Remove old metal cold water tank from loft

[Over Clocker]

Hi guys,

We have an old metal water tank in the loft. It's all disconnected etc, and I want it out to get the space back.

I'd need to cut it into at least 4 bits to get it out of the loft I reckon. What's the best way to do this? It feels like it's pretty thick metal sheets, and it's all riveted together etc with heavy duty corners etc.

I have an angle grinder, but is that a good idea in a loft? There is no exposed mineral felt up there, the floor is boarded and the roof insulation is surrounded by some woven type material. I didn't fancy sitting there with a hacksaw for a day and going through 20 bladed and killing my arm!

Thanks,

Mal

 

[acake]

Go hire a recip saw will cut it up no problem .Should cost a round £35 to hire for a weekend but look around the hire prices may vary

 

[Maccapacca]

Turn it on its side and use it as a shelf

 

[Over Clocker]

Go hire a recip saw will cut it up no problem .Should cost a round £35 to hire for a weekend but look around the hire prices may vary

Ahh right great. I've seen one that get good reviews on Screwfix for £49, reviews from a few people who have used it to cut oil tanks etc. Might just buy one as the cost difference is so minimal!

Thanks,

Mal

 

[DXP55]

Just make sure you buy quality blades - I find recip saws are brutal on hands and wrists if you don't hold them hard pressed to material - Only good thing is no sparks.

 

[Over Clocker]

Thanks, I've got some heavy duty workman gloves at work and I'll get a pack of 5 good metal blades so can keep sharp ones on it.

I'll give it a go next weekend I think!

 

[Participant]

Are you absolutely certain it won't go straight through the loft hatch? I roped in a couple of people to help and we managed to squeeze it through.

 

[Over Clocker]

Yup yup. From talking to neighbours it was put in when the house was built. I've measured it up and it's 40cm too wide, it's quite a large square size.

Thanks,

Mal

 

[Teknobry]

Had the exact same issue and used my angle grinder. I just soaked a load of spare rags in water and allowed the sparks to land on them. I also took up a couple of bottles of water 'just in case'.

Roof still hasn't caught fire and that was a year ago

 

[robj20]

Just smashed the sides in on ours and folded it in half.

 

[ci_newman]

I was thinking the same thing, just take a hammer to it and flatten it

 

[t-rex]

Try the hammer approach, will save a bunch of money too.

 

[Orionaut]

Re the angle grinder approach.

I remember being warned that the zinc on galvanised tanks can be toxic if inhaled.

Metal fume fever

 

[mushtafa]

Could drill the rivets out. Might take a while though

 

[koolpc]

You need a shrinking gun!

 

[loltim]

Flattening it with a hammer will be more fun than using an angle grinder. Just saying..