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Bstway to Demo an old boiler

Melton
Melton Member Posts: 10
I am trying to clean up my mechanical room brefore having new equipment installed.

There is an old Burnham boiler that I want to demo. I took off the covers and threaded rods on both sides. I expected to get the sections to separate but no luck. What is the best way to break this thing up into manable pieces.

Any help appreciated.

Comments

  • Dave_8
    Dave_8 Member Posts: 49
    How to

    We use an air hammer (small one 11" I think) with a tapered chisel and drive it between the sections to seperate them. It can also be done with a tree felling wedge and a two pound hammer. Can also be done with a six pound maul but makes a bigger mess.
  • EricR_4
    EricR_4 Member Posts: 2
    The Best way

    Is to have a couple of strong,young helpers!
  • Andy Morgan_2
    Andy Morgan_2 Member Posts: 147
    And lots of face masks!!! (nm)

    Andy Morgan

    R. Morgan Mechanical, LLC
  • ed wallace
    ed wallace Member Posts: 1,613
    demo a boiler

    the best way is to hire a removal co. let someone else do the dirty work

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"
  • Mike Kraft_2
    Mike Kraft_2 Member Posts: 398
    12# sledge and..........

    some splitting wedges.Plenty of water;)

    cheese
  • Floyd_5
    Floyd_5 Member Posts: 418
    I agree...

    Get out the BFH and take out all your frustrations!!!!
  • Boilerpro_3
    Boilerpro_3 Member Posts: 1,231
    BE CAREFUL

    If you break the cast iron, you need a flax shield because when it shatters it explodes. I usually cover the casting with an old tarp to catch the flying debris. When i broke up my first cast iron rad, I took out a window and put a whole in the wall. Could of been a whole in me!

    Boilerpro

  • jim lockard
    jim lockard Member Posts: 1,059
    Plasma Cutter

    My welder has a plasma cutter I let him take care of cutting the boiler into small pieces
  • Mark Eatherton1
    Mark Eatherton1 Member Posts: 2,542
    The \"Old\" way...

    I hear tell of some old Dead Men that used to dry fire the boiler with all relief valves removed, and then run cold water into the uncaped vessel. This would cause it to shock itself into small pieces. The reason for removing the relief valve should be obvious. I've never tried it myslef, nor do I want to. Maybe THAT'S why they call them Dead Men eh...

    Who ya gonna call, BOILER BUSTERS...

    G'Luck.

    ME
  • David_5
    David_5 Member Posts: 250
    Once apart

    Once the sections are apart we wrap each one in clear wrap like they do for loads on pallets. Makes much less mess moving dirty sections.

    David
  • Keith_5
    Keith_5 Member Posts: 24
    nice touch

    with the plastic wrap. spend 5 minutes wrapping each section or 1/2 hour cleaning black ink goop.
  • Boiler Guy
    Boiler Guy Member Posts: 585
    Great Idea

    Gotta pass that info on. I don't do that HEAVY stuff myself any more. If it takes more than an aluminum 14 .... it's the younguns job
  • Melton
    Melton Member Posts: 10


    Thanks for the advise.

    2lbs hammer and two iron wedges did the trick in about 30 minutes -- can't lift my arm over my sholders today. Hopefully this will pass.
This discussion has been closed.