Replies

1. 
   brian_wiley | Oct 18, 2020 11:12am | #1

   I had a good chuckle when I saw this question, only because I had the exact same question about 3 months ago. After speaking with an older contractor, my understanding is that they were placed in the footing and then later connected to the temporary plywood wall forms.

   I‘m sure a grinder would work, but I used a pair of electric shears to trim them down to within about an inch, then folded them over and pounded them flat against the footing. Any other method I tried left really sharp edges that looked like they’d tear the liner.

1. 
   mla12 | Oct 19, 2020 01:41am | #3

   Ha, too funny. Following in your footsteps. Guess I need to read all your Q&As first...

   Thanks.

2. Expert Member
   BILL WICHERS | Oct 18, 2020 12:07pm | #2

   If you bend them back and forth with a big pair of pliers held tight to the wall (you want the bending point to be at the surface of the concrete and a bit below), the metal should break slightly below the surface of the concrete. Clean up whatever is left with an angle grinder if you need a flat/smooth surface.

   I would use a large pair of channel locks to do the bending, grabbing the metal with the tip of the pliers as close to the surface of the concrete as possible and the handles sticking out perpendicular to the surface of the wall. A small angle grinder will make quick work of whatever is left, or could cut them off completely if the "bend and break" doesn't work.

   Bill

1. 
   mla12 | Oct 19, 2020 01:42am | #4

   I could barely budge them with pliers. They're pretty thick. I saw youtube videos of guys hitting them back and forth, and those seem very different.

   I'll try the grinder. Thanks.

3. 
   josh_in_mn | Oct 19, 2020 02:39pm | #5

   You need a LARGE pair of channel locks:
   https://www.channellock.com/product/480/

1. 
   mla12 | Oct 22, 2020 01:45am | #7

   Woah, gotcha. Yeah, I was not using *those*. Will give it a shot, thanks.

4. 
   DCContrarian | Oct 19, 2020 08:50pm | #6

   I find a piece of 3/8" pipe works better than pliers, it can't slip off.

   I had to deal with some form ties, I used large bolt cutters and then an angle grinder to smooth them off. The cut piece tended to shoot across the room when cut with the bolt cutters so wear eye protection and stand off to one side.

1. 
   mla12 | Oct 22, 2020 01:45am | #8

   Will do, thanks.

5. 
   andy_ | Oct 22, 2020 03:03pm | #9

   Those aren't the kind of form ties that just snap off. If you really need to get rid of them, (and if you don' then I'd just leave them) then the grinder is probably your best bet. Be careful of what materials are around you as the sparks start to fly.

1. 
   mla12 | Oct 24, 2020 12:05am | #10

   Thanks, Andy. Just worried about eventual water intrusion.
   Will definitely think about the fire risk if I try the grinder, thanks.

6. 
   1869farmhouse | Oct 24, 2020 11:56am | #11

   The humble angle grinder is the best 15 dollar addition to the tool chest a person can make imho!

   I save the name brand tools for where they matter, if you don’t have one already go pick up the cheapest one your local store offers. Guarantee you’ll find a half dozen more uses for it inside the year.

7. 
   AdamWilson08 | Jul 24, 2024 06:10pm | #12

   Hey! How do I remove these ties? Pretty sure I can whack them downward with a hammer. Suggestions?

   
1. 
   Malcolm_Taylor | Jul 24, 2024 06:22pm | #13

   Adam,

   It's too late for the fast, easy way which is to hit the bar right next to them - and they just snap off. You can try a hammer, but now the bars are gone you may be back to either pliers or a grinder.