Occasional is this block splitter any good? - For diy only

[Bob_A]

Oops thread title should read
Is this block splitter any good (For occasional DIY use)
Can a mod change it?

Found this on ebay.
Click

Not talking about trade use but would it do the job for the DIYer doing occasional small jobs?
Cost of this is approx the same as hiring out a 'proper' splitter.

Seller claims that it had £60,000 spent on it's development.
mmm I think knocking two or more 0's of that would be more realistic LOL

[Rich H]

Rent a proper one or use a grinder. That looks like it'd last five minutes.

[Dave_L]

What a lot of crap!!!! I had to laugh - £60,000 on development?? £60, maybe!

Watch the video of it in action.

Seems he's sold four so far.....

[Bob_A]

Doesn't look very strong does it, probably comes together as a flatpack that your screw together and will work loose after a while, no good for someone in the trade.
But what about for the occasional DIYer, the ebay feedback seems quite positive.
As long as the built in bolster is of sufficient quality then the basic principle it uses should be ok, shouldn't it?
Is it big enough to do 45degree cuts though?

[Rich H]

It's not really relevant. A decent angle grinder (about the same price if you shop around) will give you cleaner cuts and have more versatility. If you need to do a lot for a one-off project at your home, rent a proper block splitter or a cut-off saw.

[Rich H]

Here. £6 more buys you a tool you can use for all sorts of things.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BOSCH-G....iewItem

or £25 less gets you a nice bolster.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HIGH-QU....iewItem

[Tony McC]

I saw this, or summat very, very similar, about four years ago at a trade show and it's a classic example of a tool that appeals to the DIYer but wouldn't be touched by a tradesman. It might be suitable for walling brick, but it's nae use for paving blocks/bricks.

Why use a hammer blow when a lever action is so much more efficient?

Why risk missing with a hammer blow when you can't miss with a lever?

Why would you take up so much space in the van when a bolster takes up so little?

60 grand? They saw him coming, didn't they!!! :laugh:

[Bob_A]

It might be suitable for walling brick, but it's nae use for paving blocks/bricks

That's good enough for me, I'll pass.
I've got a lot of cheap tools, you know some of the unknown cheaper brands that you get from screwfix and although not built to last, for me they get the job done.
So it seems in this case it doesn't matter how well made the tool is, a simple bolster will do the same job and there are other tools that will do it even better.
Thanks everyone

[lutonlagerlout]

LMFAOROFL
@ the video

what ever is he thinking?
hammer and 4" bolster would do a better job,also its best to cut house bricks on a bed of sand,they cut cleaner
it may appeal to the retired engineer market :;): :;):
LLL

[Dave_L]

But hell, God loves a tryer :p

[flowjoe]

How long before you had a big cartoon style white bandage with a bow around your thumb, the angle he works at you are bound to trap your thumb between the hammer and the upright :O