Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 12, 2004 08:06pm | #1

   You could use a diamond or abrasive blade in a side grinder to cut loose the old mortar.  Using glue to stick the bricks in place is not the right way, but if you insist, get a tube of PL adhesive ... Lowes carries it ... it costs more than Liquid Nails, and it's worth the difference.  The mortar stuck to the concrete should pop loose if you work at it with a metal chisel (not a woodworking chisel) and a hammer ... or here's your chance to buy a tool ... tell the wife you just have to have a Bosch Bulldog rotary hammer to get the job done right.

   And you would get better answers if you moved this discussion to "Construction" or "General".

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

   
   

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   Edited 7/12/2004 1:07 pm ET by Ed Hilton

1. 
   jimmyoz | Jul 12, 2004 08:31pm | #2

   Thanks,Ed

   I'll go out and get me a 1" cold chisel and start to chip away.Is 1" wide enough?

   And thanks for the discussion tip.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 13, 2004 04:28am | #3

   Is 1" wide enough?  Depends on how much you have to chip, and the amount of clearanxce you have.  If I understand, you are chipping between existing bricks?  A wider chisel ... like 2-3" ... would go faster.  Get a 2 lb sledge ... Estwing makes a nice all steel "engineers hammer" ... it will put some good oomph to the chisel without swinging too hard.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   jimmyoz | Jul 14, 2004 01:10am | #5

   Thanks guys,

   I went out and borrowed a Bosch jack hammer, as soon as it stops raining I'm ready to chip away at the mortar.I only have about 8" x 4 feet to do.I hope it will go easy.

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 14, 2004 04:48am | #6

   a Bosch jack hammer   A real jack hammer?  Like a 90 pound pavement breaker?

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   DaveRicheson | Jul 14, 2004 12:22pm | #7

   I'm thinkin "the Brute", nice demo tool w/o the weight and hassle of a big 90 and compressor.

   Dave

3. 
   jimmyoz | Jul 14, 2004 02:39pm | #8

   No, they call it a jack hammer, but it only weighs about 35 lbs.

   It's electric, no compressor.

   Still raining in N.J. I have to wait until it stops.

4. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 14, 2004 07:15pm | #9

   Don't wait ... the rain will control the dust.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

5. 
   jimmyoz | Jul 14, 2004 10:31pm | #10

   Don't forget,Ed, the hammer is electric. I get a little shaky mixing water with elec.

6. 
   CapnMac | Jul 15, 2004 12:40am | #11

   I get a little shaky mixing water with elec

   You'll only get a little more shaky during, then . . . <g>

   'Course you may need an un-perm for your hair . . .

   In all seriousness, the wide chisel blade with most of the electrics will want a light touch, especially where you're getting to the vertical bits.  Rentals can be problematic, but if there's a bit that looks a bit like a big inverted finish nail, that would be my choice for the mortar between the bricks.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

7. 
   jimmyoz | Jul 15, 2004 03:04pm | #12

   Thanks Capn.

2. 
   DANL | Jul 13, 2004 04:57am | #4

   Be sure to wear safety glasses! (You probably already planned on it, but you never know--on my first  demo job I didn't wear safety glasses and scratched my cornea when a chunk of concrete jumped up--not fun.)