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    merraboy's Avatar
    merraboy Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 25, 2010, 10:48 AM
    How to remove a railroad tie
    I want to take down a retaining wall made of railroad ties. There are large spikes holding the ties in place. I need to know how to remove these spikes.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Apr 25, 2010, 01:26 PM

    Let's look at how it's constructed: How to build a retaining wall with railroad ties - by Tammy L Mahan - Helium

    Those spikes are rebar. They don't cut easily and they are not smooth.

    I'd be tempted to use a large flat chisel with a hammer drill and a couple of crowbars to remove tie by tie.

    I might also consider a pair of hydraulic jacks.

    Railroad ties can have some nasties in it like arsnic and may have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
    carpenter-t's Avatar
    carpenter-t Posts: 88, Reputation: 19
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    #3

    Apr 25, 2010, 05:03 PM

    There is such a thing as retaining wall spikes.a crowbar has a claw on the curved end like a hammer you should be able to pull them with that.you may have to pry the top tie up a little to pop the spike up a little so you can get the claw on it or drive the claw under the head with a hammer.if it is rebar then drive a wedge under the top tie so you can get a sawsall in and cut the rebar or try to pop off the top tie with the wedges and crowbar then bend the rebar with a long piece of pipe ,sledge hammer so the crowbar can get a grip
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #4

    Apr 26, 2010, 02:44 AM

    Tie spikes are 12 to14 inches long. Usually 4 spikes to 8 foot tie. Pry top tie up high enough to get metal sawsall blade in. Cut spikes and remove ties one at a time.

    To pry these out u would have to use an 8 foot wrecking bar. Also would need to raise the bars foot as u pull spike.

    Good luck

    Chuck
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