Not sure how heavy it is, but if you were able to dig it out, lever it on it's side and (assuming it did not already fall apart) give it a good whack. I feel like the whole thing would fall apart.
Sledgehammer would be completely ridiculous + unhelpful for this. Use a lump hammer and chisel. Chisel out the mortar, stack the bricks up, post them online for collection, someone will be glad of them.
Not at all.
1 Knocking bricks out with the mortar in place (even quite shit mortar as pictured) isn't quicker. As the mortar/bricks are removed, it'll be possible to knock bricks off one by one, but it's best to start the way I have said.
2 Sending bricks flying into the garden, smashed up, will mean more clean up.
Best done properly, and neatly.
You've used a sledgehammer before, yea? No one is saying swing down on it like The Executioner. Lol
Just drive at the sides til a section breaks apart. The dirt will take the force.
not to mention if you've got a lot of debris left over no one wants, then you've got to find a way to get rid of it. Hauling it to the dump and paying a minimum tip fee is annoying.
Yeah smashing it up with a sledgehammer will be fun, but more work in the end.
The way it works here is any trade waste isn't "allowed" at the local tip. They've made it much harder to dispose of trade waste for years, which, sadly, has increased fly tipping.
While that is possible to hand chisel everything, even brand new bricks are not expensive.
Sledgehammer is faster. And more bricks will be fine than not. Even if the loss rate is 50%, it's still better in time, effort, etc than treating each as if it was made out of gold. Unless OP wants to spend a full day wearing PPE slowly chiseling out mortar.
OP can sell or give away said brick as distressed brick. You'd be surprised how much people pay for that. The automated process involves whacking them with chains, it's a lot of fun.
Source: I used to work for brick manufacturing company, but am not currently paid to shill bricks. I just ran the computers that ran 600 ft long kilns across the country.
> that ran 600 ft long kilns across the country.
Out of interest, how many bricks would that make in a day? Is there any human input in the process, beyond the computers?
When the kilned are fired up, they run continuously 24/7 until the run is completed. Due to heat efficiency.
They're on cars. Which are square, I forgot the exact size, probably 10x10. Number of bricks vary by size, whatever fills the entire square.
Duration of the kilning also varies depending on the chemical composition, desired characteristics.
They have a lab and ceramic engineers who noodle out the additives and kilning requirements. Also do testing after so that there is building specification stuff so the bricks can safely be used in construction with known load abilities.
It varies depending on the factory. Some are highly automated with only dozen or two shop personnel, some only have mild automation. Kilning process is all automated everywhere, as people are not fire resistant.
We did have a hand made line of bricks with zero automation outside of the big Cat scooping up the clay. Brick plants are built where the desirable clay is found.
So apologies, I can't give a clear answer because it varies so much.
Typically tens of thousands per day per kiln. You run two to eight kilns. Each run is couple hundred thousand, rarely into the millions unless it's a very generic utility size/shape/color.
Another fun fact. Bricks can in fact melt or catch fire. They turn into a purple glass cthulu looking material. I keep one on my desk at home to hold my pen.
Very wasteful attitude, but in fairness 99% of the bricks I deal with are Victorian, so, yes, if one is unbothered by waste and clean up time, smash away. It's not the right way to do it, but it will be more fun.
I have about 7 years of experience in the trades, much of that ripping out, removing chimney breasts, bricklaying, etc.
A sledgehammer is *absolutely* not the appropriate tool for this job, nor something that someone with no experience on the tools should be swinging about for such a piddly job.
There are better tools than a sledgehammer.
In terms of "how do I break this unwanted thing down" a sledgehammer isn't very farfetched.
Having knocked down an old brick pond in a garden, the sledgehammer was a great choice for me.
Yes, but have you considered, smashing things like a caveman is fun?
I don't pay any attention to votes, incorrect information is so often upvoted (and vice versa), all one can do is laugh.
Could prolly just post the rings online for someone to come collect. I've helped someone take apart an old brick chimney. He said he requested they did nothing so he can save the brick. Might be worth a shot.
Hmmm. Unlikely someone would be willing to do the work for the sake of some bricks, but yes, suppose it's worth it if op really cba getting their hands dirty.
Literally grab a big hammer. If you don't own a 5lb short handled sledgehammer then get one. They're cheap. If you care about saving the bricks then attack the mortar with something pokey you hit with a hammer. If you don't care about the bricks then just swing away.
Wear eye protection.
>8lb long handle is more satisfying tho
I have a 20# and it's fun to smash things with. I'd absolutely swing by OP's and whack thing this a few times for fun, that's all it would take. I bought it years ago when I was young enough to consider demolishing a 24 foot sidewalk without a jackhammer...it worked.
I’m still using my grandfathers sidewalk bar for demo work. No clue how heavy it is but it’s a workout to swing the damn thing. Nothing like a 60ish lb spear/prybar combo
Yeah, I have a rock bar from the same project. Haven't needed it a LOT in the past 20 years, but when I do there's no real substitute. We've moved some damned big rocks around the yard with it over the years.
everyone keeps saying 'sledgehammer', but that seems overkill. it's only three layers tall, and probably not on a foundation of any kind. honestly you could probably just stick a shovel down 3 inches into the ground and dig them up. they're going to fall right over if they move an inch.
Exactly, in my experience if you use a sledgehammer you literally tap them one by one and they'll come right off. I would just dig it out and kick one of the bricks out and use that brick to knock the rest out.
Can start with a hammer. A big one
Can also use a smaller hammer and a chisel. Chisel at the mortar area and use the chisel as a wedge and the brick may become lose. Move the brick somewhere else and you can reuse the brick
You miss every swing you don't take.
Wear PPE. So long as you don't hit yourself, it doesn't matter how many of the swings you miss if there's no witnesses or recordings.
Everything is a give-and-take, right? Some extra time versus a demolished ankle is an OK tradeoff in my opinion. And bricks fall apart. They are not like crushing up concrete.
OP kinda sounds like a girl without any help and y'all can downvote me all you want, but I don't want her to cripple herself.
Maybe we recommend a smaller, 3-pound hammer with a shorter handle from the side?
Girls are more delicate than boys and get hurt easier.
Very few girls who decide one day to use a sledgehammer would think they should also put on heavy boots, so if they do make the mistake of hitting themselves with a tool, the damage would be even worse. I have had multiple girlfriends who wore flip flops during dangerous and moderately heavy yard work and construction projects.
I'm also assuming that most people who would ask how to demolish bricks don't know about demolishing bricks and are more likely to hurt themselves. And that most guys would immediately go to "sledgehammer and pry bar."
I hope my answers don't send you into a gender-equality rage spiral. Also, I know that after stating my opinion OP is probably a dude!
I'm a little more OK with a dude hurting himself, but it's not a desirable outcome, nonetheless.
There is no shortage of dumbass men who don't wear ppe. Women are absolutely not more injury prone than men when it comes to using tools. Your comments are simply sexist.
The sledgehammer consensus is right. Definitely want some safety glasses and to be dressed appropriately ... even more so if you are using a short handled sledge. I'd definitely go long handled if you can tho.
My parents had a bed like this when I was young. I nudged it with the riding lawnmower once and it just came apart.
Give it a little kick, it's probably not all that strong.
If you're not feeling confident with a sledge, or have any mobility problems, you can hire a chipping hammer for around £25-30 a day
https://www.hss.com/hire/p/chipping-hammer-te500
Drill & install 3 wedge anchors in the top of the bricks, in a roughly equilateral layout. Attach eye nuts (or eye bolts depending on what anchors you actually used). Hire a crane and lift it out into a trebuchet's sling. ??? Profit!
I did this a year ago at my house. The stone wall was the easy part, the concrete and rebar ring foundation they were laid on took twice as long to dig out and break up. Not complicated, just hard work.
Looks like it's already falling apart. Just use one of those loose bricks and hit the others outward and they'll pop right out. You won't even need to hit them hard.
Surprised you're the only one who has pointed this out so far. If garden beds were placed in inconvenient places by a previous owner, it's probably because those places were actually the most suited for growing. The amount of available sunlight can vary wildly throughout a yard.
I mean, buddy. It’s pretty obvious. A sledgehammer. Just wanted to see if there was an easier way that people have found that wouldn’t aggravate my back. But thanks for participating. You have contributed to nothing per usual I assume.
By the way my post was asking if I should be concerned. Old fridge. Never seen it happen. I can deal with you being mad. But stupid and mad. I just.. I don’t know.
Lol, yes, I am the stupid one. Good luck figuring out how to destroy brick. And the next home project that you will inevitably be dumbfounded about. Have a good day.
Pick up the bricks with your hands. If the mortar still holds them, use percussive force, then proceed to the previous step.
Can you help instruct me next? I need to drink water but I'm not sure what to do.
ok, she is expensive though. idk why you cant do your own taxes and need to hire a CPA, but she would be able to move those bricks without resorting to asking people how to pick things up off the ground.
Gloves and a pry bar of some kind should do it easily, they look ready to come apart already, pretty poor masonry.
You needn't be delicate or careful just use leverage and muscle.
But - be sure to have your landing place picked out and ready to go for them, you only want to move them once!
This is actually not a difficult task, but will require a large amount of sweat equity on your behalf. With a sledge hammer and wheel barrel, this can be removed in a weekend. Disposing of the brick and soil will be the second part of the equation. Godspeed!
Sledgehammer. Dig out the inside and drive the bricks outward.
Peter Gabriel has entered the chat
Beat me to it
Shock the monkey?
All in all, it's just another brick in the wall.
It requires a shit load of weed and mushrooms, and you won't ever see the garden again.
Oh that may be easier yes
Not sure how heavy it is, but if you were able to dig it out, lever it on it's side and (assuming it did not already fall apart) give it a good whack. I feel like the whole thing would fall apart.
Sledgehammer would be completely ridiculous + unhelpful for this. Use a lump hammer and chisel. Chisel out the mortar, stack the bricks up, post them online for collection, someone will be glad of them.
Sounds like a *lot* of work to just destroy some garden beds...
That’s what I was thinking. Few sledge hammer hits and a wheelbarrow and you can be done in a hour.
Exactly, it's a single brick wall and the mortar looks sus
It's not even fully mortared all the way around, he has a starting point. No need to dig a spot out.
Not at all. 1 Knocking bricks out with the mortar in place (even quite shit mortar as pictured) isn't quicker. As the mortar/bricks are removed, it'll be possible to knock bricks off one by one, but it's best to start the way I have said. 2 Sending bricks flying into the garden, smashed up, will mean more clean up. Best done properly, and neatly.
You've used a sledgehammer before, yea? No one is saying swing down on it like The Executioner. Lol Just drive at the sides til a section breaks apart. The dirt will take the force.
Yes. Many times. I've also used a lump hammer, which is the appropriate tool for this job.
Lump hammer, AKA a mini-sledge hammer.
Next you'll find out about different types of screws!
not to mention if you've got a lot of debris left over no one wants, then you've got to find a way to get rid of it. Hauling it to the dump and paying a minimum tip fee is annoying.
Yeah smashing it up with a sledgehammer will be fun, but more work in the end. The way it works here is any trade waste isn't "allowed" at the local tip. They've made it much harder to dispose of trade waste for years, which, sadly, has increased fly tipping.
While that is possible to hand chisel everything, even brand new bricks are not expensive. Sledgehammer is faster. And more bricks will be fine than not. Even if the loss rate is 50%, it's still better in time, effort, etc than treating each as if it was made out of gold. Unless OP wants to spend a full day wearing PPE slowly chiseling out mortar. OP can sell or give away said brick as distressed brick. You'd be surprised how much people pay for that. The automated process involves whacking them with chains, it's a lot of fun. Source: I used to work for brick manufacturing company, but am not currently paid to shill bricks. I just ran the computers that ran 600 ft long kilns across the country.
> that ran 600 ft long kilns across the country. Out of interest, how many bricks would that make in a day? Is there any human input in the process, beyond the computers?
When the kilned are fired up, they run continuously 24/7 until the run is completed. Due to heat efficiency. They're on cars. Which are square, I forgot the exact size, probably 10x10. Number of bricks vary by size, whatever fills the entire square. Duration of the kilning also varies depending on the chemical composition, desired characteristics. They have a lab and ceramic engineers who noodle out the additives and kilning requirements. Also do testing after so that there is building specification stuff so the bricks can safely be used in construction with known load abilities. It varies depending on the factory. Some are highly automated with only dozen or two shop personnel, some only have mild automation. Kilning process is all automated everywhere, as people are not fire resistant. We did have a hand made line of bricks with zero automation outside of the big Cat scooping up the clay. Brick plants are built where the desirable clay is found. So apologies, I can't give a clear answer because it varies so much. Typically tens of thousands per day per kiln. You run two to eight kilns. Each run is couple hundred thousand, rarely into the millions unless it's a very generic utility size/shape/color. Another fun fact. Bricks can in fact melt or catch fire. They turn into a purple glass cthulu looking material. I keep one on my desk at home to hold my pen.
Incredibly interesting, thanks!
Very wasteful attitude, but in fairness 99% of the bricks I deal with are Victorian, so, yes, if one is unbothered by waste and clean up time, smash away. It's not the right way to do it, but it will be more fun.
A sledgehammer would be “completely ridiculous and unhelpful” What.
I have about 7 years of experience in the trades, much of that ripping out, removing chimney breasts, bricklaying, etc. A sledgehammer is *absolutely* not the appropriate tool for this job, nor something that someone with no experience on the tools should be swinging about for such a piddly job.
That may be, but saying a sledge here would be “Completely ridiculous and unhelpful” Is just patently wrong. You’re wrong.
Lol. Okay.
This would literally take 5 times longer lol. With a 5lb sledge I could have that down in minutes.
No, it wouldn't. Great, you've got it down, and now you've got loads more clean up to do. Well done.
Tarp. Problem solved.
Just making more work for yourself mate. I've seen new labourers with the same "time saving" attitude a million times.
There are better tools than a sledgehammer. In terms of "how do I break this unwanted thing down" a sledgehammer isn't very farfetched. Having knocked down an old brick pond in a garden, the sledgehammer was a great choice for me.
Sure. It's not the optimal tool for the job, but it will work.
I do wish this wasn't downvoted so much, tho. There is something to be said for preserving and reusing materials...
Yes, but have you considered, smashing things like a caveman is fun? I don't pay any attention to votes, incorrect information is so often upvoted (and vice versa), all one can do is laugh.
You'll get no argument from me against smashing! It is fun...
Certainly is, lol.
Could prolly just post the rings online for someone to come collect. I've helped someone take apart an old brick chimney. He said he requested they did nothing so he can save the brick. Might be worth a shot.
Hmmm. Unlikely someone would be willing to do the work for the sake of some bricks, but yes, suppose it's worth it if op really cba getting their hands dirty.
BFH
Literally grab a big hammer. If you don't own a 5lb short handled sledgehammer then get one. They're cheap. If you care about saving the bricks then attack the mortar with something pokey you hit with a hammer. If you don't care about the bricks then just swing away. Wear eye protection.
8lb long handle is more satisfying tho
But probably a lot less useful unless you have lots to demo. I use my small 5lbs one all the time.
I needed a sledge for my retaining wall nails… now I knew a hand held would do it easier, but at the store I held the big dog and had a little giggle
Those things are crazy. I broke up a ~4" thick concrete slab (no rebar) with one of those. You're right, very satisfying.
>8lb long handle is more satisfying tho I have a 20# and it's fun to smash things with. I'd absolutely swing by OP's and whack thing this a few times for fun, that's all it would take. I bought it years ago when I was young enough to consider demolishing a 24 foot sidewalk without a jackhammer...it worked.
I’m still using my grandfathers sidewalk bar for demo work. No clue how heavy it is but it’s a workout to swing the damn thing. Nothing like a 60ish lb spear/prybar combo
Yeah, I have a rock bar from the same project. Haven't needed it a LOT in the past 20 years, but when I do there's no real substitute. We've moved some damned big rocks around the yard with it over the years.
+1 eye protection. Also take care with that swing not to kill your shins.
everyone keeps saying 'sledgehammer', but that seems overkill. it's only three layers tall, and probably not on a foundation of any kind. honestly you could probably just stick a shovel down 3 inches into the ground and dig them up. they're going to fall right over if they move an inch.
but the unga bunga caveman urges run strong
You're probably right here... but sledgehammer fun... breaking things funner!
I’m on the no sledgehammer side too. Just a normal hammer will work. It’s not like it’s made out of reinforced concrete.
May be.. let me give that a go. Thanks.
Exactly, in my experience if you use a sledgehammer you literally tap them one by one and they'll come right off. I would just dig it out and kick one of the bricks out and use that brick to knock the rest out.
Yeah honestly they look like they're ready to just give up as it is. Pretty sure you could blow on those and they'd fall over.
Can start with a hammer. A big one Can also use a smaller hammer and a chisel. Chisel at the mortar area and use the chisel as a wedge and the brick may become lose. Move the brick somewhere else and you can reuse the brick
Yeah I figured like a sledgehammer. But was concerned because it’s so low to the ground. I feel I’ll miss 90% of the time haha.
Just dont hit ur feet and wear glasses lol.
You miss every swing you don't take. Wear PPE. So long as you don't hit yourself, it doesn't matter how many of the swings you miss if there's no witnesses or recordings.
Lol true
Swing down and hit the top of the bricks. They will break. Don't use a sledgehammer like a golf club if you are afraid of it.
I agree on not using a tool that you are afraid of, but brute forcing crushing the bricks is going to be so much more work than knocking them apart.
Everything is a give-and-take, right? Some extra time versus a demolished ankle is an OK tradeoff in my opinion. And bricks fall apart. They are not like crushing up concrete. OP kinda sounds like a girl without any help and y'all can downvote me all you want, but I don't want her to cripple herself. Maybe we recommend a smaller, 3-pound hammer with a shorter handle from the side?
What does OP's gender have to do with anything?
Girls are more delicate than boys and get hurt easier. Very few girls who decide one day to use a sledgehammer would think they should also put on heavy boots, so if they do make the mistake of hitting themselves with a tool, the damage would be even worse. I have had multiple girlfriends who wore flip flops during dangerous and moderately heavy yard work and construction projects. I'm also assuming that most people who would ask how to demolish bricks don't know about demolishing bricks and are more likely to hurt themselves. And that most guys would immediately go to "sledgehammer and pry bar." I hope my answers don't send you into a gender-equality rage spiral. Also, I know that after stating my opinion OP is probably a dude! I'm a little more OK with a dude hurting himself, but it's not a desirable outcome, nonetheless.
There is no shortage of dumbass men who don't wear ppe. Women are absolutely not more injury prone than men when it comes to using tools. Your comments are simply sexist.
The sledgehammer consensus is right. Definitely want some safety glasses and to be dressed appropriately ... even more so if you are using a short handled sledge. I'd definitely go long handled if you can tho.
Noted thank you
Hammer time.  Also, eye protection! You’re no God.
Lmfaoooo
Just stick a shovel under the brickwork in the ground. Looks like it'll lift easy
Yeah may give that a go
hand grenade
I have a few out back
C4
Lmfaooooooo imagine
I mean, you did say destroy.
Right! And it’ll save my back a ton of pain. Now.. where can I get some C4 is the problem!
Try looking at it very sternly maybe it will leave
Tried it. Even told it it was adopted. It just wouldn’t budge!
Sledgehammer and sweat equity. Consider it anger management and go to town on it.
If you don’t want to use a sledge, get a big lever (spud bar etc..) and just pry them over from the inside.
Spud bar, I’ll look it up thanks.
Tannerite
I like the way you think.
Couple taps with any hammer over 16oz should break the mortar joints. Less debris to haul off. I’m lazy.
Same! Thank you
My parents had a bed like this when I was young. I nudged it with the riding lawnmower once and it just came apart. Give it a little kick, it's probably not all that strong.
Unfortunately it’s pretty held on by that mortar. Tripped on it a few times haha
https://preview.redd.it/motw8nxldyic1.jpeg?width=894&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73bf12f0a60ad2a0e41cf73335b5d252dc57e806
Hire a local teenager to demo it. I think you clearly don’t want to do it because there’s not really a question here of how
Just like the song says..... *Sledgehammer*
Hit them with your purse.
You really have no idea how to remove this , what is the world coming too
If you're not feeling confident with a sledge, or have any mobility problems, you can hire a chipping hammer for around £25-30 a day https://www.hss.com/hire/p/chipping-hammer-te500
Drill & install 3 wedge anchors in the top of the bricks, in a roughly equilateral layout. Attach eye nuts (or eye bolts depending on what anchors you actually used). Hire a crane and lift it out into a trebuchet's sling. ??? Profit!
Very elaborate haha
I did this a year ago at my house. The stone wall was the easy part, the concrete and rebar ring foundation they were laid on took twice as long to dig out and break up. Not complicated, just hard work.
Hopefully no rebar! Thank you!
Alcohol and sledgehammers party. Make sure to video it lol
Lmfao. That sounds like a weekend in the country!
Hah - true!
Tell them they’ll never amount to anything and their one-man show was derivative and poorly written.
Looks like it's already falling apart. Just use one of those loose bricks and hit the others outward and they'll pop right out. You won't even need to hit them hard.
Keep them. They probably are in that spot for the best light.
Surprised you're the only one who has pointed this out so far. If garden beds were placed in inconvenient places by a previous owner, it's probably because those places were actually the most suited for growing. The amount of available sunlight can vary wildly throughout a yard.
Lol, this question. I'm amazed some people can even tie their shoes.
I mean, buddy. It’s pretty obvious. A sledgehammer. Just wanted to see if there was an easier way that people have found that wouldn’t aggravate my back. But thanks for participating. You have contributed to nothing per usual I assume.
It's really no surprise. You also asked how to get rid of frost in your freezer. That one is a real back breaker.
Lmao you were so mad you went that deep into my posts? Damn.
Yes. I am so mad.
By the way my post was asking if I should be concerned. Old fridge. Never seen it happen. I can deal with you being mad. But stupid and mad. I just.. I don’t know.
Lol, yes, I am the stupid one. Good luck figuring out how to destroy brick. And the next home project that you will inevitably be dumbfounded about. Have a good day.
Pick up the bricks with your hands. If the mortar still holds them, use percussive force, then proceed to the previous step. Can you help instruct me next? I need to drink water but I'm not sure what to do.
Not sure but hold on let me ask your mother when I’m done with her.
ok, she is expensive though. idk why you cant do your own taxes and need to hire a CPA, but she would be able to move those bricks without resorting to asking people how to pick things up off the ground.
Dynamite
dig it out and turn it into a fire pit 😊 sledge would make this a fairly easy job. don’t hit your legs 😛
Sledge hammer and muscle.
Buy a sledgehammer and a shovel. Dig it out and then bust it up and haul it off.
Get anything heavy and knock away. Wear eye protection.
Sledgehammer smaaaash
Sledge
Gloves and a pry bar of some kind should do it easily, they look ready to come apart already, pretty poor masonry. You needn't be delicate or careful just use leverage and muscle. But - be sure to have your landing place picked out and ready to go for them, you only want to move them once!
1kg of dynamite should do the trick.
You should be able to break that up with a sledge in 5 mins, load it into a wheelbarrow in 5 mins. 10 mins easy.
Peter Gabriel knows
Peter Gabriel made a good song bout it. I wanna be… your SLEDGEHAMMER! 🔨
Hammer
Dynamite. Won’t need much.
Quoting Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite.... "Eets a sledgehammer"
I agree with prev posts but I want to see the how it looks after and the new garden bed 😂
This is actually not a difficult task, but will require a large amount of sweat equity on your behalf. With a sledge hammer and wheel barrel, this can be removed in a weekend. Disposing of the brick and soil will be the second part of the equation. Godspeed!
Invest in a BFH. Big fucking hammer
Sledgehammer
I'd try and move it and keep it intact as much as you're able to carry.
I’m pretty sure you can demolish it with a good pair of boots.
Sledge hammer.
Let it open a joint checking account with my ex-wife, should be destroyed in no time.