getting concrete/mortar off paving slabs

[andrewf75]

Hi all
About to re-lay a patio using old slabs, but they all have blobs of mortar/concrete stuck on the back. Whats the best way to get this off? I've tried with a bolster and an ordinary hammer but that doesn't seem to be doing the job very well, although the bolster is pretty old and quite blunt. If I get a proper lump hammer will that do the job with the old bolster? or do I need a new sharp bolster a well? or something else? any other tricks which may make it easier as there are 50 odd slabs...

Many thanks!

 

[wrathkeg]

I'm not sure what the harm would be in leaving the blobs if they are stuck fast. Whether you could leave them depends on how big the blobs are of course.

 

[andrewf75]

yeah some of the smaller bits I could leave but some are big and would need to get most of it off.

 

[wrathkeg]

A lump hammer and sharpish bolster should help. Dunno about anyone else, but I stand the slab against the inside of my leg and hammer down between the concrete and slab. Seems less risk of cracking the slab for one thing.

 

[andrewf75]

Cheers, will get a lump hammer and give it a go with the bolster I have. If no joy I'll get a sharper bolster
Thanks!

 

[ladylola]

I always find a scutch chisel works well on stubborn mortar , this sort of thing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/1615...3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108

 

[r896neo]

I use an old hatchet. it makes it easy as you only need one hand

 

[andrewf75]

Great, thanks guys

Will give it a proper bash with what I have and see how I get on.

 

[Halitosis]

Saw this video on how to remove mortar from bricks and plan to try it. The hatchet looks ideal though mind your fingers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpzbuh960fo