Hi,
Part A
A couple of years ago I attachd an outside wooden newell to a granite step using anchors in holes I drilled in the side of the step. Of course the post has rotted, even though I thought I thouroughly sealed the post/step joint againsgt water. I removed the post and now I need to get the anchors out of the step since they are also pretty much useless. The anchors I used have an expansion on the end in the step. the anchor bolts are loose, I can them and they turn easily but I cannot pull them out. Any tricks to this?
Part B
If these things are impossible to get out I will just cut and grind the anchor bolts, turn the step around and attach the new newell to the other side. Aside from using a good quality PT post what is the best way to anchor the post to the step so that, if I have to, I can tget the anchors out?
Thanks,
george
Replies
Not sure what anchor you have
I'm not sure what anchor you have but they will generally pull straight out if you can get a purchase on them.
So far as mounting new posts: They are less likely to rot if they have a small air gap. I'd look for some nylon or polyethylene washers to use as spacers. The poly whould be better becuase it is hydrophobic and will minimize the amount of moisture that is held.
george,
can you remember the exact style of anchor you used?
So the anchor bolts are rusted into the inserts, and the inserts are turning in the stone?
Have you tried hammering on the ends of the bolts? Hard to say what it might do -- make the anchors "grab" so the bolts will unscrew, loosen the rust, maybe loosen the anchors so they pull out, maybe nothing -- but it's worth a try.
You could also try driving a nail into the space between anchor and stone, to see if you can make it grab so that the bolt will unscrew.
And I'm sure that pros have some sort of core drill for this sort of thing.
For your new work use stainless steel bolts, and anchors that are all brass/lead with no iron, if you can find them. And, as stated above, use some sort of spacer (maybe just 2-3 washers) between the stone and wood to let some air through.