[longarm]

I need to cut about 8' of baseboard molding flush or al least within 1/8" of the existing hardwood flooring to install stone tile for an accent wall. Reason is that an additional 1/2" of sub floor was installed against existing baseboard before the remodel hardwood floor was installed. I have no doubt that the baseboard is nailed below floor level making it next to impossible to remove without damaging the floor. Any suggestions as to what kind of tool would give the best shot at doing this? Would one of those multi purpose saws allow me to cut that close to the existing floor? How about a jamb saw, would that allow a cut near to flush with the floor?

 

[Gymschu]

Oscillating tool is your best bet here although that's a lot of cutting. I'm sure at this point you wish you had pulled the baseboard before the subfloor was put down. The oscillating tool does a nice job on stuff like what you have. Just be patient with it. It doesn't cut real fast and you have to make sure you get a nice level, straight line cut. I guess you won't have to be too careful since your cut line will be covered by the edges of your floor tile.

 

[ChuckF.]

If you don't have an oscillating saw, this is a good excuse to buy one.

An electric jamb saw would work but you don't want to buy one for one job. Don't know if they can be rented. There are hand jamb saws but they are good for real door jambs, not so good for long straight sections.

 

[oh'mike]

I remove a lot of 'trapped' base moldings just using a painters tool and a hammer.

This is how--
cut the caulk at the top of the molding

drive the painters tool behind the base molding and pry out--

feel for the nails behind the molding--then set the tool onto the nail and pound with the hammer.

This will bend and pull the nail out of the molding.

Repeat as needed---pry up the loose base board and pull it out.

 

[Gymschu]

P.S. Don't forget to protect the floor with masking tape or cardboard as using the tool in the manner you describe could scratch the floor in the process............

 

[longarm]

Thanks for the suggestions. Never heard of a painter's tool until now. Gonna pick one up and try that technique. I'll pick up a cheap oscillating saw at HF too, have that in reserve.

 

[oh'mike]

Get a large one---painters tools are one of the best tools for trim work.

 

[longarm]

Thanks to all. Pried the top of the baseboard away from the wall and chopped down on the nails from behind as suggested. Pried the baseboard up and out, worked like a charm. Have a nice little oscillating saw now to boot, so it's all good. Came in handy to even out the molding at either end. Thanks again.

 

[oh'mike]

I'm glad it worked for you----and you will find plenty of uses for that multitool---

Save your old worn out blades--they are useful when removing hard dried exterior caulk.