How to lift pavers without damaging them

[olefella]

One of the most difficult things about a paved surface is lifting the pavers out of the surface without damaging them. In many cases it is impossible, and various techniques such as using a screwdriver, prybar, hammer etc end up either breaking the edges or damaging the paver. In the end it is often easier to break up a paver and pull out the pieces.

Here is an idea for non-destructive lifting method using old spring steel plaster spatulas or an old backsaw. The lifting plates are easy to make and cost nothing.

I show how to make the plates and demonstrate by lifting some of the pavers around the yard - in one spot the cars are usually parked and the pavers haven't been disturbed for about 30 years.

[DIYer]

Thanks olefella! We've added your Paving Tile Lifting Method to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: olefella's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Paving Tile Lifting Method by olefella

tags: lifting

[Karl_H]

Thanks.
I especially like that you show where you are headed before you start.
So many videos jump right in, so they are 5 minutes in before you can tell what they are making.

Any tricks to drilling the holes in the spring steel? It seems that would be hard to do.

[olefella]

Thanks.
I especially like that you show where you are headed before you start.
So many videos jump right in, so they are 5 minutes in before you can tell what they are making.

Any tricks to drilling the holes in the spring steel? It seems that would be hard to do.

The better the spring steel the harder it is. I used tap fluid and a high quality drill bit, blunted a few cheap ones en route.

[Hoosiersmoker]

Thanks.
I especially like that you show where you are headed before you start.
So many videos jump right in, so they are 5 minutes in before you can tell what they are making.

Any tricks to drilling the holes in the spring steel? It seems that would be hard to do.

I have used a slightly modified masonry bit with success when drilling spring steel.

[olefella]

The better the spring steel the harder it is. I used tap fluid and a high quality drill bit, blunted a few cheap ones en route.

And I've used cobalt steel bits successfully, but they're expensive.