Need advice on demoing an 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.

SlamDunk

my sections were too heavy after separating. I only had seven ft head clearance. A sledgehammer( and knee pads) shattered them but it was a workout. Plus everything @EdTheHeaterMan and @EBEBRATT-Ed said. I think , in hindsight, that a large, rotary hammer would have helped.

mattmia2

You're going to want hearing protection too, even with the hand tools but especially with a demolition hammer or air chisel.

The Steam Whisperer

And wear eye protection too. Cast iron cast fracture like shrapnel. I always use a heavy tarp over the cast I am breaking to act as a shrapnel blanket.

mattmia2

A hepa respirator probably isn't a bad idea either for soot and asbestos you may have missed and various other materials you might stir up.

Mad Dog_2

1. SAFETY GOGGLES

JUGHNE

I have laid an old tire on the floor for the section to fall on as it came loose.

Concerned about cracking/chipping concrete.

DCContrarian

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1815645#Comment_1815645

If there is asbestos you're probably better off finding someone with the ability to remove it in a single piece.

Big Ed_4

The boiler needs to be cold . Cut the pinch rods and wedge the sections apart. This would be the easier way..

They break up easy if you swing a 17# hammer .. Smaller ones just bounce off ….