I need to remove (and reuse) the current wood floor molding after I remove the current carpet and replace it with tile... Would appreciate any suggestions/ techniques on how to remove the molding without breaking/cracking it...

Thanks..

 

I like to start about a foot from one end and slide a 5-in-1 painter's tool behind the trim and SLOWLY wiggle it until the trim starts to separate from the wall. Don't try to get it all the way off in 1 spot - once it gives, slide the tool down to the next nail and gently pry. Once a couple nails pop loose it'll get easier as you move along. Sometimes it helps to use a putty knife as well, especially getting it started.

Take it nice and easy - if you hear a pop or crack, stop. It might just be the nail popping out of the wall, but if you overdo it it can split the trim. Patience is your friend here.

I like to take a 4 or 6 inch putty knife to sandwich between the prying tool and the wall to prevent wall damage.

When the moulding is off, pull the nails through from the back - don't try to hammer them back out the way they went in. Vise grips on the nail and a rolling motion works well, instead of trying to pull them straight out.

Also not a bad idea to take a sharp utility knife and score where the moulding meets the wall - there is usually paint overlap and this will prevent you from peeling paint off the wall when the moulding comes off. If the moulding is caulked to the wall you'll want to score that as well.

 

If the baseboard or shoe mold is painted you need to take a utility knife and cut the caulk first.