How do you clean the mortar from old used red bricks?

Question

We are re-doing our fire pit area on our farm, we have some old bricks that we want to recycle, but they have mortar still stuck to them.. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean these bricks? I have been using a hammer and chisel but WOW, that's a lot of work for just 1 brick. and I need to do about 100. I hope someone has some advise. I could really use it. Thanks!

Answer 1

Cleaned a bunch for a brick hearth.

Considering that used bricks cost more than new ones it is worth the effort.

A home center or mason supply yard will have "chipping " hammers

Instead of a claw they have a straight chisel shaped end & sometimes a square face.

Saw bricks being recycled on demo. site.

The cleaners just held the bricks in their hand & gave them a light whack w/ the chisel end of the hammer at what was left of the mortar joint.

Most of the mortar fell off & anything left got a few more  hits

After I saw that, I did  the same thing easily enough.

Best regards

Answer 2

Muriatic acid springs to mind.  

Answer 3

I had to do this for a BBQ I built in the garden and it is tough.  You need what is called a scutch hammer - on the end of it there is a hardened metal comb which is designed precisely for removing old mortar.  If you can't get one (they may be called something else in the US??) then a brick hammer will do the job, but not as well.  The trick is to hold the brick in a well padded gloved hand, and persevere.  It is a nasty job, and depending on the strength of the mortar can be a real pig to get off.  Good Luck!