The basic rectangular refractory shape. In US practice the 9-inch straight measures 9 x 4.5 x 2.5 in (about 230 x 114 x 64 mm), with a 3-inch series of 9 x 4.5 x 3 used where fewer joints are wanted. Larger straights run up to 13.5 and 18 inches long. Brick quantities are often converted to 9-inch equivalents so different shapes can be priced and counted on one basis.
Order 4,000 straights and 300 splits, plus a pallet of soaps for the burner openings.
Order shapes from the drawing rather than cutting on site. Sawing dense brick is slow, eats blades and leaves weaker edges.
Also heard as
- 9-inch straight
- nine-inch
- rectangle
Related terms
Split
Brick of standard length and width but reduced thickness, used to adjust course heights.
Soap
Brick of standard length and thickness but half the width, such as 9 by 2.25 by 2.5 inches.
Arch brick
Tapered brick whose thickness narrows across its width, used to turn thin arches and rings.
Key
The last brick driven into an arch or ring to lock it tight, or a shape that tapers in width for turning circles.