This issue’s tip is from David Green of Nicholasville, Ky.-based Town & Country Hardwood Floors LLC:
I use this technique to remove and reuse base when it’s installed with 18-gauge finish nails—all you need is a hammer, scoring knife and a flexible metal putty knife. Use the scoring knife at the top of the trim at a 45-degree angle to cut the caulking edge, helping reduce peeling. To find the nails, corners are a great place to start—slide your slightly sharpened metal putty knife down until you find one, and then one hit with the hammer should easily cut an 18-gauge nail. Make sure you hit the hammer at a safe angle to not damage the wall! Then carefully work your putty knife down behind the trim, flexing the trim out gently, to find your next nail. Keep a file on hand to trim any burrs off your putty knife.
Watch David Green demonstrate this tip here:
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