Thank you very much. I'm a a 52 year old female with an "ultimate set of tools", (little Fast Times movie reference there) and you have given me the confidence to do this myself. Knowledge is power. Thank you for sharing yours!
Want to save pretty 1950s built in sink vanity with tile top that is adjoining tub on side by drain. Any chance the impact of all that hammering won’t crack it?
@@carolyningram9914 Needless to say that being the utmost careful when hammering away is critical. If there is grout it will probably break first.Is there a way to put a thick rubber pad in between so it dampens the vibration? If there is a wall like you see in this video, can it get removed first?
Using a sledge was my fathers way, and I busted out my share of tubs with him many years ago. It’s been decades since, and now I’m renovating my own bathroom and will be ready to remove the tub tomorrow, maybe. Came out to RUclips to see if there are new methods and while I saw other methods, I think this is the best way to go. It’s a big, old, long tub, I hope it doesn’t give me too much trouble. I have two adult sons, if it does give me trouble, I’ll have to wait for a day when both aren’t working and have them do it. 😁. Thank you for imparting your knowledge, I can see in the comments you helped a lot of people out. 👍
Thanks! I couldn’t break through the outside of my 1957 cast iron tub, however I was able to smash through by starting on the inside until I broke it in half and then hauled each half out. Only took 2 hours total with a sledgehammer. Took longer planning how to do it!! And in case someone thinks I shouldn’t have destroyed it, it was only 12 inches deep and the enamel was worn enough that it never looked clean. Good riddance old tub!
Wow! Impressive! My cast iron tub is the original in the house which was built in the late 40s. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to get it out of here. Everything in me says "just keep the tub"...haha.
It worked fantastic!! Thank you, Thank you!! At 67 years old I was able to do it & my nephew with the size sledge hammer size you used!! You made our whole day! Thank you!
I just took one of these out with a friend yesterday. We took it out from a second story on a hand truck. It was terrible lol. I put it on the curb hoping someone would take it but I may have to smash it up like this to dispose of it. Thanks man.
Wish I had seen this earlier. My wife and I wrestled our cast iron tub out, loaded it onto an appliance dolly and slowly (and with much effort) wheeled it out onto the back deck. It's been sitting there for a year now...time to get rid of it. Sledge hammer, here I come!
Figured id share a funny learning experience. I spent a good 5-10 minutes tearing into a steel tub. It sure bent but wouldnt break. It wasnt til I realized I could lift it up with 1 arm that I wasnt dealing with a cast iron tub 😐🤣🤣 so id recommend testing the weight before you swing a hammer
I have to pull one out of a 50s house by myself demo job. And was wondering if there was a video on a method . Low and behold , gotta love dyi you tubers. Hope mine is that thin
I watched this before removing my 70 year old tub. It was much thicker! I hit it at least 30 times before it even cracked. I'd smack it with a 12lb sledge hammer and it would ring like a bell. Now I'm 6-1 275 and grew up doing construction. This wasn't my first cast iron rodeo. I've taken out tubs and two years ago I smashed a cast iron furnace in our basement. I eat animal based protein and lift heavy things and this tub just about broke my will. Your results may vary from this video. Be sure to wear eye pro and watch out for the millions of razor sharp shards that fly off a tub when you bonk it.
This is my experience as well. 1930's house. I don't think I can do it with a sledge. I have made a hole, but with 5 times the effort of the video. I am afraid I will do damage to the framing and adjacent walls beating on the tub. I am going to an angle grinder.
Funny, I'm 69 female, eat animal based protein and lift heavy things all the time, and smashed out an oil furnace and an exterior oil tank on my last renovation, lol. I came looking for opinions about what size sledge hammer, mine is only 8 lbs. My tub is 1950's when the bathroom was built so hopefully it's not like yours :) Thanks for the comment!
@@kenbagwell8551 This is my fear as well. Thinking I need to just keep the damn tub. There's NO WAY this tub would break apart as easily as the gentleman shows in the video. He did a fantastic job! But my tub is from the late 40's...VERY thick and heavy.
This varies by tub though this one on the video seemed to break easily but mine wasn’t the case I had to use a grinder and cut it in half than into 4 pieces
I was hoping Bob would show how to actually "move" the tub out with less effort. Ours is an old claw foot that weighs at least this much or more. My wife wants to save it and use it for a planter in the yard. I have a feeling I'm what she wants to plant in it because after I move that thing I won't be moving anymore myself.
@@funbro1 When we first remodeled the bathroom back in 1991, my cousin and I slid it out on cardboard and a blanket. It took everything we had to move it. That was 29 years ago, we were in our early 30's. I'm definitely going to have someone else do it when the time comes.
@@funbro1 Yeah, it’s a safety measure that’s all, my employees always wear safety goggles and throw a tarp over tub, once u try it, you’ll see it’s worth it, also it quiets the blow…. 👍
John, Thank you for sharing! Great and very inspiring video. I will be removing an old cast iron tub next week! I will use your method and will upload a Spanish Version of it in my RUclips Channel.
I just used (6) 2 foot pieces of fence post that I had taken down just the plain old galvanized thin wall post. Cut them down put one onset then another you just pull one that comes out the back and put it back at the front you can turn the tub or anything else you wood like. I was saving the tub however
going to try this on the weekend. don't want to pay hundreds to remove an old bath which has been in the garden for over 4 months. if works can then take piece by piece to recycling center. thanks :-)
I imagine if I were to just break the sides it would look like a clawfoot without its legs but that's just an idea, I also thought that since cast iron is metal, I might be able to melt it and forge it into something new with all of the pieces.
Hello I have a question. I was wearing glasses when removing mine and not safety glasses. A small hard hit me on the cheek close to the eye. Do you think it could have poked my eye out? I am wearing safety glasses from now on.
@@funbro1 I got scared so I bought a pair of safety glasses. Do you think I would have to go to the hospital or just rinse it out with water? I hope can rest easy tonight.
This is a cheap, weak tub. Same instructions for a heavy duty POS that is two or three times as thick? I have hit it hard and done no damage other than taking the outer enamel off. Metal reciprocating blades barely touch it. I really don’t want to angle grind it but it is down in a hole and crazy heavy
Good advice, I finally got frustrated and smashed it, four heavy blows in one spot and it cracked. I remembered my metallurgy, cast iron has high carbon content and is brittle as hell. Then was able to cut in half with the sledge sort of. Sledge needs a new handle. This thing was built solid. Thanks for the response. The contractors kept telling me to saw it, then my cousin said definitely smash it. Confucius says never trust a contractor you hired.
That would be another good way, but I would hate to have to take it down steps that way. I would not want to be at the bottom of the steps at least. Thanks for watching.
I see these old tubs on Craigslist every week. People list them for $100 and then $50 and then free, please just come get it. Nobody wants them. Cast claw foot tubs are another matter.
Bob Do you see my monkey picture above on my handle. That’s how I feel right now you make me happy with this video we are about to remove this thing thanks to you buddy
![ARGENTINA vs. CHILE [3-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 7](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/De3AWmXzhuA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks Bob, I would have known where to start, and 3 hours after seeing your video, my old cast iron bath is out of the house. Awesome!
It works, just make sure to be careful. Thanks for watching.
It took only 3hrs to break it down and load it on the truck. Was it heavy.
@@iamthatiam4637 That's amazing!
Thank you very much. I'm a a 52 year old female with an "ultimate set of tools", (little Fast Times movie reference there) and you have given me the confidence to do this myself. Knowledge is power. Thank you for sharing yours!
Thank you for watching.
Want to save pretty 1950s built in sink vanity with tile top that is adjoining tub on side by drain. Any chance the impact of all that hammering won’t crack it?
@@carolyningram9914 Needless to say that being the utmost careful when hammering away is critical. If there is grout it will probably break first.Is there a way to put a thick rubber pad in between so it dampens the vibration? If there is a wall like you see in this video, can it get removed first?
Let us know how it turned out please.
I just turned 60 and I'm so glad I found this video! I hope you were successful with your project!
Just used a 10 lb sledge hammer to do the same thing. Awesome results! Thanks.
Much better than carrying the whole thing down at once. Thanks for watching
Using a sledge was my fathers way, and I busted out my share of tubs with him many years ago. It’s been decades since, and now I’m renovating my own bathroom and will be ready to remove the tub tomorrow, maybe. Came out to RUclips to see if there are new methods and while I saw other methods, I think this is the best way to go. It’s a big, old, long tub, I hope it doesn’t give me too much trouble. I have two adult sons, if it does give me trouble, I’ll have to wait for a day when both aren’t working and have them do it. 😁. Thank you for imparting your knowledge, I can see in the comments you helped a lot of people out. 👍
Can’t “beat” the good old fashioned way. Just be careful and use protective equipment. Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 Amen brother. It is done already. It helps to have 2 sons too, but not bad at all.
Thanks! I couldn’t break through the outside of my 1957 cast iron tub, however I was able to smash through by starting on the inside until I broke it in half and then hauled each half out. Only took 2 hours total with a sledgehammer. Took longer planning how to do it!! And in case someone thinks I shouldn’t have destroyed it, it was only 12 inches deep and the enamel was worn enough that it never looked clean. Good riddance old tub!
Sounds like you now have it under control.
Thanks for watching.
Wow! Impressive! My cast iron tub is the original in the house which was built in the late 40s. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to get it out of here. Everything in me says "just keep the tub"...haha.
It worked fantastic!! Thank you, Thank you!! At 67 years old I was able to do it & my nephew with the size sledge hammer size you used!! You made our whole day! Thank you!
Glad to help, Thanks for watching.
Great video. Very helpful. My wife is excited to relieve some stress.
Awesome, thanks for watching.
I just took one of these out with a friend yesterday. We took it out from a second story on a hand truck. It was terrible lol. I put it on the curb hoping someone would take it but I may have to smash it up like this to dispose of it. Thanks man.
Yeah nobody will usually take them heavy mofos
Thank you so much. I am facing this challenge and thought it would have been impossible without the use of explosives!
Thanks for watching
Wish I had seen this earlier. My wife and I wrestled our cast iron tub out, loaded it onto an appliance dolly and slowly (and with much effort) wheeled it out onto the back deck. It's been sitting there for a year now...time to get rid of it. Sledge hammer, here I come!
Just make sure to use the proper safety equipment. Flying shards of cast-iron can be very dangerous. Thanks for watching.
Figured id share a funny learning experience. I spent a good 5-10 minutes tearing into a steel tub. It sure bent but wouldnt break. It wasnt til I realized I could lift it up with 1 arm that I wasnt dealing with a cast iron tub 😐🤣🤣 so id recommend testing the weight before you swing a hammer
That's great! I laughed real good at that one. I could see where that might happen. Thanks for sharing the story, and thanks for watching.
I have to pull one out of a 50s house by myself demo job. And was wondering if there was a video on a method . Low and behold , gotta love dyi you tubers. Hope mine is that thin
Make sure to use all the correct safety equipment, this can be dangerous.
Thanks for watching.
I watched this before removing my 70 year old tub. It was much thicker! I hit it at least 30 times before it even cracked. I'd smack it with a 12lb sledge hammer and it would ring like a bell. Now I'm 6-1 275 and grew up doing construction. This wasn't my first cast iron rodeo. I've taken out tubs and two years ago I smashed a cast iron furnace in our basement. I eat animal based protein and lift heavy things and this tub just about broke my will. Your results may vary from this video. Be sure to wear eye pro and watch out for the millions of razor sharp shards that fly off a tub when you bonk it.
And while we are at it let’s not forget some ear protection as well. Thanks for watching
This is my experience as well. 1930's house. I don't think I can do it with a sledge. I have made a hole, but with 5 times the effort of the video. I am afraid I will do damage to the framing and adjacent walls beating on the tub. I am going to an angle grinder.
Funny, I'm 69 female, eat animal based protein and lift heavy things all the time, and smashed out an oil furnace and an exterior oil tank on my last renovation, lol. I came looking for opinions about what size sledge hammer, mine is only 8 lbs. My tub is 1950's when the bathroom was built so hopefully it's not like yours :) Thanks for the comment!
@@kenbagwell8551 This is my fear as well. Thinking I need to just keep the damn tub. There's NO WAY this tub would break apart as easily as the gentleman shows in the video. He did a fantastic job! But my tub is from the late 40's...VERY thick and heavy.
Yeah this is exactly why I'm hesitant to try. My tub is from the late 40s. Much thicker. Were you ultimately able to break it apart in small pieces?
This is the video I wanted to see. Thank you sir!!
Thanks bob I feel confident that I can now remove my tub
You can do it. Thanks for watching.
This varies by tub though this one on the video seemed to break easily but mine wasn’t the case I had to use a grinder and cut it in half than into 4 pieces
Sure does. Thanks for watching
Your way is the only way to do it.
What kind of grinder did you use, please? Thank you!
I was hoping Bob would show how to actually "move" the tub out with less effort. Ours is an old claw foot that weighs at least this much or more. My wife wants to save it and use it for a planter in the yard. I have a feeling I'm what she wants to plant in it because after I move that thing I won't be moving anymore myself.
Be careful, I can’t imagine moving it in one piece. Maybe a bunch of people to help would be the answer?
Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 When we first remodeled the bathroom back in 1991, my cousin and I slid it out on cardboard and a blanket. It took everything we had to move it. That was 29 years ago, we were in our early 30's. I'm definitely going to have someone else do it when the time comes.
Thanks a LOT!!! 12lb from Harbor Freight did it for me!!!
Thanks, Bob. I'm looking forward to my far future bathroom remodel and can't wait to break this awful tub up.
You can do it! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the info. I feel confident I can remove my tub.
You should always put on a drop cloth over tub, helps stop the porcelain from flying around...
Wouldn’t that destroy the drop cloth?
Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 a little, but I’ve used the same drop cloth for like 5 separate tub demos. It makes rips and tears in it yes, but well worth it…and safer.
I really don’t get that much porcelain flying around but I may try it in the future.
@@funbro1 Yeah, it’s a safety measure that’s all, my employees always wear safety goggles and throw a tarp over tub, once u try it, you’ll see it’s worth it, also it quiets the blow…. 👍
Definitely will try it, thanks.
John, Thank you for sharing! Great and very inspiring video. I will be removing an old cast iron tub next week! I will use your method and will upload a Spanish Version of it in my RUclips Channel.
Sounds like a plan, I'll watch for it. Thanks for watching.
Wish me luck. Of 68 years old and a weakling. But I'm going to swing that hammer like John Henry. Thanks for the video
Good luck! and be careful. make sure to wear proper safety equipment. Thanks for watching.
Thanks give me the courage to do it something I knew I had to do but didn't want to
wow! did'nt know it would break up that easy. great video. thanks
Well it’s not really that easy but it’s not too bad.
Thanks for watching
I personally break it into 5 pieces. And it takes me typically 20min- an hr depending on surroundings
Yes the surroundings make a difference. Thanks for watching.
I just used (6) 2 foot pieces of fence post that I had taken down just the plain old galvanized thin wall post. Cut them down put one onset then another you just pull one that comes out the back and put it back at the front you can turn the tub or anything else you wood like. I was saving the tub however
Sounds like a good plan.
Thanks for watching.
People used to use old tubs as cattle troughs.
Sure did. Thanks for watching.
Just came across this video and just want to say thank you! I tried to he-man it and pull it big no no
Thanks for watching.
going to try this on the weekend. don't want to pay hundreds to remove an old bath which has been in the garden for over 4 months. if works can then take piece by piece to recycling center. thanks :-)
Thanks for watching
Took out the kids' bathtub last winter. Didn't break apart nearly this easy.
I have found that some tubs put up a bigger fight than others. Must be the difference in brands, quality, or thickness. Thanks for watching
Thahnk you for your Vid. It’s given me some much needed confidence 😊
You are so welcome!
That's how you GET IT DONE!
You just saved our lives!!
Good to hear, Thanks for watching.
Thanks Bob, trying this tomorrow after watching your video, greetings from Ireland!
Best of luck, thanks for watching.
Thanks Bob, helpful video.
Thanks for watching.
I imagine if I were to just break the sides it would look like a clawfoot without its legs but that's just an idea, I also thought that since cast iron is metal, I might be able to melt it and forge it into something new with all of the pieces.
There are a few things you could do with the pieces. I ended up recycling mine.
Thanks for watching.
@@funbro1 your welcome
Hello I have a question. I was wearing glasses when removing mine and not safety glasses. A small hard hit me on the cheek close to the eye. Do you think it could have poked my eye out? I am wearing safety glasses from now on.
I would always recommend using the correct PPE when working with tools.
@@funbro1 I got scared so I bought a pair of safety glasses. Do you think I would have to go to the hospital or just rinse it out with water? I hope can rest easy tonight.
Great Job Bob!
Thanks for watching.
That looks like too big of a job for me to do. I can only make a burn pit out of an old oil drum while working with iron so far.
Nice video! Guess what I’m doing this Friday night...
Awesome, thanks for watching.
Great video,ours is coming out next week,its 60 years old,can you recycle the cast iron?
Yes, That is what I did with this one. Best of luck and Thanks for watching.
Air chisel or hammer drill with chisel bit is easier.
If you say so, i'll have to try that next time. Thanks for watching.
Where did you dispose of the cast iron to?
I took it to the recycle yard and got a few bucks for it.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks mate ill need it soon
Thanks for watching.
This is a cheap, weak tub. Same instructions for a heavy duty POS that is two or three times as thick? I have hit it hard and done no damage other than taking the outer enamel off. Metal reciprocating blades barely touch it. I really don’t want to angle grind it but it is down in a hole and crazy heavy
It would take a truck load of blades to go through this tub. You may want to invest in a larger hammer.
Thanks for watching.
Good advice, I finally got frustrated and smashed it, four heavy blows in one spot and it cracked. I remembered my metallurgy, cast iron has high carbon content and is brittle as hell. Then was able to cut in half with the sledge sort of. Sledge needs a new handle. This thing was built solid. Thanks for the response. The contractors kept telling me to saw it, then my cousin said definitely smash it. Confucius says never trust a contractor you hired.
Thanks Bob
Thanks for watching.
Can the cast iron be recycled?
Yes it can.
Thanks for watching.
i split it into 4 big parts and took it out much easier that way
Sounds good, thanks for watching.
How long did this take you?
Not too long many an hour...being careful not to damage the drain pipe. Thanks for watching.
How to remove a house by yourself, smash it to pieces
Sure, that will probably work. Thanks for the view.
FIRE!!!! 🔥
I saw the guy who rolled it out on PVC with one hand
That would be another good way, but I would hate to have to take it down steps that way. I would not want to be at the bottom of the steps at least. Thanks for watching.
Why break it ?
Please refer to the title of the video. Thanks for watching.
Whoa!
Tried to budge this shit can for 30minutes. hammer made it much easier.
It's hammer time. Thanks for watching.
Thanks.
How to scrap antiques.
And it only takes one person. Thanks for watching.
It is sad to see nice things like that go to waste. I saved a 1955 green toilet from the trash about a week ago.
Ama do that to my girls bathroom:)
Wish you the best, be safe.
Thanks for watching.
If only mine broke so easily lolol
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16
Amen, and I can appreciate someone using the KJV. Thanks for watching.
Please preach somewhere else.
lol that bathtub so thin u could probably kick it and brake it xD
That would make a great video, I invite you to try it on a 100 year old cast iron tub. LOL
"Brake" it? Why, is it moving?
tripjet999 Easier to move smaller, lighter pieces. Tub weighs about 300 pounds.
@@tripjet999 Just stop now.
Stop what?
I cant believe you just destroyed that beautiful old bathtub - whats wrong with you
I can't believe you just made that comment, what's wrong with you?
Thanks for watching
I've got a 1950's ivory colored cast iron tub Louise in my old farm house. You want it, come and remove it, all yours. P.S. it's on the second floor!
I see these old tubs on Craigslist every week. People list them for $100 and then $50 and then free, please just come get it. Nobody wants them. Cast claw foot tubs are another matter.
@@funbro1 Seriously though.
People want those. You shouldn't go mindlessly destroying antiques.
Bob Do you see my monkey picture above on my handle. That’s how I feel right now you make me happy with this video we are about to remove this thing thanks to you buddy
Thanks for watching.