Cutting into the basement floor....

hallbum · 10-07-2005, 08:24 PM

to install plumbing for the basement bathroom.

is there one specific tool that's better/easier/faster than the others in order to get this accomplished.

Just go at it with the sledgehammer? or rent something a little more hightech from home depot?

any thoughts?

'Andyman · 10-08-2005, 08:32 AM

I dont know if Home Depot has them, but can rent a concrete saw to sawcut the slab then use the hammer

Teetorbilt · 10-08-2005, 08:26 PM

I would cut first and then go to an electric hammer unless you need the exercise.

hallbum · 10-09-2005, 01:57 PM

actually, i probably DO need the exercise.

thanks for the advice, i'mme headed to home depot on monday to rent the saw, i'll see how far i get before i decide on electric hammer or sledge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

I would cut first and then go to an electric hammer unless you need the exercise.

DecksEtc · 10-09-2005, 11:13 PM

I used a small electric floor breaker. The saw will give you a straight cut if used first. The downfall is that the dust will fill your house. Bottom line, is it's your call.

Teetorbilt · 10-10-2005, 07:04 PM

Starting out with impact tools without creating margins could cause cracks. Even creating the margins does not eliminate this possibility although it certainly lessens it.

DecksEtc · 10-10-2005, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

Starting out with impact tools without creating margins could cause cracks. Even creating the margins does not eliminate this possibility although it certainly lessens it.

I do agree with you Teetor. The reason I was able to get away with just a floor breaker in my basement because the floor had only about 2" of actual concrete before the gravel. I guess because of that and luck, I didn't have any cracks develop.

Teetorbilt · 10-11-2005, 12:47 AM

Terry, I've never heard of a 2" slab. 4" is minimum here. An impact tool creates an impact cone that will be wider at the bottom than the top. If the slab is stressed from setteling it often does not take much to generate a fracture.

DecksEtc · 10-11-2005, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

Terry, I've never heard of a 2" slab. 4" is minimum here. An impact tool creates an impact cone that will be wider at the bottom than the top. If the slab is stressed from setteling it often does not take much to generate a fracture.

Around here the new home builders get away with murder. Yes, they advertise a 4" slab but I can tell you from experience that 2" is about the max. The same goes for the so called 4" of aspault for the driveways that is closer to 2", the advertised 6"-8" of topsoil that is closer to 2" or the crap they slap on the walls and ceilings that passes for paint - I could go on. And don't get me started on the crap they pass off as "decks/railings" - but then that helps drive my business.

10-07-2005, 08:24 PM	#1
hallbum underqualified shoprocket Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: chicago Posts: 9	Cutting into the basement floor.... to install plumbing for the basement bathroom. is there one specific tool that's better/easier/faster than the others in order to get this accomplished. Just go at it with the sledgehammer? or rent something a little more hightech from home depot? any thoughts?

10-08-2005, 08:32 AM	#2
'Andyman Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 59	Cutting into the basement floor.... I dont know if Home Depot has them, but can rent a concrete saw to sawcut the slab then use the hammer

10-08-2005, 08:26 PM	#3
Teetorbilt Contractor Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jensen Beach, FL Posts: 835	Cutting into the basement floor.... I would cut first and then go to an electric hammer unless you need the exercise.

10-09-2005, 11:13 PM	#5
DecksEtc Carpenter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Whitby, Ontario Posts: 139	Cutting into the basement floor.... I used a small electric floor breaker. The saw will give you a straight cut if used first. The downfall is that the dust will fill your house. Bottom line, is it's your call. __________________ Terry To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-10-2005, 07:04 PM	#6
Teetorbilt Contractor Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jensen Beach, FL Posts: 835	Cutting into the basement floor.... Starting out with impact tools without creating margins could cause cracks. Even creating the margins does not eliminate this possibility although it certainly lessens it.

Cutting into the basement floor....