Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Entwood on 29 January 2013, 13:47:14

Title: Concrete Manhole covers
Post by: Entwood on 29 January 2013, 13:47:14
Hoping someone "in the know" can answer ...

Our place is over 40 years old, and the "metal bits" in the manhole covers you are supposed to use to lift said covers are completely corroded away.

Due to the hassle/pain in the 'arris of using screwdrivers/tyre levers/spades to lift them I'm thinking of replacing the corroded bits using something like exhaust system U-bolts.

Question is, can the concrete be safely drilled without it cracking/splitting ?? If so, what sort of drill bit would be best ??

Any ideas considered ... :)
Title: Re: Concrete Manhole covers
Post by: cleggy on 29 January 2013, 14:03:39
Why not replace it with an aluminium or steel  one ??? I am sure there will be reasons not to ;D ;D  but they are relatively cheap :y
Title: Re: Concrete Manhole covers
Post by: Entwood on 29 January 2013, 14:15:35
Quote from: Cleggy on 29 January 2013, 14:03:39
Why not replace it with an aluminium or steel  one ??? I am sure there will be reasons not to ;D ;D  but they are relatively cheap :y

I have been informed - but do not have any idea if it is correct - that the covers are not interchangeable, and a complete new "surround" would require bricking in - an expense I'm not willing to undertake :)
Title: Re: Concrete Manhole covers
Post by: mantahatch on 29 January 2013, 14:29:29
How thick is the concrete ? I assume it will have some reinforcing steel in it, but cannot see any reason whit it could not be drilled, would use normal masonry bit but avoid hammer action.

I would consider using something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heavy-Duty-Eye-Bolt-Sleeve-Shield-Anchor-M10-3-8-Pack-of-5-/140910634874?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item20ceeda77a

But only if the concrete is thick enough.
Title: Re: Concrete Manhole covers
Post by: Big_Al on 29 January 2013, 14:31:24
Post edited as already been answered . .   must type faster  :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Concrete Manhole covers
Post by: Andy B on 29 January 2013, 14:34:20
Quote from: Entwood on 29 January 2013, 13:47:14
Hoping someone "in the know" can answer ...

Our place is over 40 years old, and the "metal bits" in the manhole covers you are supposed to use to lift said covers are completely corroded away.

Due to the hassle/pain in the 'arris of using screwdrivers/tyre levers/spades to lift them I'm thinking of replacing the corroded bits using something like exhaust system U-bolts.

Question is, can the concrete be safely drilled without it cracking/splitting ?? If so, what sort of drill bit would be best ??

Any ideas considered ... :)

We have the same concrete manhole covers on/in our drive. I've just used the edge of a spade to lift them on the very few occasions in the past 20 years I've needed to. But I've only ever lifted them a couple of times.  :-\