lifting floor boards

spen36 · Post by **spen36** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:51 pm

Hello, and thanks for any advise that may be forthcoming..
I have the complete groundfloor of my 1930's semi to lift and clean and then those that don't have too much woodworm to re-lay.
I wonder if you could offer any advice?
Firstly, getting the things up easily, as this is proving to be more of a problem than i thought...!

spen36 · Post by **spen36** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:09 pm

this seems to be a very ydifficult thing to do, or is it just me???
every time i manage to get one up, i just break the tongue???
help, please....!!

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:16 pm

Take the nails up first. Then you just slide them apart.

spen36 · Post by **spen36** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:26 pm

Hello Phil...
Silly question, but how do i get the nails up without breaking the tongue and groove??
Rich

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:39 pm

Is it nailed through the edges?

Any chance of some photos?

spen36 · Post by **spen36** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:01 pm

No, they are just nailed straight in the middle of the boards. I'll attach a couple of photo's.

spen36 · Post by **spen36** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:27 pm

Photo's... i don't know if you can see the nails but they are not through the edge, just 2 each in the middle..
Thanks again

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:57 pm

how-to-post-photo-s-t9415.html

If they are nailed in the middle of the boards then you should be able to lift the nails without breaking the edges. Use a handy bar to get under the nail head and then prise them proud with a pair of pincers. Then you can get a wrecking bar or a claw hammer onto the nails to get them out.

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:07 pm

With T&G boards you have to remove the fixing first as Geewizz has said
Not the easiest of jobs without the right tool

1930s property, boards will probably bee fixed with floor brads or cut nails

What your going to need is a nail puller, the one in the picture is top of
the range but there are cheaper models about

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:18 pm

I use fencing pliers but I suggested pincers as something more commonly found in a toolbox.

I like the look of that grappling iron you posted there, Tryanything. I must get myself one of those even if it's just for show.

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:32 pm

Geewizz wrote:I use fencing pliers but I suggested pincers as something more commonly found in a toolbox.

I like the look of that grappling iron you posted there, Tryanything. I must get myself one of those even if it's just for show.

Geewizz l can pull 3" screws with that baby
I think considering the number of nails involved a nail puller would be 10
times quicker than any other method

Geewizz · Post by **Geewizz** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:59 pm

Oh, I agree. I didn't mean to cast doubt on your choice of tool or a challenge to it, though I cn see how my post could be interpreted that way. The two paragraphs were supposed to be read quite seperately. I meant that the nail puller looked quite gruesome and would make a good addition to my tool collection for its aesthetic appeal. let alone its pulling power.

lockie · Post by **lockie** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:07 pm

Why not run a circular saw along one of the boards to cut the tongue then lift that one up.Now proceed as the others have mentioned as you can get under the board to raise the nails a little.

Tryanything · Post by **Tryanything** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:03 pm

Alls cool Geewizz no problemo

I never read it as a doubt or a challenge:thumbright:

Gadget · Post by **Gadget** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:22 pm

Geewizz wrote:Oh, I agree. I didn't mean to cast doubt on your choice of tool or a challenge to it, though I cn see how my post could be interpreted that way. The two paragraphs were supposed to be read quite seperately. I meant that the nail puller looked quite gruesome and would make a good addition to my tool collection for its aesthetic appeal. let alone its pulling power.

In my youth I used to wear Old Spice for 'pulling power'