Carpet layers and tile guys! Removing tack strips from concrete?

Question

I am in the process of installing laminate floor in a couple rooms in my house. I have done this several times in the past.

In my old house, a custom built home, the builder put the tack strips down with an adhesive and it worked great. When I wanted to remove them, I just had to pry them up and they didn't give me much trouble. But, in this house, they are all nailed into the concrete. I am having a heck of a time getting them out. Not to mention how much damage I am doing to the concrete. I know I can patch any of the deep holes with quickset concrete patch, but I would like to minimize the damage and save my hands from cuts and blisters as much as possible. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

if you use a prybar and hammer you can tap the pry bar under the nails and pry them out. its the only way to do it. the adhesive works good but they use it if the floor is a radiant heat and only if they are to lazy to hammer in the nails because the vibration does hurt the arm over time

Answer 2

your doing what needs to be done. No other way around it really. Use a sturdy putty knife or s***w driver and pry under the boards by the nails and just pop them up. Just use a self leveler when done this will close all the holes up.

Answer 3

If you plan to cover the floor then there is no need to worry about the floor. Get you some thick gloves and a wrecking bar and go to town. The laminate will cover what ever you mess up.

Answer 4

Can you not saw off the heads of the nails?And wear leather gloves?You won't need to worry too much about minor damage,it'll be covered with the laminate.