Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - remove stones from fireplace

I have a firelplace at the end of my living room. The fireplace along with the wall is covered with man made stone. I wanted to remove it and redo with drywall. I started talking the stone off. I used a chisel. 9 hours later I had only one 4-foot section. I have a total of 14-feet to remove. The stones are set on the wall by mortar set in wire mesh. Is there a better way to remove the stones. I am having a heck of a time trying to chisel around each stone then prying it off the wall.

why would you remove it in the first place is my question. seems like a waste.

and my guess is you should rent a small jack hammer (hammer drill, with a hammer only function), instead of the chisel.

I'm removing it because it is ugly, an eye sore if you will. We bought the home and my wife and I both said, "that has to go." Nothing is a waste of time if the end result makes you happy.
Thaks for your suggestion. I will call a rental place.

Originally posted by busted
I'm removing it because it is ugly, an eye sore if you will. We bought the home and my wife and I both said, "that has to go." Nothing is a waste of time if the end result makes you happy.
Thaks for your suggestion. I will call a rental place.


make sure you get a wide chisel attachment. it makes it so much easier.

One of the tricks to removing anything held by mortar is that it is weak in tension. Work on the joint between the stone you are trying to remove and the rest of the wall. Drive the chisel into the joint and let it push the stone into the space from the previous stone. If the mortar between open up all the way through, use a wrecking bar and pry the stone sideways and away from the wall.