World Construction Symposium

Quick Tips For Cutting Through Concrete At Home

28 December 2014 by Wallace Simmons

If you have a home repair job that will require cutting through concrete, you want to know the right tools and the right technique to use for the job. As with any other home repair job, the right tools and using them properly will make the job quicker and easier and ensure you get it done with less mess and cleanup. Cutting through concrete can actually be as simple as cutting through wood or drywall if you consider the following tips for getting the job done.

1. Choose core drilling for rounded holes

A core drill has a large rounded bit that might resemble a pipe and which is used for when you need rounded holes drilled into concrete. This might be needed for when you're running new plumbing pipes through a basement wall or floor. This type of cut is very precise and creates less dust and debris than a jackhammer or other concrete breaking methods. Rather than trying to cut an imprecise opening with a standard concrete cutter, use a core drill or hire a contractor that specializes in core drilling for creating rounded holes that are a perfect fit for pipes, conduits, and the like.

2. Diamond-tipped blades are meant for hard materials

A diamond-tipped concrete saw blade is often used to cut through concrete but if you notice that it stops cutting, your material may actually be too soft and porous. A hard material wears away the metal composite in which the diamond surface is embedded. To keep a diamond blade sharp, run it against a hard concrete surface for several minutes and you will notice it begins cutting again.

3. Electric saws are more precise but less powerful than hydraulic

When choosing between concrete saws you'll need to decide between electric or hydraulic. The electric saws are typically more lightweight and more precise, and are used in enclosed spaces and for smaller jobs. Hydraulic saws are larger and less precise but are meant for heavy-duty jobs and thick concrete.

If you're cutting through concrete in your driveway then an electric saw will probably give you all the power you need. However, for cutting through a foundation and basement floors where the concrete is thicker and less porous, you may want to opt for the hydraulic unit instead. Using a hydraulic saw can be more dangerous as there may be a buildup in the lines, so if you know you'll need a hydraulic saw for a tough concrete cutting job at home, you might opt to have a contractor who specializes in concrete cutting handle the job for you.

To learn more, or if you have other questions, try contacting a company like Talon Concrete Cutting & Coring Ltd.

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