Can't Put Baseboard Covers Back Properly

[debodun]

I am in the process of cleaning my baseboards. Yesterday morning I did one in the living room. It's fairly long and when I snappd it out, I found it was in two secrions. Matter as I might, I just couldn't get them to seat properly again when I tried to put them back on the baseboard.

 

[Moon Rat]

I am in the process of cleaning my baseboards. Yesterday morning I did one in the living room. It's fairly long and when I snappd it out, I found it was in two secrions. Matter as I might, I just couldn't get them to seat properly again when I tried to put them back on the baseboard.

Why? Too tight? What seems to be the issue?

 

[bingo]

missing the dirt now...they like dirt..sticks them together

 

[debodun]

Why? Too tight? What seems to be the issue?

I can't get the end caps back on properly. Today I tried to get the cover off the one in the dining area. That's one that has a corner piece. I couldn't budge the caps.

 

[Pepper]

Cleaning BEHIND baseboards? I never heard of such a thing! The dirt I can see is bad enough without looking for more! I admire your energy.

 

[debodun]

I wanted to expose the heating element and vacuum the tops, sides and underneath. I theorize my house is so dusty because the elements are dirty.

 

[Georgiagranny]

Sorry, @debodun. My mother and grandmother would both have said it's because you're not holding your mouth right. Unfortunately, neither of them told me the right way before they died.

 

[NorthernLight]

Oh, you're talking about baseboard *heaters*?

 

[debodun]

Did you think I meant molding? My heaters look very similar to this:

 

[NorthernLight]

Yes, I thought you meant molding, which we call baseboards.

My "baseboard heater" looks the same as yours!

 

[debodun]

I just can seem to get the hang of removing the end caps and corner pieces.

 

[NorthernLight]

Yes, they are tricky. Mine are wonky, perhaps permanently. Good luck.

 

[Knight]

Try snapping them together off the wall. That might make it possible for you to see why when you try doing what you are doing isn't working.

 

[debodun]

My corner piece isn't even hinged.

 

[Nathan]

Did you think I meant molding? My heaters look very similar to this:

View attachment 268638

I had never heard of those, only the wooden(or other material) molding type baseboard. That is electric?

 

[Right Now]

Mine are like those pictured, too. I adjust the middle flap up as far as it will go, then use my small brush attachment on my vacumn to suction any dust out. Works pretty good.

 

[hawkdon]

Debodun, use a bigger hammer....or, call an expert!!!!

 

[debodun]

I had never heard of those, only the wooden(or other material) molding type baseboard. That is electric?

I have hot water baseboard heating. I my former house, it was also hot water, but the radiators were big metal jobs and easy to get a crevice tool in between the fins. No covers to remove, either.

 

[Nathan]

I have hot water baseboard heating. I my former house, it was also hot water, but the radiators were big metal jobs and easy to get a crevice tool in between the fins. No covers to remove, either.

Does that actually keep the room warm, or do you have an additional heating system?

 

[Gary O']

I've never had them, but you might YouTube it
It's where I always go when puzzled

 

[debodun]

That's the only heat source and I'm warm enough.

I watched several YouTube viseos on how to remove baseboard covers. They make it look easy. That dinky one looks like plastic. What if you're an old lady and have to remove a 12 foot heavy metal cover?

 

[Pepper]

What if you're an old lady and have to remove a 12 foot heavy metal cover?

And...what if you bit off more than you can chew? Think hard before you start your next project.

 

[debodun]

That's why I hardly ever do anything.

 

[Gary O']

What if you're an old lady and have to remove a 12 foot heavy metal cover?

Use a shop vac, or small vac attachment
My little shop vac really really sucks

 

[NorthernLight]

Debodun, use a bigger hammer....or, call an expert!!!!

I was going to suggest a hammer too. I just kick mine.