How to Cut Cement Blocks With a Chisel
Cement blocks are often sold in a variety of sizes, but customers with very specific needs will often find themselves needing to modify or reshape the blocks they buy. This is easily accomplished with a hammer, chisel, and a bit of persistence.
For this project, you will need:
- A hammer
- A chisel
- A straightedge or measuring tape.
- Chalk
- Identify the type of block you're working with. Many blocks come with pre-existing notches, called splitting notches, which help people make clean cuts through the blocks. Dublin and York type cement blocks offer left, right, and center-justified splitting notches. If you are working with this sort of block, your score lines (see below) will be in line with these notches. If you are not working with pre-notched block, like a cap-brick, you will have to make your scores yourself.
- Prepare your score lines. Score lines are like the 'edge' of the cut you ultimately want. Using your hammer and chisel, tap a line into the brick. With notched blocks, you'll want to make sure your score line lines up with the existing notches, so the border you cut here is exactly in line with them. It can help to use a straightedge and chalk to mark where you'll have to cut to keep your work accurate. This is especially true for blocks without notches, where you only have your own tracing to follow. Note: When working with bricks like this, it is helpful to leave the center of the brick un-scored to prevent uneven breaks.
- Split the block. Once you have sufficiently deep score-marks, press your chisel into the marks on one side and strike firmly with the hammer. Repeat this process on the other side of the block. You should see the chisel work its way deeper with each blow until the block splits neatly down your score lines.