What to do with bricklayer pins inside garage wall I want to render?

[Dev1]

I'm having my brick unit rendered, but there are 2 long bricklayer pins in the brickcwork at the front of the garage, one on the top & the other on the bottom. Would anyone know if there is a structural reason why they were left there? (Built in 1974). Or perhaps just left there accidentally? Tried to get them out by removing the mortar around the pins because not wanting any issues with rust after rendering, but still  Impossible  to remove the pins without damaging the brickwork. Have made the pins flush to the brick work, but the pins are still inside. Would you know if any issues to render with the pins remaining & if so any advice what to do as I want to render all of my front unit including the garage. (Sorry, tried to attach photos but it says my file type is not supported).

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dev1,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

The issue with file format is usually because of the live photos that modern smartphones take, which are stored in the HEIC file format. If you send them through to workshop@bunnings.com.au I can convert them and upload them for you.

If the pins are what I think they are, they are usually just there as something to set string lines on and were probably left there out of convenience during the construction process. Cautiously, I'd say there's no reason you can't remove them, but I'll double-check your photos when you can send them through.

Since you’ve already cut the pins flush with the wall and can’t remove them without damaging the bricks, you can still prepare the area to render safely. The biggest concern is that moisture can still reach the pins and cause them to rust, which can bleed through the render.

If you can drive them deeper into the wall with a nail punch, or drill out the top 5-10mm, so they sit below the surface, you can apply a rust-inhibiting primer like this Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Flat Grey Primer over the pin, then cover them with an epoxy compound such as this Knead It Multi Purpose Epoxy Putty.

After that, you should be fine to render the wall as normal.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Dev1]

Hello Jacob, just a courtesy update to say I think I've found a bricklayer who said he would come to remove the 2 pins. He thinks they were put there when there was an old tilt garage door which I had to replace in 2018 when it no longer worked. So that seems to gave solved the pin mystery! 

Thanks for your helpful & prompt response to my inquiry. Appreciate this workshop community. Thank you.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Dev1,

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. The photos have come through, and I'll put them up for the benefit of anyone reading along.

    

Your bricklayer's response seems like a logical one and I am sure they'll be able to help you out.   

Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist with.

Jacob