how do I remove tacking strips from hardwood flooring without too much damage?

Question

and what should I use to fill the holes?

Answer 1

The 2 links below give some suggestions: the first one gives a few thoughts on how to get the tack strips up without damaging the floor underneath and the 2nd one suggests filling the holes that are left with a colored wood filler that matches the floor. It also has other information about refinishing the floor, if you need it. Hope this information helps you -- good luck!!

Answer 2

First try to pry up the strip with a plastic putty knife. They're cheap so if you break it who cares and they won't gouge the floor. If you can pry up even just a hair then you can grab the nail with a pair of pliers and twist it out.

You want to pull the nails straight up. If you use a pry bar or claw hammer, you risk splintering the floor as you pull the nail up.

Fill in the holes with some wood putty before you sand and refinish the floor. Then slap the pudding out of whoever put carpeting over a perfectly good hardwood floor.

Answer 3

the best way that will not damage the floor is to go buy a " cat claw" ( LO WES) tUrn it so the claw stays on the wood and hold it up at a 45 deg angle, place the "V" on the claw on the head of the nail, tap the end of it with ur hammer, and the claw will dig into the wood and u can push down on the handle and the "V" will pull the nail up.......

u can also use a small 'flat bar" but stand a chance of small scratches on the floor......

get colored putty fill to fill the holes.


lic. gen. contractor

Answer 4

Been there, done that! Very carefully......by hand with small plyers or screwdriver.....leave holes as they are...in time you will not even notice them.