Removing Skirting Boards

[steveD53]

I need to remove old skirting boards without damage if possible, they are approximately 300mm deep (old victorian style house). Would a slaters ripper help or would it be better to hacksaw through the nails? Are there better ways to remove with less chances of damage?

[welsh brickie]

use a reciprocating saw to cut the nails,if you need to remove the nails from the skirting then use a crowbar and pull them through the back not the front.

[toptips]

If there are any nails left in the skirting after its removed from the wall i cut them flush at the back of the skirting with a small angle grinder,do the same with arc.