Even though bricks have outstanding properties, especially when they have not been properly cured, they are brittle. As a result, you must use particular caution when cutting them to avoid breakage and waste.
In this article, we will guide you on how to cut bricks with angle grinders efficiently.
Contents
Things To Prepare
Make sure that you have all of the following tools ready to use and in good working order. The tools you need will ultimately be determined by the approach you’ll take.
However, the general list includes an angle grinder, a measuring tape, a hammer, a marker or pencil, diamond masonry blades, a chisel, a square tool, safety goggles, a dust mask, a workbench, and gloves.
Because brick cutting using an angle grinder is a messy job, you should stay away from pools, vehicles, as well as other places in which contamination could be an issue.
An extension cord, preferably with a length of 50 feet, connected to an outlet will provide additional stability for your grinder when you set up the cutting area.
Moreover, set up the workbench near the cutting location to reduce travel time between your layoffs. An ideal workbench is a group of sawhorses and a plywood scrap or something similar on top, which provides a stable platform for removing the brick.
You can check the list of 10 best angle grinders on the Market here!
How To Cut Bricks With Angle Grinders?
Below is the step-by-step guide that you can easily follow to cut bricks with angle grinders.
Step 1. Mark the bricks
Measure and carefully draw the cutline using the pencil or market, square, and measuring tape. The cutting line will prevent you from making any mistakes when you are cutting because it will guide you.
Step 2. Insert the cutting blade
You must attach the blade since you are using an angle grinder to cut bricks.
To install the blade, loosen the arbor bolt/nut. Then, position the blade so that its teeth’ pointing is opposite to the cutting direction. Finally, tighten the bolt/nut.
Step 3. Test the angle grinder
After you have properly installed the disc, you can test your grinder. The purpose of the test run is to ensure that the disc is well balanced and won’t wobble.
After that, you can now proceed to the cut.
Step 4. Cut the brick
Remember that you have marked out the surface and bottom of the brick with a marker before cutting.
Gradually work your way into the brick. Take care not to carelessly speed the process and allow the wheel to do the heavy lifting. Start by cutting 0.5 inches deep with the wheel depth set to 0.5 inches.
When you’re using an angle grinder to cut bricks, use your judgment when determining the initial depth in order to score them. Nonetheless, take the blade off the brick after every 30 seconds so you can minimize overheating.
The cutting depth is mostly determined by the thickness of the brick and the diameter of the grinder’s disc.
Tips: If you can’t cut through the brick, score the material as deeply as possible on one of its sides with your angle grinder. Then, slide it to that surface edge and finish cutting by gently hammering the top of the brick’s waste side to break it off.
Step 5. Strike the unwanted part
Place the brick you have scored in a cantilever posture, then strike it with a hammer. You should be able to remove the undesirable parts of the brick and keep your desired brick size.
Cut Brick Wall With Angle Grinders
You can also use your angle grinder for cutting brick walls or installed bricks. Regarding the preps, the tools required are similar to the list above with the addition of a brick bolster, a hammer drill, a masonry bit, and a lintel.
Step 1. Install a lintel
Before cutting a hole in brick walls, you must first place a lintel above the desired opening. This will keep the wall properly supported and prevent it from collapsing under its weight.
After the lintel is in place, mark your vertical cutlines.
Step 2. Cut straight vertical lines
Cut straight vertical lines in the brick wall with your angle grinder. Since lots of dust will be generated, wear safety glasses, and a dust mask, as well as earmuffs, to protect your ears.
Remember that if you don’t press too hard on your grinder and just let it do its job, you’ll get a significantly cleaner cut.
Step 3. Loosen the mortar
Drill holes into the mortar located between the bricks that you would like to remove with a hammer drill and masonry bit.
Because the mortar is not as hard as bricks, you can complete this task fast. Instead of having to apply enormous force to remove the bricks, loosening the mortar will make the process much easier.
Step 4. Remove the bricks out
Remove the bricks out with the mash hammer and the brick bolster. To keep the smooth bricks’ edges, hit gently along the opening’s margins. You should also take care not to disrupt the lintel when you remove the top bricks.
Other Ways To Cut Bricks
Besides angle grinders, you can use simple tools such as a masonry chisel and a cutting saw to cut bricks.
Using masonry chisel
The masonry chisels should be at least 0.74 inches deep. It’s also a good idea to have at least 3-inch chisels on hand, a brick hammer, a stylus, a measuring tape, and safety equipment.
- After marking all 4 edges of the brick, use the hammer to swing and cut it. However, don’t exert too much force; just enough to keep the chisel in motion.
- To make a brick marking, line up the chisel at a mild angle and tap it with a hammer.
- Between strikes, change the chisel angle and continue until your score is about 1/16 in.
- After the initial face of the brick has been scored, it starts to be achieved.
If the brick hasn’t dislodged after a strong blow, trace the marked line with your chisel once again. After that, try pounding the groove again.
Most of the time, you’ll obtain a clean break. However, there may be a few small fragments of brick left. For uneven surfaces, you will need a stone file to achieve an even cut.
Using cutting saw
- Put bricks in water to soak them for a couple of minutes till there are no bubbles hitting the surface. This helps minimize brick dust, preventing it from spreading. You will also breathe in a smaller amount of dust when cutting. After the bricks have dried for some minutes, you can see them.
- Place the bricks on a flat and even board. Draw the cutting line with chalk.
- Cut slowly at first until you’re comfortable with the saw.
- Position the brick’s end to hang over a gap and break it off with a hammer or a mallet.
- If the cut isn’t clean, cut a significantly deeper groove.
FAQs
1. What size angle grinder to cut brick?
Your angle grinder should have at least 4.5-inch blades, which allows you to cut bricks around 2 ¼ inches deep. An angle grinder with a 9-inch disc can cut through bricks with a depth of around 4.5 inches. Bigger bricks will require bigger blades.
2. What blade do I need to cut bricks?
You should use a diamond blade for these tasks since they are tough, long-lasting, and simple to work with masonry and stone material.
Final Words
By following our simple guide, you know how to use an angle grinder to cut bricks efficiently and safely. It is such a great brick-cutting tool amongst power tools we have known so far.
We also offer simple instructions so that you can use masonry chisels and cutting saws for brick cutting projects.
Regardless of the tool that you use to cut bricks, it’s critical to consider your safety. So, remember to put on safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
