Many thanks!
Removing Carpet Tack Strips
I am removing carpet from a dining room to install laminate flooring. I have pulled back the carpet and pad and everything is coming up easily. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the best way to remove the little tack strips that are nailed to the concrete securing the carpet. I have a hammer and chisel but I am hoping that there is an easier way to remove this material.
Dear Town,
The best way I've found is to use either a flat shovel or an ice chopper. Jam it under the strips and lift. Caution!!!! Those ****ers are sharp!!!! Use gloves to handle the tack strips and for goodness sake watch where you kneel!!! I knelt on one of those @#$%^&&*( things and it stayed with me and hurt like h e double hockey sticks. Also look out for left over razor blades that some idiots leave in the padding.
Good Luck,
Len
The best way I've found is to use either a flat shovel or an ice chopper. Jam it under the strips and lift. Caution!!!! Those ****ers are sharp!!!! Use gloves to handle the tack strips and for goodness sake watch where you kneel!!! I knelt on one of those @#$%^&&*( things and it stayed with me and hurt like h e double hockey sticks. Also look out for left over razor blades that some idiots leave in the padding.
Good Luck,
Len
Hammer and a wonder bar (flat crowbar) is how I have done it. I have tried alternatives so as to prevent chipping, but they were not strong enough to lift the nails out of the cement. The nails are shot in the concrete with a gun, and designed to hold strong enough such that you will need to chip the concrete to get it out. Otherwise, they would not hold the carpet in place.
Nonetheless, a hammer and a wonder bar suffices.