I'm in the process of first-fixing a British 1930's house, and although the vast majority of the electrical chasing is done I'm still having trouble finding a safe method to cut out the brickwork for flush fit sockets. Chasing out runs for the cables is reasonably okay (Using an Angle Grinder and then removing the middle), but on a number of occasions I've had to replace whole bricks because they've either broken catastrophically or the mortar has simply failed.
This isn't such an issue when the wall is easily accessible from the other side, but I have a number to do in the kitchen and they're close together (I.e., increased risk!) and the other side of the wall is covered.
So, frankly, I'm concerned and surely there has to be a better way. The biggest issue is that no matter how I approach it, I always end up chipping away HUGE chunks of brick, sometimes up to whole quarters. And, combined with the old mortar – once that integrity is gone the whole thing just falls to pieces!
I'm pretty new to this, so please assume no knowledge on my part whatsoever – perhaps I'm doing something fundamentally wrong.
Up to know I've been chasing with a combination of the following:
Hammer and Chisel
SDS+ Drill with Chisel
Stich Drilling
SDS+ Drill with Scutch Comb
I'd appreciate any hints, tips or guides on how to do this in a safer and more gentle manner!
Best Answer
Been in this position many times. The problem, as you have discovered is the fragile nature of the mortar brickwork. The only way to stop it falling apart is to use tools that do not generate such a large percussive shock to the wall. One such device is a masonry saw such as a stihl. On the other hands if your brickwork is that fragile it is hardly something you should be leaving that way. Perhaps do the damage and re mortar it.