Best tool for removing bars from base of cast iron fireplace

[SJRSJR]

Hi. Any advice on how to remove the bars from the base of a cast iron fireplace? They have to go so that a DFE gas fire on legs can be fitted. Someone suggested an angle grinder but I'd have to go in from above and am thinking it would be too big for the space. Would a multitool do the job? Thanks.

 

[noseall]

.

 

[SJRSJR]

Very enigmatic, noseall!

 

[magicmushroom666]

I'd use an angle grinder, you might not be able to cut it neatly out in one piece, but cut the middle out then work out to the edges, combination of a cutting and grinding disc.

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks. Have never used an angle grinder before but bought one today. Will tackle it over the weekend.

 

[John D v2.0]

Have never used an angle grinder

Hand, eye and ear protection, careful of sparks, use two hands. Angle grinder is about as dangerous as a circular saw so be careful.

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks, yes, I've bought the safety gear. Currently watching a few YouTube videos so I know what to expect.

 

[noseall]

Very enigmatic, noseall!

Sorry bud hit the quote button accidentally.

 

[^woody^]

Cast iron can be snapped with a hammer

 

[John D v2.0]

Cast iron can be snapped with a hammer

Hand, eye and ear protection ooh I've turned into mr health and safety since I've stopped doing this regularly

 

[^woody^]

Boo hiss

 

[SJRSJR]

So I've removed the fireplace bars with the angle grinder (in full H&S garb) and the next step was to drill from the right hand side of the fireplace into the hearth area where a gas pipe will run. I was using an 18 inch SDS drill bit and was about an inch from success when it got stuck. It's now firmly lodged in the wall with about two inches poking out. Can't get any joy with the SDS in low gear, a different drill in reverse, vice grips, WD40 into cavity - any ideas? Was feeling pretty pleased with myself until now

 

[rsgaz]

vice grips,

That's the right strategy, but vice grips won't have the biting force required. Do you have water pump pliers?

Grip the shank of the bit in the 'most leverage' part of the jaws, like I've drawn here...

...and rotate anti clockwise.

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks for that rsgaz. I've tried it with the water pump pliers but still no joy. The drill bit is so long that I can't get enough torque on it, it wobbles at the near end. It's annoying that it's my biggest drill bit otherwise I'd try and go in alongside it - I'll have to buy a bigger one to try that.

 

[rsgaz]

it wobbles at the near end.

Keep at it, this will work, I've had to do it a hundred times in concrete floors which grab the bit all the time.

Wobble the bit around in an anti clockwise direction for a minute(while pulling outward), the try again with the water pump pliers, it only needs to turn by a fraction to release it. Repeat these steps until free!

If you get it to rotate at all, put the drill back on it and use reverse and it should come out.