Removing nails from wing

[mitchb]

About to finally start taking my DC-65 project apart, the wings need to be completely disassembled and re-done, I'm an AP/IA, but have little experience with full size woodwork. (built plenty of rc models) What is good trick to get the nails out of ribs/spar without damaging the sheeting? I have heard about heat and a thin metal scraper to get them loose.

Thanks,
Mitch

[Robert Lees]

Mitch: perhaps the attached photo might help? This is what I found a great help on my BC-12D for nail removal.
I know very little about DC-65 models.

I take my hat off to you that you acknowledge your experience limitations. You are a credit to your profession.

[3Dreaming]

Beyond what Rob suggested place a thin putty knife between the puller and the wood you are levering against.

[mike lutz]

I used a tool like that and ground the back side down some so it wasn't so thick. Made a difference getting under the nail head. Also, the nail heads that broke off I used a tiny pair of side cuts and pulled the broken shank out. Another thing I found useful was to take a putty knife and after the nail was out, put the putty knife under where the nail pierced the aluminum piece and take a small hammer and flatten the metal where it was pierced. Helps in removal and doesn't scratch the wood up during rib removal. (metal ribs).

[Scott]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAA5xWbzuoP8mMTSM7WIv3PtTZJN1MwaxujUCueU49je7By0fSnmg1DNTO38sOW2aGPZSnEtqGyP92Mr4HClisQ_ojyITUrkmlx057HqMfr3aHpJ_M6mFFehHjpjVOqcgR2xLdPX3gu8/s1600/DSCN2692.JPG

These are Snapon
with the right pressure they will grab the head of the nail, then rock backwards to lever it out.
S