I just use a simple mini-prybar that my stepdad had, not to mention a lot of trial and error . I try to chip away a little of the wood around the head of the nail with the corner of the bar before I pull, but mostly to no avail.

Most of the nails DO come out bent, but I try to get the ones I can somewhat straight again. The ones deemed a "lost cause" (and there are plenty!) go into an empty Pirouline can and then to my buddy who scraps metal when it's full.

These nails are obviously used for the little projects and not for house renovations at all, like the time I needed to put together a small shelf for the basement cheaply and quickly. I haven't done the pallets as much lately (especially with the heat of the summer, making this task an extra pain), but I still strip the office chairs for the parts. They're MUCH easier than the pallets, LOL.

And is everyone wearing their safety glasses/goggles when doing stuff like this? Just a little friendly reminder, you guys...

As a geologist, I usually have a magnet with me when doing field work. Of course, I also have two compasses and a GPS not to mention another compass in my survival kit, but still...

Even though I carry a magnet, I've never sat down with a needle and magnet to make a compass. This is an obvious gap in my education. For that matter, I also carry a couple of hand lenses and have never tried to start a fire with them. Time to get up to speed.

Back in my Scouting days I tried the magnet/needle/compass thingy, never could get it to work. First they said that if you gently place the needle on the surface of the water it will float on its own. I guess I am not all that gentle, 'cuz mine always ended up on the bottom of the container. Then they said to put the needle on a leaf and float that. Didn't work for me, it just floated along, never turning to the north...

Like this?

http://picasaweb.google.com/goatrider/Camping2006#4968861253703565330

Whoa! Nice, though I wouldn't want to map that outcrop; it's throw the Brunton off. We typically carry a swing magnet, AKA a pencil magnet:

https://minerox.com/index.cfm?fuseaction...FTOKEN=11410494

Agreed, the proper tools for the job is one of the things that marks a professional. Also saves a heck of a lot of time. EDC depends on your job - I'm in the field six-eight months out of the year (I'm sitting in a fly camp as I type) so I have my field gear with/on me more often than I do my keys or wallet.

When I'm not in the field, my EDC doesn't include a magnet but includes more germane items such as, lessee, maybe a flask.

Yelp, welcome to the fire newguy! You need to warn us gear-freaks before linking us to a new place to spend way too much money! Those leather cases on the mining equipment webstore where you got your mag. pencil look way too tempting.

-Blast

I forgot to say Welcome Newguy!!!

"I tried the magnet/needle/compass thingy, never could get it to work... mine always ended up on the bottom of the container."

You left out one tiny step: Wax the needle. That's what makes it float.

And be sure you only run the magnet in one direction on the needle, not back and forth.

Sue

Okay, so you're lost in the bush, you magnetize your needle, it floats happily and aligns itself with authority ... how do you know which is north-ish and which is south-ish?