Well, I'm guessing that it is cast iron - based on the fact that the areas
where I cut cannot be bent with a crowbar.

I am in the UK and I think the boiler was installed in the late 50's or
60's. From what I have read, cast iron was a popular choice for back-boilers
at these times.

I have tried hitting the places I made the cuts, but they seem to be acting
like a sort of 'spring' and the hammer bounces back. Tomorrow I will try to
get hold of a heavier hammer, and see if I can make any progress.

Thanks for your quick reply



"Sacramento Dave" wrote in message
. com...

"Gary" wrote in message
...
Hi,

For the past few days I have been trying to remove an old backboiler from
my fireplace. I have removed the fireplace, surrounds, hearth etc but I
just can't get anywhere with the backboiler !! I don't really want to
knock holes in the wall to get around the back of the boiler and would
prefer just to break it up and remove it that way. I suspect that there
are at least 2 pipes going into the rear of the boiler, which are
probably the main reason why it wont move at the moment as they will be
cemented in.

I don't need to keep the boiler, so I am happy to smash it up - although
this would appear easier said than done !!!! I have tried whacking it
with a sledge-hammer, pick, and cutting at it with an angle grinder. The
grinder does make some progress - although it is VERY slow, and so far I
have gone through 3 metal cutting wheels to make only 4 cuts of less than
20cms !!! I thought this might have been enough to weaken it, so I tried
whacking it again with the hammer - but alas, it is still solid !!

I am not sure what make the boiler is - it is basically inserted inside
the fireplace, and a 'hollow' cast iron structure.

Any advice on an easy way to get this out would be much appreciated.
Perhaps I need a heavier hammer?

Thanks in advance,

Gary

Are you sure it's cast iron, Hit with the sledge were you cut it if it's
cast it should break.