A hammer-head (9) comprising an optimally designed set of nail extraction claws (8) oriented at a predetermined tangency angle relative to an anvil (4). The hammer-head (9) is used with an integral or removable handle (28) to minimize the forces required in extraction of nails by such tools as a common hammer, crowbar, or lever with a stationary or movable fulcrum point. An optimization methodology based on minimization of the nail extraction energy is implemented in an algorithm for the synthesis of the optimal shape of the claws. A second optimization methodology based on minimization of extraction forces is also implemented in a companion algorithm. Boundary conditions, constraints, constitutive models, and governing equations for this design methodology are derived from the length of the nails and the engagement conditions between the nail, the board, and the hammer. An optimum claw contour (1) is designed.
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