How to Cut a Concrete Brick

Measure the size of the area in which the brick will be placed. Use a tape measure and a pencil to mark the length of the cuts on the brick. Use a ruler or straightedge to draw straight lines on each side of the brick.

Set the brick on the ground, such as soil or sand, where it will give slightly when you strike the brick with your hammer. Do not set the brick on a hard surface or you can crack it. Position the brick so that the part you will use is closest to you, directly in front of you.

Place the edge of a cold chisel against one of the cut lines. Gently tap the chisel with a brick hammer at a 60-degree angle. Continue tapping the chisel down the entire length of the cut line so you carve out a small channel, about 1/16 inch deep. Repeat this step around all sides of the brick. You should now have a shallow groove that looks like a ring all the way around the brick.

Place the brick set in the middle of the cut line. Turn the brick set so that its beveled edge is facing the end of the brick you will discard. Pull the brick set inward, so that the head is pointing slightly toward you.

Strike the brick set with the hammer with a firm blow. The brick should split apart along your cut lines. Smooth out any rough edges with the end of the chisel.