Keep It Simple: Efficiently Cut Retaining Wall Blocks With A Low-Tech Tool In Your Shed Already

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Once you know how to build a stackable retaining wall for your garden using concrete blocks, you may be wondering if there are any special tools that you're going to need. For example, will you need to invest in or rent a power tool just to cut the blocks so that you can make them fit your dimensions perfectly? The good news is that if you only have a few blocks to cut, you can keep it simple and just use a couple of low-tech tools you already have in your shed -– a hammer and a chisel.

That's right –- stone masons who practiced their craft centuries ago didn't have access to fancy power tools, so all they used to cut and shape their blocks were the hand tools they had available. These included different types of chisels, hammers, and mallets. You'll actually find that even modern stone masons will often use just hand tools, especially when they're involved in restoration work. The advantage of using these types of tools is that they allow for greater precision and make delicate work easier. For your own project, whether you're using some of the best natural stones or just cement blocks, you can use any hammer and chisel you may already have in your shed. Or, you can purchase a special masonry chisel, like this one from Estwing, which has a protective hand-grip guard so you don't accidentally strike your fingers when you're using the tool.

Before you get started, you'll want to measure your block and decide exactly where you want to make the cut. Mark this with a carpenter's pencil along the flat side of the block and also along one short end. Next, you'll want to grab the chisel and the hammer and score a line right along the mark on the flat side of the block. Once you've formed a nice groove, turn the block on its side and score the line along the shorter side. Continue tapping the chisel along this line with nice even strikes of the hammer, until eventually, the block pieces break apart. For the most precise cut, you may want to score all four sides before finally breaking the pieces apart.

To make the job as easy as possible, make sure you have your block sitting on a nice stable surface, like a flat piece of ground or a bed of sand, to ensure the shockwaves are dispersed evenly. You may even want to practice this method first before you start on the blocks for your wall. Most of all, take your time, and don't rush, especially when you're scoring the line for the cut. Once you've made a nice, clean cut, you can smooth away any sharp bits by carefully using your chisel and hammer to chip them away. And once you've mastered the art of cutting the blocks, you may even want to consider elevating your garden with a curved retaining wall for expanding flower beds.