Extracting Concrete Sleeve Anchors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sleeve anchors secure objects to masonry surfaces by expanding their threaded section within the material, creating a firm hold. Because of this tight grip, taking the anchors out is challenging. Rather than yanking them out and risking damage or injury, you can countersink the anchors and patch the surface.
By Blake Wood4 steps
Removing sleeve anchors usually requires filling in the resulting gaps or replacing the affected area completely.
Sleeve anchors designed for concrete are commonly used to fasten items to brick, concrete, and similar substrates. When the anchor is set, its threaded portion expands and wedges itself into the surrounding material, producing a secure hold. That same secure hold, however, turns removal into a tough job. Attempting to extract the anchor by force can ruin the surrounding material and create a safety hazard. If the material being anchored cannot be cut away and replaced, an alternative is to sink the anchor completely into the material and then cover it over.
Step 1
Detach the nut and washer from the anchor with a wrench, or use a drill attachment if that works better. Take the anchor head off the threaded section.
Step 2
With a hammer, drive the rest of the anchor as far into the surrounding material as you can. Strike lightly so you don't cause unnecessary damage. If any part of the anchor still sticks out, trim it off with a hacksaw.
Step 3
Fill the leftover hole using a product suited to the material. For brick, spread a brick-mortar compound in a matching color over the gaps; if the brick is severely damaged, you can remove it and install a new brick with mortar instead. For concrete, dampen the damaged area, then apply a bit of wet concrete or an expanding concrete sealant.
Step 4
When drilling holes for future anchors, make them twice as deep as the anchor is long. That way, when the anchors are no longer needed, they can be sunk more easily, which usually eliminates the need for hacksaw trimming.
