefully pry out any exposed nails using a nail puller. Some nails may be brittle or rusted and break off; if they don't pry out, you can usually drive them all the way into the wood with a hammer. Once nails are dealt with, clean out any accumulated dirt, debris, or gunk that has collected around the stringers and in the spaces where the boards were. A 5-in-1 painter's tool is effective for carving out this buildup.
Remove Nails and Clean Stringers — Step 2: Prep and Clean the Stair Stringers
Part of project
Stair Tread Replacement · Step 2 of 5
In this video
After removing the old treads, address any remaining nails. Carefully pry out any exposed nails using a nail puller. Some nails may be brittle or rusted and break off; if they don't pry out, you can usually drive them all the way into the wood with a hammer. Once nails are dealt with, clean out any accumulated dirt, debris, or gunk that has collected around the stringers and in the spaces where the boards were. A 5-in-1 painter's tool is effective for carving out this buildup.