How To Remove A Bollard

We showed you how to install bollards in a previous article, but now we’re going to focus on their removal. Whether you want to replace a damaged bollard or change the layout of your posts, we have the guidance you’re looking for. 

Learn how to remove a bollard safety and successfully with our handy tips for getting it right.

Why might you want to remove bollards?

There are several reasons why you might need to remove existing bollards from your property.

1. There’s something wrong with the bollard - corrosion, rot, impact damage, or just wear and tear - and you need to replace it

2. You’re remodelling your driveway, car park, or forecourt and you want to change the position or layout of the posts

3. You want to change the bollard type, such as swapping a fixed post for a retractable version for ease of use, or upgrading to stronger bollards

4. You want to remove a lockable bollard but you haven’t got the keys!

How to remove a bollard

This depends on how the bollard was installed, as some are easier to remove than others. Follow the steps below for successful removal.

Removing a bolt-down bollard

If your bollard is bolted to the ground, the task is pretty easy. Just use a wrench or socket set to undo the bolts that hold the post in place, and - hey presto - it’s done. If the bolts are damaged and won’t come undone, you could use an angle grinder to cut through them (remember to wear PPE!).

Removing a cast-in bollard

If the bollard was “cast in” - embedded into the concrete or tarmac - the job will take a little more effort. 

These steps apply whether it was installed with the ragged method (where a post with a ragged end is inserted directly into the ground and the hole backfilled with concrete) or the cage method (where a foundation cage was set into the concrete).

You will need:

• Safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection

• Concrete breaker

• Digging tools

• New concrete / tarmac

• Levelling tools

(For particularly heavy bollards, such as anti-ram bollards with a steel core, you may also require an extra person to help you lift them out of position - or even a forklift to help you raise them.)

1. Use the concrete breaker to break up the concrete surrounding the bollard’s base.

2. Dig around the post to remove the foundation. Use a digging bar to pry up broken pieces and loosen concrete, and a pickaxe or mattock to remove soil or debris.

3. Remove the bollard carefully, especially if you intend to relocate it.

4. Fill the hole with concrete, tarmac, or a pothole repair mix, following the instructions on the packaging and being sure to pack down material so that it doesn’t sink in the future.

5. Level the surface.

If you plan to install a replacement bollard in the same position, you’ll still need to dig out the existing foundation and create a new one to ensure stability.

The alternative is to cut the bollard off at the base with an angle grinder, use a hammer and chisel to remove any remaining fragments, and resurface the site. With a cast-in cage, you could just cut the top off the cage level with the ground - but this would leave four dots of metal on the floor.

Removing a lockable bollard

Retractable and removable bollards can be locked in place. You may have inherited a locked bollard from the previous owner of your property, or maybe you’ve lost your keys. 

If you’d like to keep the bollard but just need to unlock it, you may be able to get replacement keys from the manufacturer or get a locksmith to pick or remove the lock. Removing the bollard would be the last resort.

Things to consider

Here are some important considerations when removing a bollard.

• Only remove bollards if you have permission - i.e., you own the land on which they’re located. You can’t just remove posts on land that belongs to someone else, such as the council or a neighbour.

• Before starting any work, make sure you have the correct PPE. This includes safety glasses and gloves, plus ear defenders if using a concrete breaker.

• Some bollards - such as automatic or illuminated models - will have electrics and/or hydraulics inside, so take extra care when removing these. You should also check if there are any cables or pipes under the surface near the bollard.

• If you’re not going to use the bollards again after removal, you can often recycle them. Some manufacturers and suppliers offer a recycling service, or you can check with your local authority.

Final thoughts

Most bollards can be removed without professional help, but seek advice if you’re in any doubt. If you follow our guidance in this article and use the right tools, you should be able to complete the job safely.

Need to replace your old or damaged bollards? You can buy new ones from Start Safety - browse our range online or contact our friendly sales team.