What type of hammer is used specifically to cut brick or block?

A brick hammer is designed specifically for cutting brick or block due to its unique shape and features. The head of a brick hammer has a flat, chisel-like end on one side that can be used to score or cut materials like brick, while the other side is a square peen, which can be utilized for striking or tapping bricks into place. This dual functionality makes it an essential tool for masons, as it allows them to perform several tasks related to brickwork efficiently.

In contrast, the other types of hammers listed serve different purposes. A claw hammer is primarily used in carpentry for driving and removing nails; it is not suited for cutting masonry materials. A sledgehammer is heavy and designed for powerful strikes, typically used for demolition or driving stakes, but not for precision cutting. A framing hammer is similar to a claw hammer but is optimized for driving larger nails into wood, making it unsuitable for the specific task of cutting brick or block. Thus, a brick hammer is the appropriate tool for that job.