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How to Cut Concrete Block
Call Ray (412) 445-0703 or Email ray@blockshear.com
Concrete block, cinder block and CMU all cut the same way. For straight cuts and halves, a block splitter breaks the block in seconds with no dust. For notches, angles and openings, use a saw or a grinder. Here is how each method works and when to use it.
- Halves and straight cuts: a concrete block splitter
- Notches and angles: a cut off saw with a diamond blade
- A single block: score it and break it with a brick set
4 Ways to Cut Concrete Block
Split the straight cuts, saw the notches. That is how masons keep a block job moving.
How to Cut a Concrete Block in Half
The routine on a Block Shear splitter, start to finish in a few seconds.
SAWS, NOTCHES AND WALLS
Cutting Block With a Saw
Use a cut off saw or masonry saw with a diamond blade when you need a notch for a beam pocket, an angle, or a smooth face. Mark every side, support the block so it cannot move, and cut in steady passes. Even a 14 inch cut off saw only cuts about 5 inches deep, so most block needs a cut from each side.
To cut an opening in a block wall that is already built, mark the opening, cut the outline with a cut off saw or grinder, and break out the block inside with a hammer and chisel. Check for rebar and grout in the cores before you start.
Cutting concrete block releases crystalline silica dust. OSHA requires contractors to control it, usually with water or a vacuum attachment. Splitting the straight cuts keeps most of that dust off the job.
Saw Safety Basics
- Eye, ear and silica dust protection
- Water or vacuum dust control on every saw cut
- Block fully supported, never held by hand
- Check walls for rebar and grout before cutting
Saw the notches. Split everything straight.
THE TOOL WE BUILD FOR THIS
Block Shear Masonry Block Splitter
A concrete block splitter that breaks block, pavers and precast up to 8.25″ high and 18.25″ wide with 40,000 lb of force. $2,150 manual hydraulic or $2,550 air-assist hydraulic, plus shipping. Made in the USA.
Rolls on hand cart wheels and weighs 235 lb, so it moves around the job with the crew.
Call Ray (412) 445-0703 or Email ray@blockshear.com
What Masons Say
Blockshear has quality machines
I purchased a machine from block shear in 2014 to use for refractory work in the mills. The splitter The splitter has decreased the time it takes to complete the jobs. I think the Blockshear splitter will outlast me.
Great Product
Well built splitter, air over hydraulic is well worth it. Heavy duty, American-made unit. Would absolutely recommend.
Great product, Great Customer Support
We bought a stone splitter 5 plus years ago. Called Ray looking for a couple replacement springs. He sent them to us free of charge no questions asked. Great Product and Great customer support
Built in Pittsburgh
Block Shear splitters are built in our shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Questions about a machine? Call Ray at (412) 445-0703.
Cutting Concrete Block: Common Questions
Use a block splitter, which breaks the block with hydraulic pressure. For one or two blocks, score a line on every face and break it with a brick set and a hand sledge.
Masons use a block splitter for straight cuts and halves, and a cut off saw or masonry saw with a diamond blade for notches, angles and smooth cuts.
Mark the center, set the block on a splitter with the line under the blade, and apply pressure. By hand, score all four faces and strike a brick set on the line.
Score a groove along the line on every face with the chisel or a grinder, then strike the brick set on the groove, working around the block until it breaks.
No. Cinder block, concrete block and CMU are cut with the same tools. Lighter block breaks more easily, so go gently with a chisel.
Mark the opening, cut the outline with a cut off saw or grinder, and break out the inside with a hammer and chisel. Check the cores for rebar and grout first.
Yes. A standard 8 inch block is 7 5/8″ tall, which fits under the 8.25″ opening of the Masonry Block Splitter.
Call Ray at (412) 445-0703 or email ray@blockshear.com. Prices are plus shipping, and Ray will quote freight to your location.
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