Cutting Concrete Blocks

Angle grinder
To cut a block diagonally from corner to corner, for a gable end, use an angle grinder along a guide line.

Courtesy of DK - Do It Yourself Home Improvement © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Stone saw
Use a stone saw to cut lightweight blocks by hand, following a clearly marked guide line.

Courtesy of DK - Do It Yourself Home Improvement © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Wall Ties

Wall ties are used in cavity walls to connect the outer and inner walls, or to connect a new masonry wall to an existing one. Designs vary according to whether a tie is for use with masonry or timber. Some common examples are shown below.

Screw tie
For joining masonry to masonry, or masonry to timber.

Timber-frame tie
For use with timber-frame cavity walls.

Courtesy of DK - Do It Yourself Home Improvement © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Wall profile
Used to secure a block wall to an existing wall. Ties slot into metal profile

Courtesy of © 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Lightweight wall tie
Stainless steel with a plastic retaining clip designed to hold insulation sheets in place.

Courtesy of DK - Do It Yourself Home Improvement © 2009 Dorling Kindersley Limited