Cutting Through Concrete and Metal Post
Discussion
There's a random metal reinforced concrete fence post in the middle of my garden. It's right next to a path so digging it out with the concrete it's set in would disturb that. basically I want to cut it off close to the floor instead. I have an angle grinder (small size) but only a stone/masonry disc for it.
What are my best options for cutting it down? A quick look in the screwfix book shows that a disc that cuts both is around 50 quid which I think is a bit much. What would happen if I used the stone disc on the metal rods (apart from lots of sparks)? Or if I used a metal disc? Would either be safe to use if I just wrote them off for any future use or would they be likely to shatter everywhere?
What are my best options for cutting it down? A quick look in the screwfix book shows that a disc that cuts both is around 50 quid which I think is a bit much. What would happen if I used the stone disc on the metal rods (apart from lots of sparks)? Or if I used a metal disc? Would either be safe to use if I just wrote them off for any future use or would they be likely to shatter everywhere?
Fort Jefferson said:
Smash it to bits as close to the ground as you can, then just cut the metal wires with your grinder.
This would probably work. You won't get a massively clean finish though.Maybe hire a petrol grinder. Straight through.
If it was me I'd use a 9 incher with masonry discs. They'd wear quickly on the rebar, maybe snag, or even shatter, but they're only a couple of quid each, and I'm not that worried by flying shards of grinding disc.
Pays your money....
It's only a reinforced concrete post FFS! All this talk of hiring huge saws seems a bit over the top! If it's an old fencepost then the actual steel in it will probably only be one (two at the most) bits of steel rod, probably only about 5mm diameter. Pretty much any stone cutting disk will go through it given time. If you're really worried then cut through as far as possible with the grinder, then finish off the rebar with a hacksaw. If It was me I'd just buy a couple of cheapo stone disks from screwfix and attack it with my normal angle grinder, and just bin the remains of the disks when done.
Thanks for the advice so far guys. I think it may even be a diamond disc that I already have, will check and maybe give that a go. Might try the smashing thing too as that sounds a good plan if I get a metal disc. It's going to end up covered so the neatness of the finish isn't paramount.
aponting389 said:
dig it out?
Power tools are more fun!! And also, the concrete it's set in is partly under a path so that would get too disturbed if it's dug out.
Angle grinders are for pussies, what you need is a thermic lance 
http://www.weldcare.co.uk/app10.htm
http://www.weldcare.co.uk/app10.htm
!Paulbav said:
Fort Jefferson said:
Smash it to bits as close to the ground as you can, then just cut the metal wires with your grinder.
This, done it several times myself.Paul
You don't say what size your grinder is, but 4.5" discs are only £1.80 in my local hardware store, so just buy a couple and 'ave it.
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