How can i cut a paving slab with basic tools?

[Atheus]

I need to cut a few concrete(?) paving slabs as a base for a shed. I reckon the best way would be to score it with a grinder, then tap it with a mallet, and it should break on the line.. but I have no angle grinder, nor a grinding blade for the circular saw... I do have hammers, chisels, etc and some basic power tools.

Any ideas?

 

[iamwiz82]

Rent a saw from HD, it's easier and will save you a lot of headache.

 

[FoBoT]

does it need to be a perfect straight break?

if not and it just needs to be ballpark, then just use the chisel (widest one you have) and hammer

 

[IronWing]

I can't think of any way to do this with what you have that wouldn't cost more in terms of damage to the tools than it would cost to buy a grinding blade.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Just use your face.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
does it need to be a perfect straight break?

if not and it just needs to be ballpark, then just use the chisel (widest one you have) and hammer

No it doesn't have to be perfect. I have a masonry chisel and a club hammer, that was the first thing I thought of, but I really want to score it before I start bashing away.

Originally posted by: ironwing
I can't think of any way to do this with what you have that wouldn't cost more in terms of damage to the tools than it would cost to buy a grinding blade.

I've got an old chipped chisel here I was thinking of using to score it... I don't really care about the blade, and besides I can always put another edge on it with the dremel.

Will I be able to get a deep enough score by scraping it with a chisel? We're about to find out I suppose.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero
Just use your face.

First you must fill your head with knowledge, only _then_ can you break concrete blocks with it.

 

[csiro]

You could put a couple of holes using a power drill along the break line and then snap the slab by connecting the holes using a chisel.

 

[blert]

If you have a basic power saw, buy a masonry blade. They cost about $10-$15 and will do the job quickly and cleanly. I have a very cheap craftsman that i keep around just for that purpose. Just be sure to wear earplugs and eye protection when you are cutting.

 

[DivideBYZero]

But seriously, use your face.