Instructions

1. Remove the stakes and braces holding the forms in place. In some cases the stakes are nailed

directly to the form lumber while in others the stakes are a distance from the forms and

connected by braces. Pull the nails from the braces and stakes using a claw hammer or

wrecking bar. If duplex or two-headed nails were used, a section of the nail should be visible

for easy pulling. Some builders use standard 16d nails and do not drive them flush into the

board.

2. Pull nails connecting the form pieces at the corners using a hammer or wrecking bar. Again,

the heads of the nails should be visible. Upon completion of this step each board making up

the form is separate from all others and can be handled separately.

3. Pull the forms away from the slab. Use caution when pulling the forms loose. The concrete is

not fully cured at this time and susceptible to damage. Forms used in footings and other

below-ground applications may require some excavation before removal.

4. Clean the form lumber by scrapping any adhered concrete from the form using a putty knife

or other edged tool. The forms can be set aside for use on other projects. Often the braces and

stakes are damaged or so short they are not worth saving for reuse.