I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On Aug 31, 1:24*am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

~~ Evan

Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...


Yep. One can rent concrete hole saws in almost any size. They're used for
placing floor safes or routing pipes.

Wonder what the OP plans when the fan quits working?

On Aug 31, 7:08*am, "HeyBub" wrote:
Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... *Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... *Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

Yep. One can rent concrete hole saws in almost any size. They're used for
placing floor safes or routing pipes.

Wonder what the OP plans when the fan quits working?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

when the cut from inside is nearly thru the bricks outside will likely
spall falling outward..... OP needs exterior access.

better to install just a exhaust outlet with the actual fan somehere
else indoors easy to service

wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

PVC pipe and a dowel. If dowel is too big - or you are using a big diameter
of pipe - whittle down a piece of wood. Good luck with packing mortar into
a 1/2" diameter tube. There are also grout bags, look like a cake icing
bag. I bought one once, tried it once, threw it away.

I think your nym is appropriate.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

dadiOH wrote:
wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

PVC pipe and a dowel. If dowel is too big - or you are using a big
diameter of pipe - whittle down a piece of wood. Good luck with
packing mortar into a 1/2" diameter tube. There are also grout bags,
look like a cake icing bag. I bought one once, tried it once, threw
it away.

And then there are grout pumps.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grout-Pump-M...item5198171850

In article ,
wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?



Perhaps you're referring to a dispensing syringe. You can get them
online in a variety of sizes, and they come with manual plungers or
without, for use with a compressed air powered dispenser.

You could build a square enclosure around the fan that more closely
matches your hole in the wall.

"HeyBub" wrote in
m:

Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to
the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher
floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it
one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from
the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible
using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and
hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...


Yep. One can rent concrete hole saws in almost any size. They're used
for placing floor safes or routing pipes.

Wonder what the OP plans when the fan quits working?

My thought too!

wrote in
:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?




Any concrete/mortar is gonna attack the metal it contacts. My guess is
that's why foundation cutouts have PT wood lining in the opening. Kinda
makes installation/repair/replacement a tad easier too!

On Aug 31, 12:33*pm, Red Green wrote:
wrote :



I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Any concrete/mortar is gonna attack the metal it contacts. My guess is
that's why foundation cutouts have PT wood lining in the opening. Kinda *
makes installation/repair/replacement a tad easier too!

Wrong answer...

A foundation "cut out" isn't necessarily "cut" as it can be designed
into
the pour and framed in when the forms are being put together...

Also, cutouts in foundations used for window and door openings require
framing to attach the door/window to...

As to the issue of the metal fan ducting being attacked by concrete,
there is a simple solution to that problem that involves the creative
use of the waterproof roofing under layment membrane...

Someone also mentioned the OP needing exterior access to prevent
chip out when the hole is made in the wall -- perhaps that is ideal
but not required -- there will be some kind of flashing or trim ring
that
comes with the fan exhaust ducting to conceal the transition between
the duct and the wall...

~~ Evan

On Aug 31, 6:24*am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Don't use cement, use canned foam to fill the gaps.

On Aug 31, 4:44*pm, harry wrote:
On Aug 31, 6:24*am, wrote:



I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Don't use cement, use canned foam to fill the gaps.

That advice is only good if the wall doesn't need to comply with a
fire rating... Otherwise canned foam is not an approved method
of firestopping...

~~ Evan

Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 4:44 pm, harry wrote:
On Aug 31, 6:24 am, wrote:



I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to
the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher
floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it
one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from
the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible
using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and
hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the
amalgam down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Don't use cement, use canned foam to fill the gaps.

That advice is only good if the wall doesn't need to comply with a
fire rating... Otherwise canned foam is not an approved method
of firestopping...


I wouldn't think a fan would do much for a fire rating either...

On 8/31/2011 5:13 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:24:07 -0400, wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?


I use a garden trowel. I have a cast aluminum one with a deep curved
blade that will shovel in a pretty good amount of concrete at a time.


IMHO, this falls into the Life Is Too Short category. For a couple
hundred bucks, a concrete cutting company can put a pretty hole through
there in an hour, using their honking big drill.

--
aem sends...

On Aug 31, 6:05*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 4:44 pm, harry wrote:
On Aug 31, 6:24 am, wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to
the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher
floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it
one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from
the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible
using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and
hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the
amalgam down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Don't use cement, use canned foam to fill the gaps.

That advice is only good if the wall doesn't need to comply with a
fire rating... *Otherwise canned foam is not an approved *method
of firestopping...

I wouldn't think a fan would do much for a fire rating either...

Not true at all, a rated exhaust fan will have a damper inside which
can close that is normally held open by fusible links...

You see the same sort of arrangements in some buildings ductwork
where the fire compartments must be maintained, at a compartment
wall there will be a set of similar dampers inside the ductwork at the
boundary...

~~ Evan

On Aug 30, 10:59*pm, Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24*am, wrote:





I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... *Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... *Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

~~ Evan- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I defy _you_ to use cold chisels and make a neat hole through an
existing wall either brick or block.

As for the OP. Without a hole saw you are going to come out with one
ugly, ragged, oversized hole.

Harry K

On Aug 30, 10:24*pm, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

I doubt it would work for concrete. I once used a caulking gun tube
witht he snout cut off to a big hole size for a similar job placing
Water Putty to seal cracls in block walls.

Harry K

Evan wrote:

On Aug 31, 1:24*am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Maybe you should learn to read: It's not concrete block, it's brick.
Maybe you should also explain this fantastic skill of properly cutting
a round hole: perhaps Evan in a You Tube spectacular!

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Your opinion.

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

You have a better method of packing the mortar? Let's hear it.

"HeyBub" wrote:

Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Yep. One can rent concrete hole saws in almost any size. They're used for
placing floor safes or routing pipes.

So... They cost money don't they? More than a cold chisel,
mini-sledge, ladder and myself and, I would guess, my rube-goldberg
placer.

Wonder what the OP plans when the fan quits working?

Same as I do with the other fans: remove the inside grill, unscrew the
fan (it fits in the sleeve) and replace as necessary. The sleeve and
the flap generally don't go wrong but if they were to I'd cut them out
from the inside and replace.

bob haller wrote:

On Aug 31, 7:08*am, "HeyBub" wrote:
Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... *Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... *Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

Yep. One can rent concrete hole saws in almost any size. They're used for
placing floor safes or routing pipes.

Wonder what the OP plans when the fan quits working?- Hide quoted text -

when the cut from inside is nearly thru the bricks outside will likely
spall falling outward..... OP needs exterior access.

Not true. Bricks are strongly held in place.

better to install just a exhaust outlet with the actual fan somehere
else indoors easy to service

No. No problem with service.

Harry K wrote:

On Aug 30, 10:59*pm, Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24*am, wrote:





I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... *Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... *Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

~~ Evan- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I defy _you_ to use cold chisels and make a neat hole through an
existing wall either brick or block.

If you only use cold chisels perhaps not however masonry bits drilling
a succession of holes around the perimeter help keep it round.

As for the OP. Without a hole saw you are going to come out with one
ugly, ragged, oversized hole.

Only by a small amount covered by the outside flange and then with
packed-in mortar.

"dadiOH" wrote:

wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

PVC pipe and a dowel. If dowel is too big - or you are using a big diameter
of pipe - whittle down a piece of wood.

Why not have a commercially made one?

Good luck with packing mortar into
a 1/2" diameter tube.

You have a point, maybe 1/2 is too small.

There are also grout bags, look like a cake icing
bag. I bought one once, tried it once, threw it away.

Even my wife suggested that but the nozzle is too short. It has to be
at least 12 inches long.

I think your nym is appropriate.

Thank you!

"Bob F" wrote:

dadiOH wrote:
wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam
down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

PVC pipe and a dowel. If dowel is too big - or you are using a big
diameter of pipe - whittle down a piece of wood. Good luck with
packing mortar into a 1/2" diameter tube. There are also grout bags,
look like a cake icing bag. I bought one once, tried it once, threw
it away.

And then there are grout pumps.

And there are also expensive hole saw cutters. No one has yet thought
about a swinging scaffold.

Smitty Two wrote:

In article ,
wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Perhaps you're referring to a dispensing syringe. You can get them
online in a variety of sizes, and they come with manual plungers or
without, for use with a compressed air powered dispenser.

Good idea, That's the sort of thing but in looking at the first couple
of dozen Google hits they seem to be only for liquid. No one mentions
mortar or anything similar. Further, did you look at the cost?
Especially the pneumatic ones. That overpaid contractor is cheap in
comparison.

You could build a square enclosure around the fan that more closely
matches your hole in the wall.

Not necessary.

Red Green wrote:

wrote in
:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Any concrete/mortar is gonna attack the metal it contacts. My guess is
that's why foundation cutouts have PT wood lining in the opening. Kinda
makes installation/repair/replacement a tad easier too!

Evidently the manufacturer thought about that because the ones I did
20 or so years ago show no corrosion.

Evan wrote:

On Aug 31, 12:33*pm, Red Green wrote:
wrote :



I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Any concrete/mortar is gonna attack the metal it contacts. My guess is
that's why foundation cutouts have PT wood lining in the opening. Kinda *
makes installation/repair/replacement a tad easier too!

Wrong answer...

A foundation "cut out" isn't necessarily "cut" as it can be designed
into
the pour and framed in when the forms are being put together...

Also, cutouts in foundations used for window and door openings require
framing to attach the door/window to...

As to the issue of the metal fan ducting being attacked by concrete,
there is a simple solution to that problem that involves the creative
use of the waterproof roofing under layment membrane...

Someone also mentioned the OP needing exterior access to prevent
chip out when the hole is made in the wall -- perhaps that is ideal
but not required -- there will be some kind of flashing or trim ring
that
comes with the fan exhaust ducting to conceal the transition between
the duct and the wall...

~~ Evan

See, your previous sarcastic and unpleasant answer was totally
unnecessary!

Evan wrote:

On Aug 31, 4:44*pm, harry wrote:
On Aug 31, 6:24*am, wrote:



I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Don't use cement, use canned foam to fill the gaps.

That advice is only good if the wall doesn't need to comply with a
fire rating... Otherwise canned foam is not an approved method
of firestopping...

It's also not as strong.

"HeyBub" wrote:

Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 4:44 pm, harry wrote:
On Aug 31, 6:24 am, wrote:



I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to
the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher
floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it
one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from
the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible
using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and
hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the
amalgam down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

Don't use cement, use canned foam to fill the gaps.

That advice is only good if the wall doesn't need to comply with a
fire rating... Otherwise canned foam is not an approved method
of firestopping...


I wouldn't think a fan would do much for a fire rating either...

Brick wall, metal fan... I don't see anything wrong.

wrote:

On Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:24:07 -0400, wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?


I use a garden trowel. I have a cast aluminum one with a deep curved
blade that will shovel in a pretty good amount of concrete at a time.

Too big and not long enough.

aemeijers wrote:

On 8/31/2011 5:13 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:24:07 -0400, wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

I use a garden trowel. I have a cast aluminum one with a deep curved
blade that will shovel in a pretty good amount of concrete at a time.

IMHO, this falls into the Life Is Too Short category. For a couple
hundred bucks, a concrete cutting company can put a pretty hole through
there in an hour, using their honking big drill.

What a load of ridiculous answers! Couple of hundred bucks, indeed!
What part of the world do you come from? There's not a contractor out
there who'll move off his fat butt for a job of less than $1000. You
can't even get a quote for a job this small!

Further let me make it quite clear: This is alt.home.repair, not
alt.line.the.pockets.of.some.wealthy.worker. Like the TV show, "This
Old House" you all seem to have lost the point of the whole thing:
D-I-Y. So no way am I going to employ someone to do something I can do
myself. The point of the original post was to ask if anyone had seen
this type of tool I thought to be useful. No?... OK...just say so or
STFU!

Harry K wrote:

On Aug 30, 10:24*pm, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

I doubt it would work for concrete. I once used a caulking gun tube
witht he snout cut off to a big hole size for a similar job placing
Water Putty to seal cracls in block walls.

Yeah, that might be the killer for the whole idea. Certainly the 1/2
inch is too small but just pushing it manually with a dowel (no
cylinder) does work so at some point above 1/2" it could be useful.
BTW it's mortar not concrete. The gravel in the concrete would kill
the idea immediately.

On 9/1/2011 12:47 AM, wrote:
wrote:

On 8/31/2011 5:13 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:24:07 -0400, wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

I use a garden trowel. I have a cast aluminum one with a deep curved
blade that will shovel in a pretty good amount of concrete at a time.

IMHO, this falls into the Life Is Too Short category. For a couple
hundred bucks, a concrete cutting company can put a pretty hole through
there in an hour, using their honking big drill.

What a load of ridiculous answers! Couple of hundred bucks, indeed!
What part of the world do you come from? There's not a contractor out
there who'll move off his fat butt for a job of less than $1000. You
can't even get a quote for a job this small!

Further let me make it quite clear: This is alt.home.repair, not
alt.line.the.pockets.of.some.wealthy.worker. Like the TV show, "This
Old House" you all seem to have lost the point of the whole thing:
D-I-Y. So no way am I going to employ someone to do something I can do
myself. The point of the original post was to ask if anyone had seen
this type of tool I thought to be useful. No?... OK...just say so or
STFU!


Oh, STFU yourself. I paid $300 for two drilled holes through a 12"
section of poured basement wall, for my furnace guy to run ducts through
to the addition here. There are specialist subs out there who do this
sort of thing routinely. But go ahead and bang your head against the
wall, and spend hours doing what the proper tool would do in minutes.

--
aem sends...

wrote

I defy _you_ to use cold chisels and make a neat hole through an
existing wall either brick or block.

If you only use cold chisels perhaps not however masonry bits drilling
a succession of holes around the perimeter help keep it round.


That makes it "sort of" round. There will be a serrated or scalloped edge
to it. Varying with the bit diameter, the hole can easily be too large or
too small depending on where you place the tip of the bit when you drill.
Not to mention the bit must be held very straight or the hole on the
opposite side will be a mess.

It is probably one of the better methods, but still has a lot of potential
for problems.

Harry K wrote:
On Aug 30, 10:59 pm, Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:





I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to
the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher
floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it
one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from
the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible
using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and
hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the
amalgam down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

On the off chance the OP is not a troll, the OP should learn how to
use cold chisels to properly cut through the concrete block in order
to create the desired shape and size of opening needed...

Yet another fabulous example of someone making a mountain out
of a mole hill...

Why make a round hole for something in a concrete wall when *I*
don't want to pay for someone with the correct size concrete
hole saw to come out and make the cut... Surely there is no other
way to make a round hole in a concrete block wall other than using
an mighty expensive drill bit... Then let me concoct the most
"rube goldberg-esque" manner possible to pack mortar into the
gaps *I* never should have created in the first place...

~~ Evan- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I defy _you_ to use cold chisels and make a neat hole through an
existing wall either brick or block.

As for the OP. Without a hole saw you are going to come out with one
ugly, ragged, oversized hole.


Michalangelo carved "David" with a cold chisel and a mallet.

'Course he was working in marble, a medium softer than concrete (I think).

Plus, he was Italian...

wrote in
:

aemeijers wrote:

On 8/31/2011 5:13 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:24:07 -0400,
wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter
is about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit
(and I wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to
cut through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the
fan will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd
like to fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only
get to the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a
higher floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I
want it one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar
in from the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as
possible using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way
and hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the
amalgam down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range
of sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push
the piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where
can I get such a tool?

I use a garden trowel. I have a cast aluminum one with a deep curved
blade that will shovel in a pretty good amount of concrete at a
time.

IMHO, this falls into the Life Is Too Short category. For a couple
hundred bucks, a concrete cutting company can put a pretty hole
through there in an hour, using their honking big drill.

What a load of ridiculous answers! Couple of hundred bucks, indeed!
What part of the world do you come from? There's not a contractor out
there who'll move off his fat butt for a job of less than $1000. You
can't even get a quote for a job this small!

Obviously you just plain look like a chump. One look and they give you
the 1k.


Further let me make it quite clear: This is alt.home.repair, not
alt.line.the.pockets.of.some.wealthy.worker. Like the TV show, "This
Old House" you all seem to have lost the point of the whole thing:
D-I-Y. So no way am I going to employ someone to do something I can do
myself. The point of the original post was to ask if anyone had seen
this type of tool I thought to be useful. No?... OK...just say so or
STFU!

On Sep 1, 2:48*am, "Ed Pawlowski" wrote:
wrote



I defy _you_ to use cold chisels and make a neat hole through an
existing wall either brick or block.

If you only use cold chisels perhaps not however masonry bits drilling
a succession of holes around the perimeter help keep it round.

That makes it "sort of" round. *There will be a serrated or scalloped edge
to it. *Varying with the bit diameter, the hole can easily be too large or
too small depending on where you place the tip of the bit when you drill.
Not to mention the bit must be held very straight or the hole on the
opposite side will be a mess.

It is probably one of the better methods, but still has a lot of potential
for problems.

I tried that method going through the "cavity" section of a block
wall. Still came out with a very rough hole and way oversize. That
was with a 1/2" homeowner "hammer drill". I'll never try that again.
It may be possible by renting a hammer drill with both drill and
chisel bits though.

OP hasn't said if his wall is solid brick, concrete block or what.
He did say brick I know but unless it is a very old house it won't be
soldi brick, more like a brick facade.

Harry K

In article ,
wrote:

Smitty Two wrote:



Perhaps you're referring to a dispensing syringe. You can get them
online in a variety of sizes, and they come with manual plungers or
without, for use with a compressed air powered dispenser.

Good idea, That's the sort of thing but in looking at the first couple
of dozen Google hits they seem to be only for liquid. No one mentions
mortar or anything similar. Further, did you look at the cost?
Especially the pneumatic ones. That overpaid contractor is cheap in
comparison.

I was only answering your question about what the device you were
describing might be. Whether it's applicable to your situation is up to
you, of course. (For your job, you might be better off with a caulking
gun type tool with a long nozzle.)

They are not at all strictly for liquid. They work just fine with very
thick epoxy and would have no trouble with mortar.

I use these gizmos frequently and am familiar with the costs. The cost
for a syringe with a manual plunger is pocket change. If you want to
hook it up to air for a one-time use, you don't need to buy an expensive
pneumatic dispenser. A pneumatic foot pedal is the most you'd need, and
you can pick those up for a few dollars on the used market. If that's
too spendy then just hook it up to an air line with an on/off slicer
valve that you can readily operate as needed.

All that said, the pneumatic dispenser is a very handy tool to have
around, one of those things that once you have one, you'll find uses for.

wrote:
"HeyBub" wrote:

Evan wrote:
On Aug 31, 1:24 am, wrote:
I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter
is about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit
(and I wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to
cut through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the
fan will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd
like to fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only
get to the inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from
a higher floor using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where
I want it one strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the
mortar in from the inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far
as possible using hands and then use a dowel to push it all the
way and hopefully compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the
job. You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his
drilling and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston
inside to place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the
amalgam down with another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range
of sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push
the piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where
can I get such a tool?

Yep. One can rent concrete hole saws in almost any size. They're
used for placing floor safes or routing pipes.

So... They cost money don't they? More than a cold chisel,
mini-sledge, ladder and myself and, I would guess, my rube-goldberg
placer.


Yep. You're right. A 6" concrete core drill costs between $66 and $77 per
day to rent. At this place:
http://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipm...y.aspx?id=s520

On Sep 1, 2:49*am, aemeijers wrote:
On 9/1/2011 12:47 AM, wrote:



*wrote:

On 8/31/2011 5:13 PM, wrote:
On Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:24:07 -0400, wrote:

I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. Diameter is
about 8 inches. Naturally I don't have an 8 inch masonry bit (and I
wouldn't like to pay the cost) so the next best thing is to cut
through enough bricks to make a squarish hole though which the fan
will fit. But that leaves small gaps on each side which I'd like to
fill in with mortar. I should also mention that I can only get to the
inside; the fan (really the vent part) is lowered from a higher floor
using a string duct-taped in place. When it's where I want it one
strong tug and it's free. So I have to push the mortar in from the
inside and it's a pain in the butt. Push as far as possible using
hands and then use a dowel to push it all the way and hopefully
compact it.

Well there's actually a miniature tool that I could use to do the job.
You know when you have a filling at the dentist: he does his drilling
and then uses a thing that looks like a tube with a piston inside to
place the amalgam in the cavity. He then tamps the amalgam down with
another instrument.

Upsize that tube with a piston to 1/2 inch (or maybe have a range of
sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches), pack it with mortar and then push the
piston home to place the mortar deep into the hole. Now where can I
get such a tool?

I use a garden trowel. I have a cast aluminum one with a deep curved
blade that will shovel in a pretty good amount of concrete at a time.

IMHO, this falls into the Life Is Too Short category. For a couple
hundred bucks, a concrete cutting company can put a pretty hole through
there in an hour, using their honking big drill.

What a load of ridiculous answers! Couple of hundred bucks, indeed!
What part of the world do you come from? There's not a contractor out
there who'll move off his fat butt for a job of less than $1000. You
can't even get a quote for a job this small!

Further let me make it quite clear: This is alt.home.repair, not
alt.line.the.pockets.of.some.wealthy.worker. Like the TV show, "This
Old House" you all seem to have lost the point of the whole thing:
D-I-Y. So no way am I going to employ someone to do something I can do
myself. The point of the original post was to ask if anyone had seen
this type of tool I thought to be useful. No?... OK...just say so or
STFU!

Oh, STFU yourself. I paid $300 for two drilled holes through a 12"
section of poured basement wall, for my furnace guy to run ducts through
to the addition here. There are specialist subs out there who do this
sort of thing routinely. But go ahead and bang your head against the
wall, and spend hours doing what the proper tool would do in minutes.

--
aem sends...

It is more fun to watch a hole being cored in a floor, like for a
floor outlet
box of some kind...

Some contractors will fill a garbage can with water to catch the
plug...

It used to run about $500 per hole, $300 for the hole itself and $200
for
the box installed and properly firestopped...

Was cool to watch the big splash when the plug fell through the
hole...

~~ Evan

Harry K wrote:

On Sep 1, 2:48*am, "Ed Pawlowski" wrote:
wrote

OP hasn't said if his wall is solid brick, concrete block or what.
He did say brick I know but unless it is a very old house it won't be
soldi brick, more like a brick facade.

Harry K

Harry, first line of my original post:

"I'm trying to put a fan into a 12-inch thick brick wall. ..."

The building is about 110 years old and when I say 12-inch thick brick
wall" I mean solid brick. No cavities. I believe there are 3 layers
although I could be wrong about that. Inside the outside brick wall
there are furring strips and then lath and plaster. Sometimes a layer
of sheetrock over them or sometimes lath and sheetrock or sometimes
just sheetrock depending on how I can deal with the door and window
surrounds.