Q: I want to salvage some oak flooring from a house that is being torn down. What is the best approach to avoid splintering and cracking of the flooring. Tool, etc.?

A: I have a question: What is the original thickness of this flooring? If it is typical 3/8 strip flooring, then believe me when I say that it is not worth saving. Even under perfect conditions, you would be lucky to get away with sanding and refinishing this flooring 3 times. It has already been sanded at least once. To salvage and re install such a floor would require so much surface removal to make it flat and even, it would be at the limit of its wear surface. Now if this is a 3/4 thick floor, and has ample thickness from the top of the board to the top edge of the tongue and groove, then a simple pry bar and hammer are your primary weapons of assault. Don't forget your back brace and knee pads. And a bottle of Aspirin.