![Thanks](https://www.renovateforums.com.au/dbtech/thanks/images/thanks.png)
![Likes](https://www.renovateforums.com.au/dbtech/thanks/images/likes.png)
![Needs Pictures](https://www.woodworkforums.com/images/smilies/happy/photo4.gif)
![Picture(s) thanks](https://www.ubeaut.biz/wave.gif)
Results 1 to 15 of 23
Thread: Removing cement from bricks
-
11th September 2004, 03:13 AM #1
Removing cement from bricks
Is there any less time-consuming way of removing thick deposits of cement from bricks other than via a hammer and chisel? I don't want to 'clean' them as such (with acids etc), just remove the major deposits of cement from the bricks. Any ideas appreciated.
I read the instructions! It's still upside down...
-
11th September 2004, 11:56 AM #2
Go to bunnings with $79 and buy the dynalink rotary hammer drill.
Take it home.
Get a long extension lead and plug the hammer drill in.
Insert the chisel bit.
Switch the drill to hammer only.
Apply chisel to the cement and switch on.
Watch the cement fly.
PS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES 8-)
-
11th September 2004, 01:23 PM #3
Well the above is a possibility but...I have 2 bang bang drills to choose from but when I had to clean brick I chose to do it with the appropriate hand tool for the job. (not sure of its name) it looks like a funny long hammer and has a slot to fit in a sort of hardened "comb" that chisels away the mortar. Certainly a long process but less tiring than holding up 2 or 3 kilos of vibrating drill.
Next best solution to hand chiseling, is to hire a brick cleaner from Kennards. A breeze to use. Plug in, pick up brick, rub on little hammers on the machine, no more mortar.“We often contradict an opinion for no other reason
than that we do not like the tone in which it is expressed.”
Friedrich Nietzsche
-
11th September 2004, 01:46 PM #4
Thanks to you both. It's an awful day in Melbourne so I might take a browse around Bunnies.
I read the instructions! It's still upside down...
-
11th September 2004, 05:47 PM #5
Tis called a bolster.
Try just using another brick...
wear gloves, pick a dodgy looking brick, & use it to knock & scrap the motar off the good bricks.Cliff.
If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.
-
11th September 2004, 06:00 PM #6
Originally Posted by Marc
Cliff
A bolster is like a big wide cold chisel either 2 inches wide or 4 inches wide.
-
11th September 2004, 06:21 PM #7
If you can afford the water, those high pressure washers can do some damage, then you can perhaps clean up with the bolster.
woody U.K.
"Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them." ~ Abraham Lincoln
-
11th September 2004, 06:31 PM #8
That will depend on whether it is lime mortor or cement mortor.
-
11th September 2004, 07:04 PM #9
Just go and buy some new cement . It will be a lot easier.
You can't recycle everything you know
Plausible deniability is the key to success
-
11th September 2004, 07:09 PM #10
Err, new cement? Whatever gave you the impression I want to recycle the cement?
Thanks again all. My fav c/chisel tends to work quicker than a bolster. Then again, my bolster work isn't to Olympic standard. I don't like the idea of h/pressure water, we certainly can't afford it here at present Woody.I read the instructions! It's still upside down...
-
11th September 2004, 07:49 PM #11
I have to assume it is lime mortar. If it's cement mortar you've bitten off more than you can chew. (Maybe chewing it off would work as well as anything else.)
I've used a tomahawk for this job in the past. Quicker than a hammer and bolster.
If the mortar is a bit stubborn just set that brick aside and come back to it later. You should be able to clean each brick with only a few chops, including the ends.
An el-cheapo tomahawk from the junk shop is fine for this job. Just re-shape it on the grinder when you need to improve the edge.
Two safety tips. Wear eye protection and keep your thumb out of the way.Ian
-
11th September 2004, 09:05 PM #12
How about an angle grinder with a good quality masonry grinding disc. A lot quicker than hammer & chisel/bolster etc. Just wear a dusk mask and ear/eye protection.
-
11th September 2004, 09:57 PM #13
Go the brick cleaner from the hire place
Squizzy
"It is better to be ignorant and ask a stupid question than to be plain Stupid and not ask at all" {screamed by maths teacher in Year 8}
-
12th September 2004, 07:49 AM #14
Hewer of wood
- Join Date
- Jan 2002
- Location
- Melbourne, Aus.
- Age
- 71
- Posts
- 0
Like Pat says. I've done hundreds with an angle grinder; just takes a light touch coming in from the side.
Cheers, Ern
-
12th September 2004, 03:00 PM #15
Nice one MarkV
Programmer, If you go the angle grinder for the stubborn ones, how about buying one of those $17 dollar ones from Bunnings instead of buggering up your good 'un; and use the cheapo diamond wheels.
Cheers...........Sean
The beatings will continue until morale improves.