How to Get Carpet Off Tacking

Whether you're removing carpet from tacking to repair the flooring underneath or are completely tearing out the carpeting in the room, the job can be done by anyone even if they have no prior home improvement experience. Carpeting can be heavy, so it's best to do the job with an assistant to make the job easier. If the carpet is excessively dirty or old, it's a good idea to give it a quick vacuum before starting, because pulling up the carpet can easily release any dirt and debris that's accumulated in the fibers.

Goggles
Work gloves
Pliers
Assistant (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Clear the area where you'll be working so there aren't any objects in your way. If you're removing the carpeting in the entire room, you'll want all of the furniture to be placed in another room so it is out of the way.
- 2
  Put on safety goggles and work gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
- 3
  Start in one corner of the room, and pull up the carpet in that corner by using the pliers to firmly grip the edge of the carpet and pull it upward, which will separate the corner of the carpet from the tacking.
- 4
  Grip the edge of the pulled-up carpet with your hands and slowly pull up on the carpet.
- 5
  Pull the edge of the carpet back so it is at least 1 foot away from the wall and fold it over toward the middle of the room. This will prevent the carpet from hitting the tack strip and getting stuck on it again.
- 6
  Work your way around the room from one corner to the other until you have finished the job.

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