The Best Way to Remove a Brick from a Wall

Do you need to remove a single brick from a wall, and find it a bit daunting
to even start the process?

Defective or cracked bricks can allow water and moisture between the
spaces and cause the opening to expand further.

You may also wish to remove a brick to make way for additional space to
accommodate a window or door.

Here are some practical steps to help you remove a brick safely and
confidently.

First, assess the wall to ensure it is in good shape. If this is the case, the
task is

http://www.thefilix.com/best-drill-bit-sharpener/

. A fairly strong structure will hardly
crumble if you remove a single brick.

The right tools will also help you make inroads into a brick:

 A screwdriver
 A mortar hook
 A cold chisel
 A masonry scraper
 A masonry drill bit

Tools:

A masonry bit works best with mortar and drill into the wall without
destroying the bit. It is

https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/walls/how-to-cut-a-brick-wall-opening

 an ordinary bit and will not
wear out easily. A cordless drill will get the job done quite adequately.
A hammer or framing hammer or the more heavy-duty type is ideal for this
type of work.

A cold chisel is best for breaking up mortar. It is more durable than the
wooden style, and will not break or bend under pressure. Select one with a
shock-absorbing handle, and a fat, sturdy, blunt blade.

A mortar scraper is uniquely shaped to help you chip into the mortar. It
allows you to scrape away debris as it comes loose.

Step1: Prep the Area

Start by Protect your workspace from dust and falling debris. If you are
working indoors, cover the floor and surrounding furniture with a tarp or
large sheet of cardboard.

Stay Safe: It is an arduous task, and you’ll have to keep at it consistently.
A pair of safety glasses, a dust mask, and some gloves will help keep dust
and debris from your eyes and hands.

Step 2: Start to Chip

Your first line of defense is to attack the weakest “link” in the wall. The

http://www.the10thcircle.com/best-cordless-drill/

is usually soft and malleable.
It’s therefore easy to chip away at it without damaging the brick. A simple
hand-chipping or steady jabs with a drill bit will allow the mortar to give
way.

As you cut away at your target, take your time and work slowly and
methodically. Try to avoid damaging surrounding brickwork as you go.

Step 3: Drill

Drill holes in the mortar with a masonry drill bit at close intervals. Drilling
will help speed up the process.

Step 4: Assess your Space

Visible spaces behind the brick will help you access the mortar around the
area more easily. You will need to take out all the mortar and then knock the
brick out.

If there are no visible spaces, use a cold chisel and chip away to the side of
the brick. This will allow you to break the brick into chunks before removing
it.

Work steadily, removing small bits of mortar and then resuming the chipping
process. Eventually, you will be able to remove smaller particles by hand.