Hi,

Getting 4 tonnes of gravel and a load of 90cm flat edging slabs delivered on Friday for some landscaping work in the garden.

Slabs are 50mm wide, 150mm deep and 900mm long

I know that I'm going to have to shorten some of them, is there an easy way this can be done without the need for power tools, ie can they be broken to size like a ceramic tile?

Cheers

D

you could try a sharp bolster chisel, do both the 150mm sides first - a good few wallops to score the sides. then score one 50mm end, flip it over and give the other 50mm edge enough welly to break the peice off.

It works for concrete blocks anyway, other than that ( assuming you don't want to get involved with disc cutters )you could try drilling a line of 4 or 5 holes along the stone - a good crack with the hammer should see it off , but it won't look too clever, but it can be dressed up with a chisel.

If you have a load of cuts do do I would get a 9" grinder and some stone discs, you can buy those disposable grinders from B&q for about £20 IIRC.

Cheers mate - hopefully not too many to cut, and have enough flexibility in layout.

Might give the disposable grinder idea a go :)

D

Grinder is really the best way to go. You could try the bolster chisel approach but the slabs are normally too brittle and dont break cleanly. If you dont want to buy a grinder, most hire places will have a monster grinder available for very little money.
Bear in mind that a huge amount of dust will be generated. Mask and goggles are a must, and plan where you are going to cut them as the area will end up about 4 inches thick with concrete dust!

Steve

area will end up about 4 inches thick with concrete dust!


.. a slight exaggeration :D

he's right about the dust though, it gets feckin everywhere!

mj - depends how many have to be cut. :D but yes, a bit over the top perhaps!

Try www.screwfix.co.uk they have grinders at £7.99 and diamond disks for £8.99..
cheers

You could hire a sthill saw from your local tool hire shop for about 20 quid for a days hire .
Is there a GAP plant and tool hire beside where u are ?
If so get in touch with them .

Ask for water attachment for the saw it will reduce the dust .