How to Remove Wire Mesh From Mortar

Wire mesh is sometimes used in mortar when doing masonry work such as applying brick to a wall or patio. Mesh can also be used as a option when tiling a floor in a home or building. When a floor or wall is being removed, the mortar may need to be separated from the mesh for it to be recycled.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Sledge
• Grinder
• Pliers
• Eye goggles or glasses

1. Clear away all of the loose debris that may be leftover from the wall or floor. Pull off any loose pieces of mortar from the wire mesh.

2. Use a hammer or sledge to break the mortar off from the wire mesh. Mortar by itself is not very strong and can be easily broken when stuck with an object such as a hammer.

3. Strike the pieces or mortar repeatedly until they break or fall off.

4. Use a grinder to remove pieces of mortar that are hard to come off. A hand held grinder can be bought or rented at home improvement stores such as Lowes or Home Depot.

5. Buy additional grinding wheels to use as the old ones will wear out after repeated use.

6. Grind down pieces of mortar until they are small enough to break with a hammer. Place the grinding wheel on the mortar and press the power button to engage the tool.

7. Use a pair of pliers to dislodge the wire mesh from the remaining mortar. Place the pliers over a section of the wire mesh and pull outward until the mesh comes free.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the broken pieces of mortar on a tarp or in a bucket for easy cleanup.
• A grinder will throw particles of dust and debris which will require wearing eye protection.