A method for extracting a spacer from a concrete wall with the use of an extractor that comprises a stem and a mobile element that is positioned about and slidable on the stem, the stem including at a proximal end a handle and at a distal end a spacer engagement device, the spacer engagement device being configured to connect with the spacer, the mobile element positioned about and slidable on the stem between the handle and the spacer engagement device, the stem including a proximal stop and a distal stop that delimit a range of longitudinal movement of the mobile element on the stem, the method comprising:
- causing at least a portion of an outer surface of the spacer engagement device to be fixed with at least a portion of the spacer;
- manually moving the mobile element proximally on the stem until a proximal stop surface of the mobile element impacts a stop surface of the proximal stop to apply a proximally directed force to the spacer engagement device to cause a removal of the spacer from the concrete wall:
- and
- subsequently manually moving the mobile element distally on the stem until a distal stop surface of the mobile element impacts the spacer to apply a distally directed force to cause a release of the spacer from the spacer engagement device.