What can you use to break up concrete?

Start to break the concrete, starting six inches from the edge and working your way in. For slabs less than four inches thick, use a sledgehammer. For more than four inches thick, use a demolition hammer.

Can you break concrete with a drill?

Hammer drills do not have a chiseling function and can be used to drill into a variety of materials. Rotary hammers use an electro-pneumatic hammer piston to generate high impact energy, which allows it to drill or demolish concrete.

How do I remove concrete from my yard?

“Most concrete patios are un-reinforced, meaning that there is no rebar. So, in that case, a jackhammer is the best method to break the concrete into smaller pieces that can be shoveled away. If the area is very small, and the concrete is already cracked, a sledgehammer could also get the job done.”

Can you use a pickaxe to break concrete?

Cut into the concrete about 1/4 inch deep before beginning to break it up, and not only will it break easier, but it will tend to break along the cut lines and make the concrete pieces more manageable. Use this method to break an interior slab where you cannot access the bottom of the slab with a pickaxe.

How do you break thick concrete by hand?

Instructions

1. Dig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax or mattock.
2. Strike the Concrete. Lightly sprinkle the concrete with water to minimize dust.
3. Pry Off Stubborn Pieces.
4. Move the Concrete Chunks With a Hand Truck.

How do you smash concrete?

Here’s a few tips:

1. Recruit a buddy to lift a corner with a pry bar. Start slamming at the corners and work your way towards the center.
2. Pry and pull out the broken chunks as they break apart.
3. Don’t hit the same spot twice. Keep moving and keep lifting with that pry bar.

What is a concrete chisel?

Product Overview. This concrete chisel is designed to break up concrete floors, sidewalks and paving slabs when an air hammer would be impractical. The chisel features a large striking area and a head design that reduces mushrooming.

Is it hard to remove concrete?

Demolishing concrete may seem like a daunting, expensive task but depending on the size and thickness of your slab, you might be able to tackle the project on your own. According to Yuka Kato at Fixr, the cost to have a professional remove a concrete slab varies based on the size and materials it contains.

How do you break a lump of concrete?

How do you break concrete in a straight line?

Use a standard circular saw, equipped with a corundum or diamond blade, for small tasks. For slabs, it’s best to cut through the top inch, then use a sledgehammer to break off the rest. The jagged edge left below the cutting line provides a good rough edge for the new concrete to bond to.

How do you knock down a concrete wall?

Beat It Down You can use pneumatic or electric jackhammers and hammer chisels to aid in the removal process, or you can use a sledgehammer, hammer, pry bar and chisels. Break the concrete wall into small chunks with your preferred tool and let the debris fall to the ground as you work.

How do you break up concrete without breaking it?

1 Dig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax. 2 Strike the Concrete. Lightly sprinkle the concrete with water to minimize dust. 3 Pry Off Stubborn Pieces. Use a pry bar or crow bar to open cracks and separate pieces that are resistant to falling away.

How do you break a concrete slab with a sledgehammer?

Strike the concrete along the edge of the void you dug underneath like breaking something over the edge of a table. Repeat as needed, striking in the same place each time until the concrete breaks. Don’t apply a lot of force on the sledgehammer on the downstroke; let the hammer do the work.

How to move large chunks of concrete without a wheelbarrow?

Use a hand truck or dolly like the kind you use to move appliances to move large chunks of concrete. A hand truck is better than a wheelbarrow because you only have to lift the chunk of concrete an inch or two to get it onto the truck. Lift the concrete pieces carefully, using your legs and keeping the weight close to your body.

How do you dig out dirt from under a concrete slab?

Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax or mattock. Dig about 1 foot inward from the slab’s edge, making a gap of 1 inch or so; the void does not need to be deep. A pickax or mattock is handy for cutting through roots, breaking up rock or shale, and scraping material out from under the slab.