Power Tool Choice for Job?

[mattlago]

Buying a new house. Going to remove the pool fencing and replace.

In the pic attached you can see (barely) that the former owners had the pool fence dip into concrete. It looks like when they leveled they didnt realize it was sloping so they just poured concrete and put it into that

Anywho, it is only in at the most about a quarter inch deep. It also looks to be concrete that is right next to the pool deck, meaning a different pour.

So I am wondering if I should use a grinder or my skil saw with a masonry blade? Not a big job, just wondering what is easiest.

Thoughts?

 

[Doctor_Ink]

I would go with an air cut off wheel. Depending on how thick it is maybe a grinder. Masonry is for tile though. You would want a metal cut off wheel if you were going to go with the skil saw.

EDIT: Okay, some masonry blades allow for cutting iron and other metals. The ones I was thinking of do not. Read the packaging if you go that route

 

[MatthewM]

Is this welded fence? Once you cut free the fence section between the two posts, it seems like the whole section would like come free from the concrete easily as there is little holding it in place. Maybe I'm missing what you are trying to do though?

 

[Outlawmws]

If it's only in 1/4" it should pry right out...

But why was the fence put there to begin with? Most areas have requirements for fencing pools off to prevent accidental drownings...

 

[mattlago]

Re the law, in my county, as long as you have self closing gates and sliding doors (which I do) no need for the fence. But I may install something else, later.

Regarding prying it up, that may be an option but I am thinking it will destroy the fence and or break off leaving a walking hazard. It is welded fence and I was going to remove the surround. I suppose I am wondering what to use in the event it doesnt pop out.

 

[mattlago]

It gets a bit deeper into the cement to the left, may be under 1/2 inch or more now that i am thinking about it.

 

[bcradio]

Regarding prying it up, that may be an option but I am thinking it will destroy the fence and or break off leaving a walking hazard.

And why do you care if its destroyed? Are you going to reuse this or something?

I would cut the center sections free with a grinder and whack the posts in the concrete with a hammer to try and free them enough to pull/pry out.

Also, no need to be too concerned with damaging the concrete around the posts a little as it has to be patched anyway.

 

[ilovevocs]

Do you have a hammer drill with a chisel bit? If your not trying to retain the fencing i would go at it with a sledge hammer, angle grider for cutting, and the chisel bit on the hammer drill for removing the fencing from the concrete. I like to get a little crazy when the demo calls for it. Using the sledge hammer makes me feel good, probably not neccesary for this perticlular instance. Some times the tool fits the job, and sometimes i have to make the job fit the tool.

 

[Zeke]

That is incredible that someone would bury part of a metal fence in concrete. That might be a new record for shoddy work. What are you going to do once the fence is gone and you have this trench?

 

[Steevo]

I'd rent a walking wet saw for concrete, and cut off all the way along the fence, as close as the blade will go.
Then toss the fence and the concrete edge, and lay in a brick edging to match the sections behind the fence.

 

[Zeke]

I'd rent a walking wet saw for concrete, and cut off all the way along the fence, as close as the blade will go.
Then toss the fence and the concrete edge, and lay in a brick edging to match the sections behind the fence.

Perfect answer.

 

[mattlago]

Shoddy work in AZ??? The houses are built with tissue paper and balsa wood. When you pound nails for studs youre lucky if they are in a straight line.

Subsequently seeing work like this doesnt even suprise me. I did laugh when I saw it though.

I suppose if i destroy one section it is no big deal. I was just going to pull it and either sell it or store it so was trying to keep it intact. But I am thinking Steevo just gave me a great idea.

Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[MatthewM]

I'm not sure what county you're in, but if it's Maricopa it's illegal to alter a pool fence without a permit. I believe this is due to the large number of child drownings associated with un-fenced pools in the valley. See below from the zoning rules:

ARTICLE 1504.5. ZONING CLEARANCE:*1,**2,*5,*8 *36

It shall be unlawful to construct, alter, repair or improve, remove or demolish, or to commence the creation,
construction, alteration, removal or demolition of a building, structure or use without first filing with the Zoning Inspector an application in writing and obtaining a Zoning Clearance, except that such clearance shall not be required for:
1. A non-habitable accessory building or structure that is a single story and no greater than 200 square feet in floor area. *35
2. Fences or walls with an overall maximum finished height of six feet or less, unless said fence:

a. Is part of a pool barrier;

b. Serves to retain soil greater than 18 inches, as measured vertically from finished grade;

 

[Houston Rodder]

A circular saw is only appropriate if it is a worm drive circ saw. A sidewinder will not do the job effectively.