How to Remove Linoleum With a Reciprocating Saw
- 1). Remove the trim along the bottom of the walls over the linoleum floor using a pry bar.
- 2). Place a paddle bit into a drill and tighten the chuck to hold the bit in place while drilling. Select a paddle bit that is larger than the blade of your reciprocating saw.
- 3). Put on eye protection and a dust mask.
- 4). Drill a hole through the plywood subfloor under the linoleum in every corner of the room. This allows you to cut out the plywood subfloor without having to stop.
- 5). Insert the blade of your reciprocating saw into one of the holes you drilled and cut along the wall, from one end to the other. Then cut from the end of the first wall to the next wall.
- 6). Continue cutting the plywood subfloor all the way around the room.
- 7). Slip a pry bar under one side of the plywood subfloor where you made a cut and begin to pry up the plywood subfloor with the linoleum still glued. Once the plywood subfloor is pried up, you can cut new plywood to cover the floor joists and lay new linoleum, tile or carpet.
