Removing a cast iron tub

[jussi]

I'd like to replace an old cast iron tub with a shower in a small bathroom. There's no way to get the tub through the door (even with the door removed). So does anyone know the best way to break one apart? I heard a good ol' fashion sledge hammer was the way to go. Suggestions?

[iceman61]

Acetylene torch......lol maybe a reciprocating saw with a metal blade
How about if you took the whole door & frame out? There is really not much that holds one in anyway.

That cast iron tub is probably worth some money to somebody, since they can be repainted.

[KenBurris]

ala tv

I saw one of the home improvement shows on tv that used the sledgehammer - draped a heavy tarp over the side and had at it

found this also:

http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/bp_mecha...771160,00.html

[Tom Slick]

I vote for whacking it with a big hammer.

[Pathpounder]

Earplugs and a sledge hammer. Works fine.

[pierhogunn]

this is gonna sound very very crazy, but get a hold of some liquid nitrogen, you can usually get if from welding supply shops, and apply it to the tub, maybe drape the sides of the tub in a towel and carefully pour it on.

You may need to obtain a dewar flask, something that holds a gallon or two...

This should make the tub extremely brittle, and more prone to shattering under the blow of a sledge hammer

and with what you have left over

make a batch of icecream mix, then pour the LiN into it, and stir while it freezes, this purportedly makes the most exceptionally smooth ice-cream you could imagine

I'd let it warm up a bit thoug

[cabinetman]

When you've tried all the labor intensive Mickey Mouse ideas and none of them work, this will do the job without fail in seconds. I guarantee it.
.

[lebomike]

I removed one 6 years ago. The way I did it was to get a metal blade for my circular saw, and cut it right down the middle (length wise). It worked great, only took about 15 minutes. Be sure to wear hearing protection, and it does spark. Nothing flamable near it.
Just picked it up and carried it out the door after that.
I had a friend help me and he has taken them out like this many times.
Mike

[jspelbring]

Tub

I removed two from our house during rehab. The first, we man handled out the door - not the best way to go.

The second one met with a long handled sledge. Be sure to use a tarp, goggles and gloves. That shrapnel is SHARP (DAMHIKT).

Good luck!

[docrowan]

We had the same situation, but after a number of people became very interested in purchasing it used from us, we reconsidered. We've decided to keep our tub and purchase a brass shower curtain ring to mount to the ceiling instead.

[BigguyZ]

Either way, if you end up cutting or smashing it up, I know that cast iron is worth some $. I don't know how much, but we had a nice, antique cast iron radiator stolen and smashed from the back yard of our house.... so it's at least worth enough for someone to risk going to jail over.

[JeffG78]

I used a sledge. It took a lot of whacks to get the crack started, but then broke apart easily once it had a weak spot. I started with an old wood handled sledge, but quickly broke the handle when the head went through the cast iron allowing the handle to strike the remaining surface. After a trip to HD, my new fiberglass handled sledge took care of the rest.