Grinding down solid dense concrete block

dearface

Hi,

i have an open plan living room and snug. On lifting the carpet i can see that there used to be an archway between the rooms, with support blocks either side of the open face.  The support blocks are still visible, and stand around 5-8mm proud of the surrounding concrete floor.  I think the support blocks are solid dense concrete blocks.

I aim to fit a wood floor soon, but of course need to level the support blocks with the concrete floor. So I’ll need to grind the blocks back a few mm, at least so I can get the underlay level.

Any tips on how best to do this though?  I guess an angle grinder is a prime candidate (I’ve never used one so not sure). Any other approaches?

many thanks 

grumbler

I'd just use an SDS chisel, but cutting a grid of grooves first with an angle grinder will make the job even easier.

If you don't have SDS, cut more grooves and use a manual chisel (for metal or stone).

FreeBear

An angle grinder with a good quality diamond cup wheel will take some of it off. Using a grinder will generate an awful lot of dust, so you'd want to seal the room off and mist the air with water (helps to control the dust a little). But above all, you will need a well fitting dust mask and goggles (or face shield). If you have not used an angle grinder before, then I'd suggest you don't start now without at least some basic training - They are nasty, dangerous tools that can inflict a lot of damage to soft tissue & bone if used incorrectly.

A more laborious way would be with a scutch chisel & hammer (again, wear goggles). You'll probably get through several combs.. An SDS drill would be quicker though.

dearface

Thanks for your responses, I’ll probably look at the manual process given I have neither a SDS or grinder

Eldi_Dos

Could you increase underlay thickness to more than the 8mm required to clear blocks?

Under our laminate we used wood fibre underlay which was 5mm thick, could two layers of whatever underlay you plan to use save having to cut blocks.

FaceHead

So you want to grind these 8mm high blocks down to ground level?

Cutting grooves with a 4"angle grinder with a diamond blade in it, and then going at it with a bolster and club hammer sounds straight forward.

A 4" angle grinder is easy for a novice to handle. 9" angle grinders are quite something, and those 12" concrete saws...steer clear.  But scoring 8mm deep with a little angle grinder and then going at it by hand - you'll be fine.