Remove Tack Strips

What happens in this clip

Using a pry bar, gently pry up each tack strip from the floor. Start at one end of a strip and work your way along, being careful not to damage the hardwood underneath. The nails in these strips are very sharp, so always wear heavy-duty work gloves. Once a strip is loosened, pull it completely off the floor. Collect all removed tack strips and dispose of them safely, as they pose a significant hazard.

Goal: Carefully remove the wooden tack strips, embedded with sharp nails, from the perimeter of all rooms and stairs using a pry bar or specialized tack strip remover.

What's used

Tools

• Heavy-Duty Work Gloves
• Pry Bar
• Safety Glasses
• Trash Can

About the full video

This project details the systematic removal of old carpet, padding, tack strips, and shoe molding to prepare underlying hardwood floors for refinishing. The process involves techniques for efficiently removing carpet, dealing with stubborn padding, and carefully extracting fasteners from the floor and walls.

Step 6 of 9: Remove Tack Strips

Using a pry bar or pliers, grip each tack strip and pull it upwards, removing the nails from the wood. Work across each stair tread and riser. Be cautious of the sharp pins on the strips.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Remove Old Carpet from Stairs

1. Step 1: Secure the Area

   • 0:55–1:00 Prepare and Protect Adjacent Areas
   • 0:55–1:00 Seal Off Entryways
   • 0:26–0:34 Mask and Protect Surrounding Areas

2. Step 2: Loosen Carpet Edges

   • 0:58–1:33 Loosen Carpet from Tack Strips
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

3. Step 3: Pull Carpet Up and Away

   • 0:21–0:50 Remove the Carpet
   • 0:58–3:40 Cut and Remove Main Carpet Sections
   • 0:44–2:00 Remove Old Carpet

4. Step 4: Remove Carpet Backing

   • 3:40–4:20 Remove Carpet Underpad
   • 0:02–0:09 Remove Carpet and Padding
   • 0:40–1:09 Remove Carpet Pad and Tack Strips

5. Step 5: Remove Padding

   • 2:46–3:43 Remove Carpet Padding
   • 1:00–1:25 Remove Carpet Pad
   • 1:33–1:40 Remove Carpet Padding

6. Step 6: Remove Tack Strips

   • 4:56–5:35 Remove Tack Strips (this video)
   • 0:31–0:55 Remove Tack Strips and Staples
   • 1:02–1:12 Remove Tack Strips

7. Step 7: Clean Stair Treads and Risers

   • 0:14–0:23 Initial Cleanup and Debris Removal
   • 0:23–0:26 Clean and Prepare Stairs for Finishing
   • 1:49–2:08 Clean Up Debris

8. Step 8: Inspect and Repair Stairs

   • 0:55–1:21 Apply Wood Filler to Blemishes
   • 7:20–7:30 Final Touches and Cleanup
   • 0:07–0:25 Inspect and Fill Imperfections

9. Step 9: Dispose of Materials

   • 1:07–1:12 Bag Carpet Sections
   • 7:37–8:39 Roll Padding with Tack Strips for Disposal
   • 3:46–3:50 Dispose of Carpet Debris