How do I get this giant sharp baseboard register out of my floor/wall?

Steven
by Steven

So I bought this ancient house from my wife's parents. It has a lot that needs updated. We are working on a nursery for our baby that is coming in just a couple of months. I have put literal weeks and thousands of dollars into this one room but one last thing is bugging me. These dang giant baseboard registers. I would love to tear it out of the wall and do a little sheet metal work. Cut a board in and fill the hole in the floor and put up a normal wall register. But I can't figure out how to get this thing out of the wall. I thought about getting my oscillating tool and cutting the sucker out but I really want that as a last resort. How do these things come out?

  12 answers
  • Steven Steven on Feb 20, 2020

    Hi thanks Betsy. It's a boy ! I've looked everywhere inside the thing and no screws holding it in there but I have not looked inside the holes. It will move if you kick it lol but will not pull apart anywhere I've found yet.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 20, 2020

    Hi! I have an idea (don't laugh, it happens). I remember seeing one of these many years ago and I think there are clips holding it in. Take a look at the one on this link. Personally, I hate clips like this, because the darn thing wiggles around but won't come out (but moves if you kick it).


    https://www.installerstore.com/Wall-Mounting-Clips-for-Victorian-and-Contemporary-Floor-Registers.html?mobile_mode=get_detailed_images

  • William William on Feb 21, 2020

    You may have to cut the drywall around it. There may be tabs that screw into studs on top.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 21, 2020

    This looks like 2 pieces, first is the outer frame and the inner is inserted into it, the inner is probably held in place by clips and the outer is screwed into the wall from the looks of it. I would start by trying to pry apart the inner from the outer, that should help you locate the clips. It appears there is some corrosion too, that might be a factor in the resistance. Let us know what it is and best to you.

  • Judy in Canton. Judy in Canton. on Feb 21, 2020

    Have you checked with a heating AC installer in your area that is familar with these? You don't want to lose use of that vent. Good luck with your new baby.

  • I agree with William. I'd cut the drywall around it as close as I could get and then see what you're dealing with.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Feb 21, 2020

    Hello. We have a similar situation in our kitchen and we had to build a drywall box around it. Sadly it was the only way to have the heating introduced to the main floor as our walls are cedar log cabin walls. I hope you find the perfect solution to solve your situation.

  • Rymea Rymea on Feb 22, 2020

    sledge hammer

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Feb 22, 2020

    Yes, expose the fasteners they used to tack it to the studs.

    You’ll need those studs for your new elbow & wall register.

  • Dee Dee on Feb 23, 2020

    I had a vent closed up by my AC guy. He had to reroute the vent so that the room got heat and AC. If you take it completely out without rerouting that room will not be climate controlled.

  • Jeremy Hoffpauir Jeremy Hoffpauir on Feb 27, 2020

    You need to reroute them to a different location.

  • Kaye Holt Burns Kaye Holt Burns on Sep 24, 2021

    Cover it with wood and bring it on up the wall, like a built-in bookcase or display case. It will be safe for baby when he or she starts climbing, due to being attached to wall..