Anchors can be handy when mounting household, industrial, or office items on drywall or concrete. However, removing these anchors from concrete can be daunting, sometimes.
To remove anchors from concrete, first, use a pipe wrench or screwdriver and unthread the bolt from the anchor fixed inside the concrete. Then use a hammer and pound the anchor into the concrete if it’s too strong and protruding above the wall level. Nonetheless, remove the anchor from the hole if it’s loose or if you can take it out with a plier.
This article is a step-by-step guide on how to remove anchors from concrete. As you read, you will learn the procedure to follow when removing different types of concrete anchors – by first unscrewing the bolt before removing or pounding the anchor into the concrete wall.
Step-by-step Procedure To Follow and Remove Anchors From Concrete
There are different types of anchors, and the procedure for removing them from concrete differs. There are:
- Wedge Anchors
- Hammer Drive Anchors
- Split Drive Anchors
- Sleeve Anchors
- Strike Anchors
- Lag Shield Anchors
- Drop-in or Machine Screw Anchor
Generally, you have to unscrew the bolt threaded into the anchor before you remove an anchor from a concrete wall.
Source: Pinterest
After unscrewing the bolt, follow these procedures to remove the anchors:
For Wedge Anchors
- Trim the top of the anchor that protrudes slightly above the concrete with a saw, then pound the remaining portion flat with a hammer.
- Or carefully knock the protruding part of the anchor further inside the concrete with a hammer if the hole that holds the anchor is deep enough.
For Hammer Drive And Split Drive Anchors
- Use a grinder to level any bulging part of the anchor. Then hit the anchor with a hammer to push it inside the concrete wall.
- Alternatively, cut the head of the anchor with a chisel and either remove it with a plier or pound it hard for it to enter the concrete.
Source: Pinterest
For Sleeve Anchors And Strike Anchors
You cannot remove a sleeve and strike anchors fully, but you can follow the same steps as wedge anchors to remove them. Do the following:
- Cut any protruding part of the anchor with a cutting saw, and then hit the remaining portion with a hammer to flatten and get it ready for filling.
- Or carefully use a hammer and hit the anchor further into the concrete wall if the space that holds the anchor is deep enough.
For Drop-in or Machine Screw Anchor
Drop-in or machine screw anchors are too hard, and you cannot remove them from walls without breaking the concrete. To remove a drop-in or machine screw anchor, hammer the anchor into the concrete and seal it.
For Lag Shield Anchors
Lag shield anchors are one of the simplest anchors to remove from concrete. A lag shield anchor shrinks as soon as the bolt is unscrewed from it, which makes it easier for you to take them out of the concrete.
Source: Pinterest
Remember to seal the hole immediately after using a hammer to pound the protruding part of the anchor inside the concrete or remove it with a plier.
FAQs
How can I get rid of obstinate anchors?
To remove stubborn anchors, unscrew the bolt from the anchor and use a plier to grip the outer part of the anchor. Then shake the plier and anchor vigorously to exert the force on the inner wall holding the anchor in position. Repeat the process consistently till the anchor loosen and comes out.
Can I take concrete wedge anchors out of the concrete?
You can only remove a wedge anchor projecting over a concrete wall in two ways: trimming the wedge anchor at the concrete’s level with a cutoff saw or grinding wheel and using a hammer to pound the protruding part of the anchor back into the concrete.
Is it possible to remove ground anchors from concrete?
You can remove wall and ground anchors, provided you have the necessary tools. All you need to do to remove a ground anchor is to first fit the anchor extraction tool’s size to the anchor’s size. Then, carefully counter-rotate the tool gripping the anchor till the anchor loosen and falls out.
Final Words
This article has explained all there is to know about removing anchors from concrete. Ensure that you unscrew the bolt from the anchor first before using a hammer to hit it or using a plier to remove the anchor from the concrete.
