Lee Valley Cat’s Paws

A cat’s paw is a versatile bar for pulling and driving nails.

The straight end is used to start removing the nail and the “cat’s paw” is used to finish the job. The back of the paw is flat so that the paw can be driven under a reluctant nail with a hammer, or it can be used as a hammer itself.

The 6″ cat’s paw is a standard item in any Japanese woodworker’s tool chest. The 10 1/2″ model is more of a box tool — used for opening or closing wooden crates, or for general dismantling work. The 14″ model is for heavier work.

They are all forged steel and well made. They range in weight from 4 oz for the 6″ model to 25 oz for the 14″ model.

Made in Japan.