Breaking up a cast iron bathtub

[Alan Rutherford]

It's time to get rid of the claw-footed cast iron bathtub that came with our house and it's going to have to go the hard way - in little pieces. I will have some help in the brawn department but planning is up to me. I did this once before about 50 years ago but I was younger, stronger and dumber then and don't remember much about it. We'll have glassses, earmuffs and standard dust masks. Do we want Tyvek suits and duct tape or is that overkill? I'll tape up the cabinets. Do I need plastic on the walls?

I've heard the suggestions about covering the tub with a moving blanket or similar. Worth doing?

I have one of those little one-handed air hammers that runs off an air compressor. Would it be a waste of time trying that before we get the sledge out? Anything else?

Thanks for any advice.

[Tom M King]

It won't fit through the doors?

I've never broken one up, so sorry, no advice on that.

[Ron Selzer]

sledge hammer and go at it, won't take long
air hammer is a waste of time
good luck
Ron

[Alan Rutherford]

It won't fit through the doors?....

It would fit through the doors. Then it has to go down the sprial staircase or over the railing to the first floor. It feels like about 350 pounds. It could probably be done with a block and tackle from the ceilng but I don't think it's worth the efffort and risk. If it goes out the window it has to clear the roof of the covered porch below. We'd need a crane.

[Rich Engelhardt]

+1 to what Ron said & let me add watch out for sharp edges.

[Bryan Lisowski]

Sledgehammer

[Mike Henderson]

I broke one up a long time ago with a sledgehammer. As I remember, it wasn't that difficult but I was a lot younger then.

Mike

[Alan Rutherford]

I broke one up a long time ago with a sledgehammer. As I remember, it wasn't that difficult but I was a lot younger then.

Mike

That's how I remember it and I'm kinda looking forward to it. My only real concern is what's going to happen if that bathroom isn't useable by the middle of the night.

[Myk Rian]

Got a utility sink?

[Ron Citerone]

Alan, I agree with Myk, living with 3 daughters and wife and one bathroom a man learns where the utility sink is.................

Please post how you mae out, I have one at my Father in Laws tht is upstairs and I would prefer not to remove it in one piece.

[Myk Rian]

Well, golly, guys. Someone had to carry the tub upstairs. Can't be too hard to get it back down.
😁

[Ron Citerone]

well, golly, guys. Someone had to carry the tub upstairs. Can't be too hard to get it back down.


ouch! :d

[Dwayne Watt]

Cast iron breaks ridiculously easy. Sledgehammer is all you need along with some eye protection and ear plugs.

[bill godber]

The sledge works fine. Be aware that the blows will turn the porcelain into flying razor blades, gloves, a face shield, long sleeves and pants are a must! It doesn't make much dust but you'll find little shards of porcelain all over for awhile.

[Bill Dufour]

Consider notching with an angle grinder to create a starting point. A drill will not touch the porcelain.
Bill D.