Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Tack Removal
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BobKerrigan
10-02-03, 10:10 PM
Just got into a house and we have removed the carpet to expose the hardwood below. The floors are in great condition with the exception of the tacks boards around the perimeter of the rooms and what appears to be staples used to hold down the carpet padding. Anybody have suggestions on the best way to remove these items without damaging the floor? The house will be empty for a month, so time is not an issue, I am more interested in doing this without damaging the floor. I appreciate any tips.
DIMMike
10-03-03, 06:58 AM
#1 get a pair of old pants that have a stain or hole, cause you are going to be spending a while on your behind. Wear shorts at your peril.
The "trick" in my experience is slow but steady.
I found 2 tools to be really useful for tacks and strips.
1. A small 4 inch or so prybar--nice because it has a nice smooth back that spreads the pressure so no gouges. The one I found at a wood workers store has a nail puller on the other end and is wide at the pry end.
(also good for baseboard removal)
2 a reversible pair of pliers with a broad end and a needle nose end which is good for staples.
For tackless, no two pieces in a row are going to act the same.
One will come up like a dream and the next one will seem glued down.
The ones which are a pain are the inch long ones.
One hint is to "clean" and area completely so you are not sliding your heine over something you missed.
PS put on some good music and get into a zen of pulling and vacuum often. Dust and sand comes out of all sorts of things you would never suspect.
The "trick" in my experience is slow but steady.
I found 2 tools to be really useful for tacks and strips.
1. A small 4 inch or so prybar--nice because it has a nice smooth back that spreads the pressure so no gouges. The one I found at a wood workers store has a nail puller on the other end and is wide at the pry end.
(also good for baseboard removal)
2 a reversible pair of pliers with a broad end and a needle nose end which is good for staples.
For tackless, no two pieces in a row are going to act the same.
One will come up like a dream and the next one will seem glued down.
The ones which are a pain are the inch long ones.
One hint is to "clean" and area completely so you are not sliding your heine over something you missed.
PS put on some good music and get into a zen of pulling and vacuum often. Dust and sand comes out of all sorts of things you would never suspect.
Evan M.
10-03-03, 09:19 AM
DIMMIKE, I think that was the most entertaining post on how to take staples out of a wood floor I have ever read!!
One thing that i do as well although it takes a little practice at not ruining the floor is using a thin flat head screwdriver and a hammer for the staples. Some staples are just too far in the wood to try to get out with needlnose. For these staples put the screwdriver along the middle edge of the staple holding it an an angle and GENTLY tap the screwdriver with the hammer. This will bend the staple at the miidle and usually pop it up enough to grab it with the needlenose. The key here is GENTLY as it can sometime damage the wood. I would recommend giving the floor a screen and coat after everything is up to freshen it up a bit. Good luck
One thing that i do as well although it takes a little practice at not ruining the floor is using a thin flat head screwdriver and a hammer for the staples. Some staples are just too far in the wood to try to get out with needlnose. For these staples put the screwdriver along the middle edge of the staple holding it an an angle and GENTLY tap the screwdriver with the hammer. This will bend the staple at the miidle and usually pop it up enough to grab it with the needlenose. The key here is GENTLY as it can sometime damage the wood. I would recommend giving the floor a screen and coat after everything is up to freshen it up a bit. Good luck