How to Cut a Brick with Simple Hand Tools
Learn to use a hammer and a brick chisel to easily split bricks to size.
Cutting brick is a common task that’s done easily with a hammer and a brick chisel, also known as a brick set. Here’s how to do it.
First, mark the cut on all four sides of the brick using a pencil or chalk. Then set the brick on a bed of sand, a rubber mat, or other firm but flexible surface to deaden hammer blows and prevent premature or irregular breakage.
Line up the chisel with the cut line, hold it at a slight angle, and tap it lightly with a hammer to score the brick. Alternate the angle of the chisel between blows, and continue until there’s a score line roughly 1/16 in. deep. Once the first face is scored, continue scoring all the way around the brick.
After scoring, set the chisel in a score line with the bevel facing toward the scrap side, and tilt the chisel slightly so the blade is angled away from the cutoff. Give it a good blow with the hammer, and the brick should split on or close to the score line.
Clean up any spurs by (1) holding the chisel bevel-edge out and angled toward the brick and (2) striking the chisel firmly.
