Essentials of
Masonry

CUTTING THE BRICKS

Bricks are often cut into different shapes to fill in spaces at corners and other places where a full brick will not fit (Figure 3-13). 

Figure 3-13. Common shapes of cut brick

3-11. Cutting with a Bolster. If you must cut a brick to an exact line, use the bolster. When you use this tool, the straight side of the cutting edge should face both the part of the brick to be saved and the bricklayer. After you make a cutting line, one blow of the hammer should be enough to break the brick (Figure 3-14).

Figure 3-14. Cutting a brick with a bolster

3-12. Cutting with a Hammer. When you are cutting with a hammer, the first step is to make a cutting line around the brick using blows from the head of the brick hammer. When the line is complete, a sharp blow to one side of the cutting line will split the brick at the line. Trim rough places off by using the blade of the hammer (Figure 3-15). Ensure proper eye protection is used during this procedure.

Figure 3-15. Cutting and trimming with a hammer

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