How to cut a concrete wall

[fish brain]

I want to make a workshop out of part of my barn, It as an eight inch thick five foot tall concrete wall that I need to cut out to make my doorway.
How would you do it?

 

[ab1752]

Cheque book saw

 

[Rain City]

Rent a good wet saw. $100 well spent. Cut both sides. Use a grinder to get down tight to the floor. Smash it out with a big sledge or a chipping gun. Then grinder and small chipping gun with a chisel bit or a bush hammer to clean it up. If you're cutting inside make sure you have fans getting you fresh air. One of those jobs where all the good PPE is definitely required. There's also a chain saw for cutting concrete but I've never tried it.

 

[fish brain]

I have used a cut off saw to cut a 6" wall a couple of times, but they only cut a couple of inches deep, finishing is done with a sledge hammer. So an eight inch wall with a two inch deep cut on both sides, still leaves a four inch wall to smash through. Back when I was in my thirtys. I would have bashed on it till it was done, and will still do that if need be. But with age comes the search for an easier way.

 

[fishinforever]

I just had the rental saw from Home Depot for a 8’ trench in my slab. It was a bit of work but not bad and Saved some dough. I’m sure they make different units for a wall? But if not that would be a really good shoulder workout

 

[Foxsea]

Hire a concrete cutting/coring company. They have the right equipment to get it done quickly, neatly and safely. We did the same as you a year ago - best money we spent.

 

[Corey_lax]

I’m a mini grinder and 4.5” diamond cutoff kinda guy because it’s what I have. Score it on both sides as deep as you’re comfortable and beat the crap out of it. Hammer gun on chisel mode to break stuff out. There’s quicker tools but there is lots of ways to do it. All of them require hard work and lots of dust and water everywhere.
If there is rebar, just swear a bunch, drink a beer, and get back at it.

rent a bigger tool if you need or pay someone to do it with proper tools. It’s up to you.

 

[ab1752]

I like my way more and more after reading these posts. Ya I've got office hands, whats it to ya.

 

[sly_karma]

Gas cutoff saw and 14" diamond blade gets it done. Drill through wall at corners first to get layout on both sides.

But if you have to rent all of it, ie, good rotary hammer and cutoff saw, plus the consumables like diamond wheels for saw and grinder, you're getting into same territory pricewise as hiring a cutting and coring specialist. If you're keen to add your labour to save some cost, stipulate that you'll break up and dispose of the concrete slab removed from the hole.

If the basement has finished space inside and cleanliness is a factor, then go with the specialist. They're set up for mess control whereas you'll need to rent that gear as well.

 

[Fishing101]

You can rent a chain saw that is designed to cut concrete. It will cut through a 10” wall with rebar very easily. We use them quite often at work.

 

[Pineapple Express]

@sly_karma has explained this process very well. I'd be hiring a specialist company for this task.

 

[ChrisK]

I’ve done a lot of these and it’s quite challenging to cut an accurate opening with rental tools. If you haven’t done it before I’d hire a concrete cutting co to take care of it. $6-800 and it’s done perfectly

 

[tubber]

After spending 20 bucks then 3 days making a second hand pedastal sink work in the laundry room. I'd probably Shawshank it.

 

[casper5280]

 

[Captain PartyMarty]

Fixed your problem! Buy on of these

 

[casper5280]

Pretty pricey cut for 1 cut. Interesting if you are in the trades

GS 461 - Concrete Cutter - another innovative product from STIHL

 

[fish brain]

Fixed your problem! Buy on of these

I have tried to find one of those to rent in my area, no luck so far

 

[fish brain]

You can rent a chain saw that is designed to cut concrete. It will cut through a 10” wall with rebar very easily. We use them quite often at work.

Do you know where I can rent one on the south island?

 

[casper5280]

I have tried to find one of those to rent in my area, no luck so far

I had a hard time just finding a price on one.

Do you know where I can rent one on the south island?

Have you tried Sunbelt Rentals in Sidney, they have a good selection of rental tools. We rent all are stuff for work from them.

 

[fish brain]

I had a hard time just finding a price on one.

Have you tried Sunbelt Rentals in Sidney, they have a good selection of rental tools. We rent all are stuff for work from them.

I will give sunbelt a call