Removing hammer drive anchors typically requires a destructive approach as they are designed for permanent installation into materials like concrete, block, or brick.
Hammer drive anchors, also known as masonry drive nails or pin drive anchors, are installed by simply hammering them in. This process expands the anchor within the substrate, creating a secure, non-removable (by pulling) fastening point.
Method for Removing Hammer Drive Anchors
Based on common practices and the provided reference, the primary method involves cutting off the head and then drilling out the body of the anchor.
Here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Area and Fixture
Before you begin, clear the workspace around the anchor. If the fixture attached by the anchor is valuable or needs to be reused, take steps to protect it from damage during the cutting process. You might use tape, thin metal sheets, or other protective barriers.
Step 2: Cut Off the Anchor Head
As highlighted in the reference, the first crucial step is to remove the head of the hammer drive anchor.
- Using a hacksaw or cutoff wheel, cut off the head of the hammer drive anchor.
- Be aware that This may be difficult to do without damaging the fixture that is attached with the hammer drive anchor. Choose your tool carefully. A hacksaw offers more control but takes longer, while a cutoff wheel on an angle grinder is fast but carries a higher risk of damaging surrounding materials or the fixture.
Step 3: Drill Out the Anchor Body
Once the head is successfully removed, you are left with the anchor body embedded in the material. The next step is to remove this remaining piece.
- Once the head of the hammer drive anchor has been removed, then the body of the anchor can be drilled out using a high-speed bit.
- Select a high-speed drill bit (HSS) that is slightly smaller in diameter than the anchor's body.
- Carefully drill down the center of the remaining anchor piece. This will chew up the metal and allow you to chip away or pull out the remaining material. You may need to use a masonry drill bit if the anchor material is particularly hard or if you encounter significant resistance from the surrounding concrete or masonry.
Tools You Might Need
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Hacksaw or Angle grinder with a cutoff wheel
- Drill (preferably hammer drill for masonry)
- High-speed steel (HSS) drill bits (various sizes)
- Masonry drill bits (optional, depending on substrate)
- Pliers or vice grips (to help remove remnants)
- Chisel and hammer (optional, to chip away remnants)
- Protective materials for fixture
Removing hammer drive anchors is a labor-intensive process, but by carefully following these steps, you can effectively get them out of the substrate.
