Best way to lift floorboards without damage?

[loffler]

I need to lift some boards to locate some wiring and just wondered what the best way is and the tools to use.
The boards run the entire length of the room and do have a small gap between them.
Any thoughts or is it as easy as just going at it with a crow bar.
I would like not to have to replace broken boards!

Thanks

 

[masona]

Need more info - is it butt floorboards, T&G floorboards or T&G chipboard etc?

 

[loffler]

Its definitely not chipboard and pretty sure it not T&G so would be the other one.
The boards are narrow, maybe 4" wide with 1/4" gap between rows and run the entire length of the room.

 

[masona]

Another tool is a nail puller but not cheap for what you want although they do cheaper one like this for about £8

The other way is punch the nail through the floorboards with a nail punch BUT I would not recommend it encase of pipe/cable.