How to Remove Masonry Anchors

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Things You'll Need

  • Hacksaw

  • Dust mask

  • Safety glasses

  • Drill

  • Masonry drill bit

  • Pliers

  • Screwdriver (optional)

Masonry anchors take a lot of work to remove.

Masonry anchors look similar to bolts or screws and are designed to be inserted into concrete, stone, brick and other hard surfaces that traditional screws cannot penetrate. These anchors are intended to be semi-permanent or permanent. The anchors can be removed, but the process is challenging. In addition, after removing masonry anchors there is typically a large hole left in the surface that must be repaired.

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Step 1

Examine the visible portion of the masonry anchor to see if the head is elevated above the surface of the masonry. If it is, place the serrated blade of a hacksaw just under the head and saw through it until the top of the anchor comes off.

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Step 2

Insert a concrete drill bit into a high-speed drill and put on safety glasses and a dust mask.

Step 3

Place the drill bit on the masonry just above or below the anchor. Press the trigger to drill down into the masonry. You do not need a large hole, just enough to loosen the bond around the anchor.

Step 4

Set the drill aside and grasp the top of the remaining anchor with a pair of pliers. Wiggle the pliers back and forth until the masonry anchor pulls out of the wall.

Tip

Some masonry anchors are designed to be removable. Try removing the anchor with a screwdriver before drilling it out.

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