Removing cable clips from exterior brickwork

rubble2

Hi,
Does anyone have any tips for the removal of cable clips from an exterior brick wall please?
The clips are the type with a rounded plastic section that fits round e.g. an ariel cable and a masonry nail that is hammered into the brickwork.
My usual method would be to use a claw hammer under the nail head to prise the nail out but the plastic part of the clip prevents the claw of the hammer getting under the head.

I have considered using heat to melt the plastic part enough to enable the claw of the hammer to get some purchase but wondered if there was an easier way that I am not aware of?

Thanks

Section62

rubble2 said:

Hi,
Does anyone have any tips for the removal of cable clips from an exterior brick wall please?
The clips are the type with a rounded plastic section that fits round e.g. an ariel cable and a masonry nail that is hammered into the brickwork.
My usual method would be to use a claw hammer under the nail head to prise the nail out but the plastic part of the clip prevents the claw of the hammer getting under the head.

I have considered using heat to melt the plastic part enough to enable the claw of the hammer to get some purchase but wondered if there was an easier way that I am not aware of?

Thanks

First tip - wear eye protection.

Second tip - don't try pulling them straight out of the wall as the nail will probably bring a lump of mortar out with it, leaving an unsightly 'crater'.  Carefully tap the clip sideways a couple of times to loosen it within the hole. Then try pulling it out gently.  If it won't move repeat the tapping and pulling process.  Usually the claw of the hammer can be forced onto the plastic part of the clip - if it won't go on then try sidecutting pliers to cut some of the plastic away. I wouldn't use heat on the plastic as that risks damaging/discolouring the wall.

Third tip - wear eye protection.

Eldi_Dos

A tack lifter with a piece of timber to help leverage or some tile nippers.
Whatever method you use,eye protection is a must as they can suddenly give way.

TELLIT01

Pincers will dig into the plastic and/or get break the plastic away.  Put a block of wood under the pincer jaws and the clip should pull out.

Ectophile

I would just grab them with a big pair of pliers and then pull and wiggle until the nail comes out.

mexican_dave

My tool of choice would be pincers with a thin peice of wood (6mm ply?) to cushion the leverage on the brickwork. Yes, eye protection and if you are accident prone rigger gloves and steel toe-cap boots and definitely not on a ladder!