Need advice demoing and old cast iron boiler

bruceackman

It's too big to get out of the basement in one piece. I think it's 8 sections. Maybe a chisel bit on a hammer drill to get the sections apart? The space is too small to swing a sledge hammer. Any better ideas?

Thanks

ethicalpaul

Pics?

EdTheHeaterMan

First of all, is there asbestos insulation on the boiler. If it was installed before 1950 that is a good possibility. A picture would help

If it is a newer model (1960s or newer) then there are most likely some kind of tie rods holding it together. Cut the tie rods with a sawsall or grinder. then use the chisel to separate each section.

But you need to get the asbestos removed before you start any work that may let asbestos fly into the air.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Some steel wedges used to split firewood, or a cold chisel will work. You can cut the tie rods and take them out and replace them with a new threaded rod with nuts on the inside and use the nuts to push the sections apart.

If the sections are too heavy to remove cut them with an angle grinder with a cutting disk (just cut part way through) then hit it with a sledge hammer and it will come apart where the cut is.

Safety glasses/goggles and gloves are a must.