Tips For Removing Carpet Tacks, Nails And Staples
When you remodel a room one of the most common tasks is taking up the old carpet. While this task may seem like an easy project it is actually very labor intensive. This is because you have to remove hundreds or even thousands of nails, staples and tacks that were used to keep the carpet pad and the edges of the carpet secured to the subfloor. If you are tackling this project on your own then there are tips that will help you remove these items quickly.
Tip #1 – Use a Nail Rake
One tool that can help you remove a lot of the staples, nails and tacks that have raised heads is to use a nail rake. This tool is commonly used for removing roofing material. To use it you will slid it along the subfloor until it catches on a nail or staple. Then you will bang the back of the rack with a hammer to scoop up the securing device and pull it from the subfloor.
Tip #2 – Use a Hammer Claw
Another tool that you can use to remove nails and other securing devices from your subfloor is the claw end of your hammer. This option will only work for the nails and tacks that have a flat head that can be caught in the claw of your hammer, and for securing devices that are in an area where you can reach with the hammer’s claw. To use this tool you will catch the nail in the claw of the hammer and then pull the hammer’s handle forward to lever out the nail.
Tip #3 – Use a Screwdriver
If you are trying to remove the tacking strips for your carpet then you can use a screwdriver and a hammer to pry it up. To start with you will position your flat head screwdriver under the edge of the tacking strip. Then you will hit the end of the screwdriver with the hammer to force the flat head under the tacking strip. Then you can pull the handle of the screwdriver up to pry the tacking strip up. For the best results try to pry the tacking strip up next to the nails that are securing the strip to the subfloor. You can also use a crowbar for this task.
Tip #4 – Use a Strong Magnet to Pick Up Debris
Once your carpet is up you will be able to see just how many nails, staples and tacks were used to secure your carpet to the subfloor. After you have removed all of these items you will need to pick them all up and dispose of them properly. An easy way to do this is to use a strong magnet to pick everything up. Just run the magnet over the subfloor and it will pick up everything that is metallic.
But if you are busy and don’t have time to do this project, you may hire upholstery cleaning near me to help you out.
