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How to Cut Retaining Wall Blocks
Call Ray (412) 445-0703 or Email ray@blockshear.com
Retaining wall and landscape blocks get cut at the ends of courses, at corners and around steps. The fastest way to make those cuts is a block splitter, and it leaves a split face that matches the face of the block. For angled cuts on caps and tight curves, use a saw. Here is how both methods work.
- Straight cuts and halves: a block splitter
- Angled caps and curves: a cut off saw with a diamond blade
- A few blocks: score with a grinder, finish with a chisel
4 Ways to Cut Retaining Wall Block
Most wall builders split the straight cuts and use the saw only for caps and curves.
How to Split a Retaining Wall Block
The routine on a Block Shear Masonry Block Splitter. Each cut takes seconds.
CAPS AND CURVES
Cutting Wall Caps and Curved Walls
Retaining wall caps usually need angled cuts so they meet tight at corners and follow a curve. Lay the caps on the top course, overlap them, and mark the angle where they cross. Cut that angle with a cut off saw or wet saw and a diamond blade.
On a curved wall, the blocks themselves are usually tapered so they fit the curve without cutting. Cuts happen at the ends of the wall and where the wall meets steps or a corner, and those are straight cuts a splitter handles.
When you split landscape block with a face texture, the split end looks like the rest of the face. A saw leaves a smooth gray cut that stands out, so builders split anything that will show.
Before You Cut
- Dry stack the course and mark in place
- Stagger the vertical joints between courses
- Wear eye protection, and control dust on every saw cut
- Support the block fully on the blade or saw table
Split the cuts that show. Saw the angled caps.
THE TOOL WE BUILD FOR THIS
Block Shear Masonry Block Splitter
Splits retaining wall block, caps, 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.
Working with wide caps or slabs? The Stone & Slab Splitter opens to 24.5″ wide.
Call Ray (412) 445-0703 or Email ray@blockshear.com
What Wall Builders Say
Hardscape install tools
Best hardscape matls splitter we have owned…ruggedly built and easy to use. I highly recommend both this product and the company!!
Purchased 2 more stone splitters
I have been using these stone splitters for many years. My jobs times have been cut in half due to using these splitters. Due to the jobs taking less time due to the efficiency of the splitter, my business has doubled. Any questions I had were answered by one phone call to Ray. Ray at Blockshear takes the time to discuss the different products he sells and if it will work for the type of stone you are using.
Great Product
Well built splitter, air over hydraulic is well worth it. Heavy duty, American-made unit. Would absolutely recommend.
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 Retaining Wall Block: Common Questions
A block splitter for straight cuts and halves, and a cut off saw or wet saw with a diamond blade for angled caps. Most wall builders keep both on the job.
A grinder blade will not reach through a full block. Score a line on every side, then break the block on the line with a brick set and a hand sledge.
Mark the line on all sides, score it, then strike a brick set along the line until the block breaks. A manual hydraulic splitter does the same job in seconds with a cleaner break.
Yes. Set the block on the splitter with the center line under the blade and apply pressure. Both halves keep a split face you can use at wall ends.
Lay the caps on the wall, overlap each pair, and mark the angle where they cross. Cut the angle with a diamond blade saw so the caps meet tight.
Usually not in the middle of the curve, because most wall block is tapered to follow curves. You will still cut at the ends of the wall, at steps and at corners.
The Masonry Block Splitter takes block up to 8.25″ high and 18.25″ wide, which covers most landscape and retaining wall block. The Stone & Slab Splitter opens to 24.5″ wide.
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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