What is the best method for safely removing concrete-filled bolts from a pool deck that are unpleasant to step on?
Asked by Neea Kinnunen 
7 months ago
Last Updated: April 22, 2024
I had this old rusty umbrella in my pool that was barely hanging on, so I took it down. Now I’m stuck with these bolts that are stuck in the concrete… not exactly comfy to step on. Any suggestions on the best way to get rid of them?
I suggest knocking them down instead of pulling them out to avoid causing any damage to the concrete underneath.
If the screws were tightly screwed in, attempting to drive them in further would be as difficult as chiseling at concrete. If they were installed as anchor bolts while the concrete was still wet, driving them will have the same effect. It might be easiest to just cut them off.
Use an angle grinder to cut them off.
Suggests grinding them down gradually. If you avoid causing significant damage to the concrete, it will require less effort to repair. You could also consider using Testors paint (the kind used for model planes) to prevent rust stains.
Use a grinder to cut them off. Be sure to wear eye protection.
Use a Deremel style tool equipped with a metal cutting disk. Make sure to wear eye and ear protection, as well as an n95 mask to avoid inhaling metal shavings.
Grinder
Use a grinder
Best option is the one you have the right tool for. Angel grinder for cutting. Hacksaw for cutting. Dremel with a cut-off wheel.
It’s possible that they were originally threaded in, especially if it was done after the concrete was poured. In that case, you might be able to unscrew them using a wrench or an automotive impact driver. It shouldn’t damage the concrete, and if it breaks, it will likely break at the level of the concrete, similar to a car. Haha
You can try using vice grips to unscrew them if they are anchored in place.
First attempt to knock them down into the concrete using a hammer or sledgehammer, then utilize a grinder to smooth out any remaining bits.
Simply use a grinder to cut them off. Trying to force them in with a sledgehammer could end up causing damage to your concrete.
Depending on how much you’re willing to spend. Carbide tipped oscillator blades are the most accurate option, but they can be expensive. Using a grinder is the more affordable choice, but there’s a risk of accidentally hitting the concrete. The grinder will work quickly.
Grind them down
Use the grinder to file it down
Grinder
Angle grinder
Angle grinder
Use an angle grinder to zip them off, as Sarah WR suggested. If you can’t get them perfectly flush, try grinding straight down a bit instead.
Remember to wear goggles and gloves! Angle grinders can throw debris quickly and at high temperatures. Make sure bystanders are protected too!
A friend of mine at work was once standing 10 feet away from a person using an angle grinder when a piece of cement flew into his eye. He had to go to the hospital to have it removed and checked for scratches.
‘t let fear hold you back. Just make sure you take all the necessary precautions.
You have the option to purchase a high-quality angle grinder, rent one, or opt for a cheaper option like this $40 model. I personally bought one 25 years ago for $15 and have used it for countless jobs since then.
Grinder
Before anything else, double-check for any items you may want to install in that spot. Even an item like a deck box that could potentially move in the breeze. Once that’s taken care of, you can repurpose the area for something else.
Next, get a 4” grinder and a cutoff wheel. Take off the top, and then grind down until level with a flap disc.
Pound them firmly into the concrete…never fails…utilize a mallet to drive it down
Use an angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel.
You can either use caps, an angle grinder, or put on a new umbrella.
Try using a chisel and hammer to break the bolts back and forth. Be careful not to go too far to avoid chipping the surface. You might be able to pound it down, but if you can break it off, it might be easier. If you can’t pound it down and there’s no room, it’s hard to tell.
How about using a double nut to unscrew?
If need be, you should be able to hammer them down; if not, try to pull them up as much as possible, cut them as flush as you can with a hacksaw, and then hammer them back down into the hole. Once they’re recessed, seal off the hole with some butyl silicone.
There are a few different methods you could try. You could go with a hacksaw equipped with a metal-cutting blade, or you could opt for a grinder with a zip disc. Whichever route you take, just be mindful not to grind or scratch the surface of the deck around the area…otherwise, it might end up looking like there’s been some sort of mishap there, which would attract visual attention. In any case, be sure to thoroughly deburr whatever is left post-cutting/grinding…because the remaining edges could be very sharp.
Metal angle Grinder for elimination
Hey, in my opinion, I would suggest checking to see if there’s anything you’re planning to mount there or if there’s something that could potentially cause issues in strong winds. If not, I’d recommend pulling them up as much as you can, cutting them off with a 100mm grinder and a metal disc, then hammering them down and filling in the holes. Hope this explanation is helpful.
Locate a suitable nut, place it on the designated area, apply JB weld to secure the nut in place, allow it to dry, then unscrew as needed
Best of luck with expanding bolt
Use a grinder to cut them off, then hammer them into the concrete. Most likely, they are expansion bolts.
Go for either a grinder or a sawzall, whichever one you can get your hands on.
Install a different item in that spot
Utilize a 4-inch grinder with a Metabo disc
Grinder
I think a small dremel angle grinder could easily slice through them
Grinder
Grinder