lifting 3x2 loose flags

[Tinitus]

I have a few 3x2 flags that are rocking on my driveway, these flags are laid very close with sand brushed in to the tight joints. Does anyone know of away to lift the flags out, or do they have to be broke? any ideas appreciated.

Paul

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Get a spade down in the gap and lever them up...

 

[^woody^]

You need to scrape the all joints out first to allow the slab to come up.

Use two of something (spade, chisel, screwdriver etc) so that when the slab is part up, put the other tool under it to stop it dropping, then reposition the first tool to finish levering it.

Watch your back

 

[noseall]

We tent to lift them in pieces after hitting them with a sledgehammer.

 

[Tinitus]

Thanks for replies so far but dont think there is enough gap for a spade the flags are butted up only a couple of mm, looks like they will have to come out in bits but was hoping there may be an alternative so the flags don't stand out as new

 

[stuart45]

If you can clean out the joints you should be able to get something in the joints to be able to move the slabs along a bit. Then you may have enough space for a spade or similar.

 

[andytx]

looks like they will have to come out in bits but was hoping there may be an alternative so the flags don't stand out as new

At the very worst, you should only have to break up one of them- then use that space to lever others.

What buts up against them? Can't you get at them from the edge?

If they're laid that tightly, you'll never get a new one onto the gap.

 

[r896neo]

run a grinder down each joint. this will clear any crap out and shave a valuable 3mm off enabling you to get 2 spades in.

 

[Tinitus]

run a grinder down each joint. this will clear any crap out and shave a valuable 3mm off enabling you to get 2 spades in.

Like it sounds like a plan, like andy said will be hard to get new in but this method should allow it. Thank you to all.

Paul

 

[pred]

If the angle grinder don't work, then drill a hole in the middle of the slab, insert semtex, and run like the clappers.

Alternatively! Using a crowbar (nailbar) try and get a bit of movement happening between the slabs.

 

[Tinitus]

If the angle grinder don't work, then drill a hole in the middle of the slab, insert semtex, and run like the clappers.

Alternatively! Using a crowbar (nailbar) try and get a bit of movement happening between the slabs.[/quote


I was actually thinking of drilling a 10mm hole in the centre and attaching a frame type anchor attached to an angle iron and see if it would pull up then fill hole afterwards with a bit of mortar. The semtex might break the windows but if all else fails may give it a go

 

[maltaron]

If you can start at the side or end a pick is the best way, but whatever method you use be careful - 3x2s are hellish heavy.

 

[cotswoldbuilders]

There is a tool designed for this, a slab lifter, it has 2 adjustable tongs that slip down between the joints.
When you lift, ( 2 of you ) the weight of the slabs hold the tongs in tight.