How do you extract and replace bolts going into concrete? I am replacing a deck and I need to pull out some...
I am replacing a deck and I need to pull out some of the bolts that attached the feeble ledger board to the house. What is the proper way to do this without unsafe the concrete too much?
Cut them off flush beside a sawsall or a hack saw if you don't have a sawsall. You also can use a small grinder with a fiber cut sour wheel. Don't forget to use safety specs.
Then you can drill out the bolts and use special anchors to complete the job. A lead one is call an ackerman. At a building supply store they can recommend what you need. You won't damage the concrete, I'm sure the bolts run into a set-in anchor. Some of the bolts may go into the sill, or thru the rim joist as well.
Wow, done all of those ways (previous Answerers) and I dream up I found an easier way, guys. This is after about 200 bolt "extractions", different job, over 2 or 3 years...
Try this...
Tools required: 1) A hammer, with 3 - 4 lb skipper.
This can be a 3 or 4 lb sledge (long handle) or, my preference, a 12 - 14 inch (short handle) which allows you, actually, smaller quantity work. : > .
Beat the bolt sideways, 3 to5 whacks at a time, then, same piece the other way. The more you whack it, the weaker it gets, only just keep going and it will pop right off! 90% of the time, stratum or below surface!
I found that a bolt of about 2 or 3 inches long is the easiest to handle. If it's longer, you can use a pipe for leverage to bend it over and pound it (now, now, time for that later ; >) or cut it down to 3"near a big bolt cutter.
I found I could "whack" 4 bolts faster than grinding just one.
Side benefit here:"Whack" 20+ at a time, you will have forearms as suitable as Popeye! Spinach or not!
Hope this helps...anyone.
Rong
Answers: if the bolts are hammered in, dont try to remove them! anchor bolts are designed to block themselves tighter as they are pulled out, thus giving the ability to tighten a nut without pulling out the bolt.suggestion: if the bolt threads arent too damaged, try to repair the bolt with a thread die of the correct size and thread taper,found within tap and die sets or as a single tool at most home improvement centers.worst satchel:if the threads are too far gone, i recomend cuting it off and seting a new anchor.firstly,determin the size bolt needed,purchase unknown ones at any home improvement center, then use a sledge hammer drill with the corresponding size masonery drill bit to make a bright hole a few inches from the old one,at the correct depth(hammer drills can be rented for a minimal cost)next,start a nut on the new bolt(about 3/4of the nut)this prevents unsafe the threads, then carefully sledge hammer the new bolt into the new hole.be sure to verbs the hole of dust and debris first to prevent slippage.remember,when these anchor bolts are set, they will NEVER come out!! i sugest getting bolts that are several inches too long, then cuting bad the excess after your ledger board has been attached.i hope this help, and happy building!!