Does anyone have any suggestions on splitting rocks. I have several large rocks that are too big to remove or bury. Drilling with a small hammer drill is not quick enough for my liking. Anyone tried renting a hoe ram and attaching to backhoe? Or any other suggestions?
splitting rock
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Dave M7040
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2012
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- Location
- Williamstown Ontario Canada
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- Kubota M7040 Nuffield 465
If you dont have the patience for expanding chemical products or the small explosive ones triggered by air, then you are going to have to hire someone.
Few are willing to rent out just the ram as it is too easily damaged.
The concrete cutting and coring companies could be hired to drill holes with their diamond drills and then you use the products mentioned above. The diamond drills are much quicker than a hammer drill with a carbide bit..
Dave M7040
Few are willing to rent out just the ram as it is too easily damaged.
The concrete cutting and coring companies could be hired to drill holes with their diamond drills and then you use the products mentioned above. The diamond drills are much quicker than a hammer drill with a carbide bit..
Dave M7040
tractchores
Veteran Member
I've tried a bunch of approaches (I have huge rocks). Depending on the type of stone you may have some options. You likely have a lot of granite, which unfortunately is VERY tough. Here's some of what I tried:
- Rent a jackhammer: This actually works, but is slow and a lot of effort. Good if making holes etc
- Wedge and feather: This actually should be the easiest method. You drill with a hammer drill and bunch of times and then use the wedges to crack it. i've had limited success, but my rocks tended to fracture and shed chunks VS splitting. Drilling also took FOREVER and I dulled the drill bits quickly (should have used water or something).
- Chemicals : Same effectiveness as feather and wedges, but takes longer. issue here was the time and drilling holes was still needed.
- Hydraulic breaker: Unable to find an attachment for my BH and was told that it's REALLY hard on the tractor.
Unfortunately there's not a lot of good solutions. My preferred method became digging holes near the rocks and pushing or pulling them out of the way into the new hole. Not great, but works for a trench or other project to get rocks out of the way.
- Rent a jackhammer: This actually works, but is slow and a lot of effort. Good if making holes etc
- Wedge and feather: This actually should be the easiest method. You drill with a hammer drill and bunch of times and then use the wedges to crack it. i've had limited success, but my rocks tended to fracture and shed chunks VS splitting. Drilling also took FOREVER and I dulled the drill bits quickly (should have used water or something).
- Chemicals : Same effectiveness as feather and wedges, but takes longer. issue here was the time and drilling holes was still needed.
- Hydraulic breaker: Unable to find an attachment for my BH and was told that it's REALLY hard on the tractor.
Unfortunately there's not a lot of good solutions. My preferred method became digging holes near the rocks and pushing or pulling them out of the way into the new hole. Not great, but works for a trench or other project to get rocks out of the way.
quicksandfarmer
Elite Member
Rather than a hammer drill, have you tried a SDS drill? I bought one at Harbor Freight for less than $100 including a set of 6" bits. It will drill the length of the bit into granite in a few seconds. I have a set of feathers and pins, but for a big rock I think I would use Dexpan, a bucket of Dexpan is cheaper than a set of five wedges.
NorEaster
Member
You want a rotary hammer, not just a hammer drill. Drill however deep the bit lets you every 8-12 inches. Feather and wedge from there...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBMcMGBhUVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBMcMGBhUVk
Will check out the HF sds drill. I never heard of a SDS drill. Any tips on drilling rock? Start with a small hole and increase? Use water to cool or help cutting or save bit. I have no clue about drilling rock. I did pick up 3 wedge and feathers. Seemed to be a waste because of slow drilling. The SDS is much better than a hammer drill? Fracturing is fine with me also. I just need to get them below grade. They are all to big to bury. Thanks for your input. Some one also said that gun powder works good in the holes too.Vs Dexpan ??
Hhaha Ok same as sds
Teachu2
Platinum Member
SDS (or Slotted Drive System) bits for hammer drills/rotary hammers allow the bit to slide in the chuck and enhance the hammering action of the tool. For most applications, these bits provide plenty of torque.
SDS Max bits are similar to SDS bits, but have larger shanks and come in larger sizes than SDS bits. These powerful bits are useful in industrial applications. What Does S.D.S. Stand For? | Toolbarn Banter
Hammer Drills - Save on Hammer Drills at Harbor Freight
As shown on the HF page, SDS is not the same as rotary hammer or hammer drill. I have the 10 amp model with SDS and like it very much. On sale for $89.99 at the moment, occasionally as low as $69.99. SDS shanked bits are available at HD and Lowe's, if you don't have an industrial supply nearby.
I also have an old Bosch industrial model with a bit stuck in the shank holder. It pre-dates SDS by a couple decades. One of these days, I'll break it loose...
SDS Max bits are similar to SDS bits, but have larger shanks and come in larger sizes than SDS bits. These powerful bits are useful in industrial applications. What Does S.D.S. Stand For? | Toolbarn Banter
Hammer Drills - Save on Hammer Drills at Harbor Freight
As shown on the HF page, SDS is not the same as rotary hammer or hammer drill. I have the 10 amp model with SDS and like it very much. On sale for $89.99 at the moment, occasionally as low as $69.99. SDS shanked bits are available at HD and Lowe's, if you don't have an industrial supply nearby.
I also have an old Bosch industrial model with a bit stuck in the shank holder. It pre-dates SDS by a couple decades. One of these days, I'll break it loose...
tractchores
Veteran Member
If you get one let us know how it works on granite. I'd buy one in a second if it works. One tip on drilling - do not breathe the dust, it can be very dangerous.