How do a remove a concrete washing line post

Leif

I have two concrete posts in my garden, over 2m tall, sunk into concrete. I have removed the concrete from the base of one, using a cold chisel and mallet. It was over 2 feet deep. It took ages. Is there an easier way to do this, without spending too much? I'm happy to spend ~£50 on a tool, which might wear out on this job. Also, once the posts are out, they are too big and heavy to carry to the tip. How can I break them up? They are presumably reinforced with steel bars. Can I use a sledge hammer to smash the concrete, then a tool to cut the bars? If so, is there a recommended tool?

Gloomendoom

Smash the concrete post at the base with a sledge hammer and then cut through the steel reinforcing rods with a hacksaw. If you want to spend more money, go out and buy a cheapo 9" angle grinder. You'll also need a couple of masonry cutting discs and possibly a metal cutting disc too. Don't forget to wear the appropriate PPE.

amcluesent

Hideous job! I used an SDS drill with cold chisel to help break up the concrete 'ball'. Luckily I sold the post for 99p on Ebay and the buyer took it away!

Leif

amcluesent wrote: »

Hideous job! I used an SDS drill with cold chisel to help break up the concrete 'ball'. Luckily I sold the post for 99p on Ebay and the buyer took it away!

Excellent idea.

Leif

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Smash the concrete post at the base with a sledge hammer and then cut through the steel reinforcing rods with a hacksaw. If you want to spend more money, go out and buy a cheapo 9" angle grinder. You'll also need a couple of masonry cutting discs and possibly a metal cutting disc too. Don't forget to wear the appropriate PPE.

Cheers. Yes, I have protective eyeglasses, and gloves.

DVardysShadow

I tend to dig this sort of thing right out - although some will advocate taking them off 100 - 200mm below ground. Then with the post horizontaluse a sledgehammer to make blows on the concrete ball going parallel to the post, which will tend to shear the concrete along a plane already weakened by the interface with the post. It may take a substantial amount of hitting if the concrete is good, but resist the temptation to go for an easier hit and just chip lots of little bits off the ball.

vaio

I once helped a mate remove a line of maybe 15 old concrete fence posts

We tied his van to the top of the post and with a bit of rocking all but two came out in one lump. The two that didn't come out snapped off close to the ground and had to be dug out

tescobabe69

Speak to your local tool hire shop, and rent an electric breaker (commonly called a kango) for around £15/day.

I'm assuming you dont know any one in the trade.