Big rocks in wine cellar

[valley]

Greetings, I need to break up some large rocks, Boulders, small enough to carry out.

I thought of a Star Drill, that would do it slowly. I have seen hand held roto hammers offered for sale, they might work.
Sure would like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Thanks Richard

 

[Stimw]

Google "feathers and wedges" it's a method for splitting rocks. I've seen them precision splitting granite for steps and landscape. Basicly you take a hammer drill, drill several holes, install two feathers (L shaped metal) with a wedge in between them and keep tapping on the wedges. the pressure builds and the rock splits.
You could carve the rocks to suit you.

 

[valley]

Thanks! I did Google Feathers and wedges. That sounds like the ticket. I have granite here. I'll look for a hammer drill.

 

[NHbotanut]

Another option to use is Bentinite. I have used it several time for breaking up rocks.

You drill a 1 1/2" inch hole in several places on the rock, mix up the bentinite, pour it in the holes and in 6-8 hours the rock will be split.

I have used it on 2 8' granite boulders and several other rocks including cement. I was able to pick the stuff up at the local Taylor Rental shop. I also have my own rotary drilling hammer. But it is very effective without a lot of sweat.

 

[dangerdoc]

Greetings, I need to break up some large rocks, Boulders, small enough to carry out.

I thought of a Star Drill, that would do it slowly. I have seen hand held roto hammers offered for sale, they might work.
Sure would like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Thanks Richard

Make sure that you keep the rock dust moist when drilling. Hard rock dust is murder on the lungs. In a confined space, you could do permanent damage.

 

[tommu56]

try this works good

Dexpan Non-Explosive Controlled Demolition Agent: Dexpan Intro Non-Explosive controlled Demolition

tom

 

[valley]

Dexpan sounds good and doesn't sound too expensive. I've yet to dicide how to drill the granite. Maybe Star Drill. Might be nice to get a small Jack Hammer.

I will watch that dust, thanks for the mention.

 

[Stimw]

Rent or buy a cheap Hammer Drill. The cheap ones do work and Harbor Freight carries them. Most that I have seen are also a regular drill if you shift a lever or button.

 

[valley]

Greetings, I've been thinking, while doing other chores, not sure between a hammer drill and a Jackhammer. We have more rocks and bolders here on the property than you can count.
With a hammer drill would you use a masonary drill or a star drill?

I'ed like to find a used jackhammer and a good price, like the type they have at HF.

 

[valley]

Stimw, I bought a Rotary Hammer. It drilled the granit like butter. Ordered 10 sets of Feathers and Wedges should be her the first of next week. I look forward to making the first split.

 

[Obed]

Stimw, I bought a Rotary Hammer. It drilled the granit like butter. Ordered 10 sets of Feathers and Wedges should be her the first of next week. I look forward to making the first split.

Valley,
Please post some pictures. I'd like to see how it works out.



I rented a large hammer drill last week to drill 1 1/2" holes through my concrete retaining walls. I can't say it was like drilling through butter though.