How to Remove Clay Tiles From Inside the Chimney

Measure how far down the chimney you can reach from the top and how far up you can reach from the bottom with a measuring tape. You may be able to climb part way up or down the chimney to reach farther inside.

Assemble the masonry rods and tile breaker on the masonry drill by screwing them on. Place the drop cloth at the bottom of the chimney opening. Remove the chimney cap and damper assembly at the top of the chimney with a screwdriver and hammer if necessary. Set them aside.

Put on safety glasses and hat, coveralls, gloves and a dust mask. Turn on the drill, reach down into the chimney and drill out any clay tiles that you can reach. Turn off the drill and change the tile breaker if necessary. Chisel off any clay tile debris from the chimney walls and allow it to fall down into the drop cloth.

Go down to the bottom opening of the chimney. Turn on the drill, and drill out any tiles that you can reach from the bottom. Periodically turn off the drill and change the tile breaker if necessary. Use the masonry chisel to remove clay tile debris.

Make sure all of the clay tile debris lands in the drop cloth. Sweep up any debris with a broom, and place it in the drop cloth. Fold up the drop cloth, and dispose of the debris according to your local municipality's laws on construction debris. Replace the chimney cap and damper.