How to Cut Bricks in Basements

Cutting through a brick wall in a basement is simple, but safety precautions are necessary.

There are several reasons why it may be necessary to cut through bricks inside a basement. If you are installing a brick wall for the first time, then you will have to cut the bricks to the correct size to fit along the wall. You also may need to cut through an existing brick wall to install an electrical outlet, or if you want to remove the bricks completely. The best way to cut through bricks in a basement is with an angle grinder that has a masonry blade.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk
• Ruler or level
• Angle grinder with masonry blade
• Safety goggles
• Ear protection
• Work gloves
• Dust mask

Instructions

1. Mark the area of brick that you want to cut with chalk. Use a ruler or level to keep the lines straight. The straighter the lines, the easier it will be to make the cuts.

2. Put on all safety gear. Wear gloves, goggles ear protection and a dust mask.

3. Attach a masonry blade to an angle grinder. Make sure the screws or nuts holding the blade in place are tightly secured. Plug in the machine.

4. Slowly lower the blade over the marked lines on the bricks. Allow the weight of the blade to cut through the bricks. Do not try to force the saw through the bricks. If the engine inside the angle grinder seems to have trouble making the cut, remove it from the brick for a few seconds to allow the engine time to cool down.

5. Cut each line slightly beyond the marked line. This will make it easier to remove the bricks from the basement because the corner edges will overlap, making it possible for the bricks to slide away from the wall or other object.

6. Turn off the grinder when the cuts are complete. Do not set the grinder down until the blade has stopped rotating.

References

• Ultimate Handyman: Cutting Stone and Brick
• "Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual;" Family Handyman Magazine Editors; 2005