How to Replace Hardwood Planks With a Chisel
- 1). Draw two lines about 1 inch apart down the center of the damaged board with a pencil and straight edge.
- 2). Chisel along both lines by pounding a sharp chisel into the wood with a hammer. Sink the chisel about 1/2-inch into both lines, dig out the wood between the lines, then chisel again and remove another 1/2-inch layer. Continue until the two halves of the board separate and there is a gap between them.
- 3). Chisel four short diagonal lines from each corner of the board to the center. You may have to chip away wood incrementally to allow the chisel to sink deeper. Carefully pry out each wedge that you create in this way when you have chiseled all the way through the wood.
- 4). Place the chisel blade on half of the board, angle the chisel away from the center and tap it to force the board toward the center. Lift it out when it unlocks from the adjacent board. Repeat with the other half. Vacuum out all the wood chips from the space created by the missing board.
- 5). Measure the length of the space with a tape measure and find a suitable replacement board. If you have to cut one, cut off the groove end and leave the tongue on the other end intact.
- 6). Turn the board over and lay it on the floor. Chisel off the bottom of the groove on the side and end of the board. If you had to cut off the groove end, make a rabbet, or notch, in the end with the chisel. The rabbet should be deep enough to fit over the tongue on the end of the adjacent board.
- 7). Cut away the moisture barrier in the space where you are installing the replacement board with a utility knife and spread construction adhesive on the subfloor with a putty knife. Fit the tongue on the end of the replacement into the groove on the board adjacent to it, then lower the replacement board in place. Set a weight on top to hold it down until the glue dries.
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