How to Do Knockdown Walls Without a Machine

Knocking down a wall in your house is often necessary if you wish to create a more open floor plan or are simply remodeling a room. While some machinery and power tools, like a reciprocating saw, make the process easier, they are not absolutely necessary. The basic process of knocking down the wall involves removing the drywall and then removing the wall frame. This can be accomplished using a hammer and crowbar, if that’s all you have access to. The process is not easy and not a simple undertaking, especially with limited tools. Only knockdown the walls that are safe to do so - as in, not a wall that gives the building structural integrity.

Hammer
Crowbar or pry bar
Plastic sheeting
Painter’s tape
Gloves
Protective goggles
Screwdriver
Large trash can

Instructions

- 1
  Determine whether or not the wall you want to knock out is load-bearing. If you are unsure, refer to home’s blueprints. A load-bearing wall provides support for the entire structure of the house. If the wall is a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to provide additional support to make up for this removal. If the wall is a load-bearing wall, it is best to leave the wall removal to a professional to preserve the integrity of the structure.
- 2
  Lay out plastic sheeting around the entire area. Use painter’s tape to hold the sheets in place. Be sure to remove any larger furniture, appliances and other fragile items out of the area to avoid damage.
- 3
  Remove all light fixtures, light switch covers and electrical outlet covers.
- 4
  Knock a hole in the dry with a hammer. Rip off the drywall in chunks. Use a hammer and crowbar as needed. Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves. Rip off the entire dry wall.
- 5
  Call an electrician and/or plumber to reroute any electrical wiring or piping.
- 6
  Use a hammer and a crowbar to remove the wall studs, if you do not have access to a reciprocating saw.

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