How to remove hardibacker when thinset is covering screw heads?
#1
08-23-11, 11:35 PM
How to remove hardibacker when thinset is covering screw heads?
I'm doing a bath remodel after the job was half-finished by the contractor. At this point I need to remove the hardibacker above a bathtub, but there is now dried thinset covering half the screws on that hardibacker. The hardibacker is mounted to wood studs via hardibacker screws. I need to take it off in order to install a vapor barrier.
What's the best way to remove that hardibacker? I don't care whether I destroy it and have to buy a new one.
What's the best way to remove that hardibacker? I don't care whether I destroy it and have to buy a new one.
#2
08-24-11, 03:43 AM
One way would be to cut the backer board vertically between studs with a recip saw. You could, then, rock the cbu from side to side breaking it away from the screw heads. Once removed, you could remove the screws with a pair of pliers. A flat bar, hammer and crow bar are also handy.
#3
08-25-11, 08:05 AM
Chadler: Thanks, I'll try that. Any particular type of blade for the recip saw? Also, instead of a recip saw, would a 5 lb hammer, aimed between the studs be a bad idea?
Originally Posted by chandler
One way would be to cut the backer board vertically between studs with a recip saw. You could, then, rock the cbu from side to side breaking it away from the screw heads. Once removed, you could remove the screws with a pair of pliers. A flat bar, hammer and crow bar are also handy.
#4
08-25-11, 04:28 PM
5# hammer will get heavy, quick. Effective, though. Just miss your plumbing stud bays 
They make a demo blade with a diamond type grit edge that will take the punishment. Otherwise a short aggressive toothed blade would work (several of them, really).
They make a demo blade with a diamond type grit edge that will take the punishment. Otherwise a short aggressive toothed blade would work (several of them, really).
