Cutting the Baseboard

• 1). Measure the piece to be cut carefully. This is one mis-cut that will be difficult to recover from gracefully. Place a strip of masking tape in the area that the cut is to be made. Press it down smoothly. Mark the line of the cut on top of the tape all the way across the face of the molding using a quick square and a pencil.
  
  
• 2). Use a sawzall or other reciprocating saw with a sharp, fine-tooth blade to make the cut. Double check to be sure that the blade is tight. Typically the blade can be tightened with an allen wrench or hex key. Some saws might have thumb screw type fasteners, and others clip into place. Consult the tool manual if you are unsure of how to tighten the blade.
  
  
• 3). Place a piece of 4- by 4-inch lumber on the floor in front of the baseboard to be cut. Position it to provide a rest and pivot point for making the cut. Place the saw in position and run the blade over the line while it is unplugged to make sure of the position.
  
  
• 4). Sit flat on the floor or kneel. Support the saw with both hands. Start the blade and let it reach full speed before tipping it into the top of the molding. Hold the saw firmly, and be prepared for the saw to bounce back. If the saw gets away from you, or feels like it will, do not wrestle it. Simply release the trigger, allow it to stop, and reposition the saw before resuming the cut.
  
  
• 5). Move the blade smoothly and steadily down the line. As it approaches the floor, be aware of where the front end of the blade is. Leave a tiny bit uncut, less than 1/8 inch if possible. Use a hammer and sharp wood chisel to cut the remaining bit. If the top edge of the baseboard to be removed is caulked or painted, cut along that line with a utility knife before prying the molding gently from the wall.
  
  
• 6). Use painters caulk to fill the slice, if any, in the drywall. Smooth it with the tip of a damp finger. Remove the tape, and lightly sand the cut edge with a fine-grit sand paper. If the edge will be seen, use a small artist's brush to apply a coat of touchup paint to the raw wood.