How to lift pavers without damaging them

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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 pretty well 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.

Hit around the edges with a rubber mallet to loosen it a bit.

As far as dimensions goes spatulas are all different sizes, but go about 2 cm from the end and 1/3 way in from the side for each hole. Drill, preferably slowly, with a carbide bit and a drop of oil, or better still a cobalt bit (carbide bits are best for impact drilling, or hard cast metal and non-ferrous metals but they absorb heat well). Ordinary bits will get blunt and burn, but they do work (and they are cheap). Don't bend the spatula metal too much or the steel cracks.

It took me 3 minutes and cost about $1 to make one lifter.

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Anyone who takes the their time to teach another ought to be respected.big respect to you sir a valuable inexpensive tool that will surely come in handy for me

nabilulde

Brilliant! I think you have just solved my problem. I particularly like the "warts and all" presentation, showing how you overcame the difficulties at around 10 - 12mins in rather than just ignoring it. Thanks for posting.

RogerM

Great video! I love how you showed how you had to demonstrate a bit of persistence and make minor corrections if the initial attempts failed! Thank You!

waynejenson

That technique is just fantastic. Thank you for the great demonstration too.

NicoSmets

Great idea. I've just laid 180 flags and there's a few that have sunk already. I'll give this a go.
Thanks.

MrDweb

Smarter than any paver puller company, all thumbs up. This could be patented.

junlu

Well done, I like how you show the WHOLE process. This is the best solution I’ve seen to this pain in the A problem. Hats off

dingdong

This is such a brilliant idea. I wish there were a way you could patent these and make millions. Thank you for sharing your genius with the world. I look forward to trying this.

susiealverson

Just made some from an old tenon saw and used them to lift a 24" square slab that had been down for decades. Worked brilliantly, so thank you for the instruction and the inspiration!

Farrovia

Many thanks for your knowledge and tutorial. I was over thinking my issue of lifting some 450 square slabs and chanced upon your YouTube video - fabulous - I quickly made a couple and they have worked effortlessly. 10/10

TMoss-mphf

Thank you for that video I’ve been using screwdrivers for years and struggling and knew the was another diy method and you have shown me your way 👍🏻

marklawson

8:49 Ok, I know this wasn’t intended, but it looks so cool!

That’s a pretty slick trick with the pavers. I had to do this with a 4’ square patch of multi-sized pavers a few years ago - I could’ve used this method back then. Oops! I missed it! 😂

Thanks for sharing that!

PartyOfPlease