The advent of cutting bricks marked one of the revolutionary discoveries across the globe. Ever since its inception till date, bricks have remained the go-to and foremost building and construction material.
Also, its strength and resistance to degradation or wear make it a number one choice.
Despite their superior qualities, bricks are brittle, especially when not properly cured. Hence, you must pay extra care to cut bricks to avoid breakage and wastage.
This article details the intricacies of cutting bricks and exposes some useful tips and tricks.
Table of Contents
- Section 1: Which tools are appropriate?
- Section 2: How to cut bricks?
- Section 3: Which is the best way to cut bricks?
- Summary
Section 1: Which tools are appropriate?
The tools needed for cutting bricks would always vary based on the method used. Before now, a masonry chisel would perfectly cut bricks, although it is always tasking. And at least a 3/4-inch wide chisel would do the job well.
Also, a brick hammer is great for cutting bricks. Nonetheless, if you want to use a bladed-brick chisel, ensure it’s at least 3 inches wide.
On the other hand, the downside to using hand tools is that they have poor precision. Consequently, it is safe to conclude that hand tools are easier to operate, flexible, and inexpensive.
However, the advent of power saws ended poor accuracy and precision in cutting bricks. Nowadays, you can precisely cut bricks without the fear of committing a measurement error.
These power saws could range from miter saws to angle grinders. Whether it’s the hand tool or power saw, you need to measure and mark out the region to cut.
Ensure you wear the appropriate safety gear, such as goggles, a nose mask, and maybe a hand glove. The dust generated from cutting bricks harms internal organs such as the lungs.
Figure 2: A worker operating an angle grinder with proper safety gear.
Section 2: How to cut bricks?
In this section, we describe cutting bricks using both hand and power tools. Below are the steps to follow in chronological order:
2.1 Prepare tools
Ensure that you have the tools mentioned below ready to use and in good working condition. The tools you need will eventually depend on which approach you intend to use.
Angle grinder or Circular saw.
Pencil/Marker
Measuring tape
diamond masonry blade
Hammer
Chisel
Dust Mask
Square
Safety goggle
Workbench
Gloves
2.2 Cutting bricks with a circular saw or angle grinder.
Cutting bricks
2.2.1 Draw a cutline.
Measure and carefully draw the cutting line with the pencil or marker, measuring tape, and square. This line will eliminate any possibility of making mistakes when you eventually start cutting, as it will guide you.
2.2.2 Attach a diamond masonry blade.
Since you are using an angle grinder or circular saw, then you must mount the blade. However, in this case, the blade is a diamond masonry blade installed using a wrench.
Loosen the arbor nut or bolt and correctly place the blade with its teeth opposite the cutting direction. Lastly, tighten the bolt or nut as the case may be.
Figure 4: Set of diamond blades.
2.2.3 Test power tools.
Once you correctly mount the blade, you can plug in the saw or grinder to test run. The initial test run is to ascertain that the blade is balanced and will not wobble on the arbor. Now you can go for the cut.
2.2.4 Cut the brick.
Remember that you initially used a marker to mark the brick’s surface and bottom; proceed to cut. Gradually progress into the brick, do not rush the process while allowing the blade to do the work. Start by cutting ½ inch deep; you can do this by setting the blade depth on the saw to ½ inch.
But if it’s an angle grinder, use your discretion to figure out the initial depth to score the brick. Nevertheless, to avoid overheating, remove the blade from the brick every 30 seconds.
The cutting depth into the brick largely depends on the brick’s thickness and the blade’s diameter.
Figure 5: Cutting brick using an angle grinder.
2.2.5 Strike.
Place the already-scored brick in a cantilever position and strike with a hammer. The unwanted part of the brick should fall off, and you can have your preferred brick size left.
2.3 Cutting bricks with a chisel.
Figure 6: Brick chisel for cutting bricks.
2.3.1 Draw a cutline.
With a pencil or marker, accurately draw the cutline around the four sides of the brick.
2.3.2 Score along the cutlines.
Use a chisel at about 60 degrees to create initial grooves around the four-sided cutline. This groove should be about 1/16 inch deep.
2.3.3 Hammer along the groove.
Place a chisel along the scored cutline and firmly hammer. With a few precise hammerings, the unwanted part should come off.
2.3.4 Remove uneven and excess pieces of brick.
The wanted piece of brick may carry some excess brick along the freshly cut surface; chip them off. Either a chisel or stone carving file will perfectly do this job.
Section 3: Which is the best way to cut bricks?
Undoubtedly, the diamond saw blade is the best way to cut bricks, especially when precision is in dire need. Thus, this approach produces a clean cut without excess or uneven surface and edge.
In addition, this approach requires no need for continuous hammering and stress that arises from chisel and hammer use. Therefore, only a saw blade or angle grinder will do the job efficiently and accurately for large projects.
Summary
In conclusion, we have outlined the various approaches to cutting bricks while detailing the respective steps involved. NCCuttingtools is an expert in cutting tools and other related services. Should you require expert advice if you run into problems, do well to reach out.
