Removing a single brick

[Wood_workur]

We have an old chimney that isn't used any more. We would like to use this as a cable run to add in some network and coaxial cables that would be much more difficult (as in offset walls) to run otherwise. Barring possibly breaking fire code (I'm thinking its a small issue if the inside isn't combustible?) I'm trying to remove a single brick. I've got most of the mortar removed, but the brick just wiggles like a loose tooth with no sign of getting any more out. The space is pretty much too cramped to get a drill in there, and I've been using an old broken screw driver as a chisel to chip mortar away.

What would you guys do to get this out? Then I also have to go through a bit more mortar, then the lining to get to the inside, which I think has a foot or two of ash that'll need to be cleared.

[pelligrini]

Not sure where you're removing the brick from, but there is usually two wythes (rows) in a fireplace or chimney. It might be one wythe and a clay flue.

[Cochese]

Sounds like a job for the spiral saw.

[cabinetman]

I would think one of those multifunction tools would do the trick. I have the HF model and it does wondrous things.
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[os1kne]

I agree about trying the multifunction tool, not sure if there's a "blade" that will let you get as deep as you'll need to get.

[bigangelman]

I torn into & down many chimneys over the years. Why not grab a hammer and start pounding on the brick? They are usually pretty brittle and will crumble away. Like others said you might have a clay flue liner or another row of bricks. They make a star chisel pointed masonry chisel that you pound & turn drilling your way through.

However many times in the wall/s next to the chimney there will be enough space to run wires. If not there then try using a space next too the plumbing vent running up through the attic. Put a bright work light in the basement below the pipe and go into the attic and look down. A weighted string/fish line can be used to pull a stronger line to pull cables/wires with.

Tom

[Mr__Bill]

I expect that you want the brick out whole so that it can be put back in. I also expect that it's mortared to the flue too on the back side making it very hard to extract. If you don't care about the removed brick just go at it with a masonry drill and chisel.

As bigangelman said, there are other chase places that may be more accessible. The cavity next to the chimney should in a newer home, say after 1960 or so, have fire stops making it hard to fish. Beside a plumbing stack may give you a good run from cellar or crawl space to attic. Look for one close to the bathroom. Another solution is to go up through a closet in the corner next to the front wall, as in just inside the door, and run the wire in plastic wire mold.

The other solution is to run up inside of a wall. They make long drill bits and the Borg has them, that you can drill from the attic clear to the basement and if you are lucky not out through the wall somewhere.

Bill
on the Sunny Oregon Coast