any tips on using a jackhammer (90 lb) to remove some poured concrete steps that sit against a block foundation wall?
They are 2 steps high, 7″ rise,9″ run, 8′ wide
Cannot easily get a bobcat etc. in position to pull them out.
Last time I did one, it seemed difficult to get it broken out without putting stress on the block wall
How would you go about this?
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Replies
SUB IT OUT......
make sure the sub has insurance...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Use a 60# Breaking Hammer (Demo hammer)instead.
Easier to handle and effective on something the size you are dealing with.
C4
Hold on tight!
Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Don't wear a wristwatch.
let the jackhammer do the work.
work from the outside in.
look for natural fault lines.
I'd break it away from the foundation before I broke it into smaller pieces.
don't get the bit stuck.
lift with your legs.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Hey! No fair...you're actually giving him good tips! I was going to say "let the hammer do the work too". Don't get it stuck is probably the most important LOL! Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
way back about 20 some years ago I was "the jackhammer guy"!
just about the only part of working for a concrete contractor that I enjoyed.
that ... and pay day.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
don't get the bit stuck
So true... Pretty embaracing to go into the rental store to ask for another so you can get the other one "out"
That is how I learned to rent two to start with! I put a lot of miles on 90# hammers and being as I weigh in at all of 150lbs. I learned the easiest way to get the job done when I was the one that had to it. 1st. lesson was use as small a hammer as will do the job. 2nd. was let the hammer do the work , just guide it, don't try to force it.
3rd. was to keep the hands and finger relaxed, don't squeeze the grips tightly.
Edited 5/9/2008 12:34 am by dovetail97128
It is easier to let the hammer do the work when it is a ninety pounder than a smaller demo hammer - unless you have to work horizontally on something like a chimney
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
It's worse when you have to go back to rent another jackhammer to get the first one out, as you got the tip stuck in a place where you can't unlatch it!
I blew my back out just to avoid that scene.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.
Thanks for the tips, would it help to dig under the step first?
Tomorrow is the day, we'll see how it goes
having a nice big hefty pry bar on hand helps too.
I got mine at HD or Lowes ... it's about 5ft long ...
about an inch or so thick ... hexagon.
point on one end and wide chisel on the other.
used to have a better one ... maybe 6ft long ... and had a flat pry bar bend at the other end ... haven't found a replacement for it yet.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff, Bon Tool Co has every nasty, useful prybar you could want. They are located in Gibsonia PA. Bon Tool 1 800 444 7060 or http://www.bontool.com They also sell complete line of masonry and concrete tools.
When I saw the title don't get it stuck was the first thing that came to mind. I used to run a jackhammer a lot. I always considered it easier then most guys did. If you know how to use your body with it it's not hard at all. When I worked for a rail road contractor building track we also used them for driving spikes. I always got to be the spiker cause nobody wanted to pack that big bastad all day. Not a big deal at all if you learned how to use your body to move it around. I considered it easier then humping a nipping bar all day and trying to set spikes ahead of me.
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk, I'm a woman's man, no time to talk. .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy3LM5_-i1Q&feature=related
Lots of good advice. Fairly loose grip worked for me and really leaning on it and using your weight more than muscle seems to work and is certainly less tiring (one time where having a "spare tire" is useful--laying your stomach on the top of the hammer dampens the vibration and holds it down--I guess you're out of luck if you have a "six pack!"). I think a heavier machine is actually less tiring because its own weight helps and it probably doesn't vibrate as much (sort of like a heavier gun kicks less). Undermining what you are breaking does help. You'll pick up techniques as you go and find out that following cracks works well and levering the hammer (while it is running) helps sometimes.
take a look at the videos on this webslte
http://micro-blaster.com/
Watch your feet! I was working road construction durring summer break, I was running a jackhammer and ran the damn thing across my foot, broke three toes, damn near cut the big toe off! Sh!t that hurt.
Doug
Listen up, mr Fife!A jack hammer is much like a gun - better not to aim it at your self. It could go off!;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
well there goes my last big tip ...
hold her steady with yer feet!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
and wear steel toed boots.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
If you have dentures, take 'em out!
--------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.net
See some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
Probably too late with this, but I'll add EARPLUGS..............HUH?
What did you say?
Definately ear protection. I like the micky mouse type, more comfortable. --------------------------------------------------------
Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com
Keep your feet away from the chisel, go ahead, ask me how I know.
The removable GAD that actually does the breaking of the concrete comes in chisel, or regular point.
GAD is the proper word to describe this thing, and whoever "sticks the gad" has to buy the beer!