Splitting Rock Questions

Carl Bert · Jun 22, 2011

jwinner said:
I suppose it works because the gasses expand so quickly that the rock cracks before it has time to expel the putty. If you don't pack enough putty or don't pack it sufficiently it can blow back out the hole. It takes practice - how much pyrodex to use or how many holes to drill or how deep to drill depends on the size of rock, type of rock, and whether you're talking bedrock, or loose boulders. Loose boulders are good, they are much easier to shatter with fewer pellets. If you use too few pellets or try to take too much rock off at once, it will just make a muffled sound and nothing will crack. If you use too much, it's best to be in a safe place, as rock projectiles will fly everywhere. Sometimes we use too much on purpose heh heh. Obviously you can't use this method next to a home or in town, etc. If you use just the right amount, it makes a relatively quiet noise and cracks the rock with no projectiles. I use a Bosch 36 volt lithium-ion hammer drill with a couple spare batteries for the holes. Having a generator and line powered hammer drill would be faster...

What would you consider to be a "safe distance"? The nearest house is about 150 feet away. Too close?

pat32rf · Jun 22, 2011

I've got one chunk of bedrock at a bad spot in my driveway. After looking into getting the local blaster (we can no longer DIY here) I priced the chemical method--would be almost the same price.
Might just dig out my 18"x 1/2 "carbide drill bit.....got no source for cannon fuse yet but I'm looking...

Opti-Mist · Jun 22, 2011

jwinner said:
I'll let you in on a little secret. We use this method to "mine" our way through constrictions in cave passages to find new cave. Get some pyrodex pellets, I think they are .50cal? Anyways they are 1/2" in diameter pellets. Get a long 1/2 SDS+ hammer drill bit and drill. Drill the hole as deep as you want or can. The pyrodex has holes in the center that happen to match up with cannon fuse. Feed 5 or 6 onto the cannon fuse (or 10 or 12), slide them into your hole in the rock. Pack plumbers putty into the hole but being careful not to tear up the cannon fuse. Light and hide behind something. Your rock will be shattered. May have to take it apart in sections....

Another choice would be a 50/50 mix of sodium chlorate and sugar. Pack wet sand around the fuse. It's worked well for me.

pat32rf · Jun 22, 2011

What exactly is sodium chlorate? Where would you get it?

ktm010 · Jun 24, 2011

I used plain old fire under a large rock to split it !! do a search under 'large boulder must go' I burnt up a bunch of old half rotted wood and got the rock good and hot over night each time a large pcs wood crack, and my cost "0"

JohninCT · Jun 25, 2011

This "Boulder Buster" look like a pretty interesting tool. Uses what looks like a shotgun shell and water to create pressure shock to split rocks. Like any of the techniques mentioned the hardest part of the job is drilling the hole to pour the water into. The upside is there is only one hole needed. Pretty cool video demonstrating the product.

Boulder Buster - Power Tools - Mays Trail Equipment

Carl Bert · Jun 27, 2011

JohninCT said:
This "Boulder Buster" look like a pretty interesting tool. Uses what looks like a shotgun shell and water to create pressure shock to split rocks. Like any of the techniques mentioned the hardest part of the job is drilling the hole to pour the water into. The upside is there is only one hole needed. Pretty cool video demonstrating the product.

Boulder Buster - Power Tools - Mays Trail Equipment

Wow, that looks like a great system. With July 4th right around the corner, I can easily get away with the loud bangs, I'm sure it produces. Can't wait to find out the price. My guess is it's going to be in the $400-$500 area. I will let you know tomorrow.

Carl Bert · Jun 27, 2011

Carl Bert said:
Wow, that looks like a great system. With July 4th right around the corner, I can easily get away with the loud bangs, I'm sure it produces. Can't wait to find out the price. My guess is it's going to be in the $400-$500 area. I will let you know tomorrow.

Closed today, will try again tomorrow.

Carl Bert · Jun 28, 2011

JohninCT said:
This "Boulder Buster" look like a pretty interesting tool. Uses what looks like a shotgun shell and water to create pressure shock to split rocks. Like any of the techniques mentioned the hardest part of the job is drilling the hole to pour the water into. The upside is there is only one hole needed. Pretty cool video demonstrating the product.

Boulder Buster - Power Tools - Mays Trail Equipment

Holy boulder buster Batman!!!! I was quoted a price of $3,995++++, Plus tax, plus shipping, plus loads, plus heavy loads +++. I still can't see where this little gadget is worth over $4500. I can buy a hyd hammer for my B26 for just over $6000. Much better value in my opinion.

Oh well I guess I will be ordering some cannon fuse, and see if I can split some rock, without blowing myself or the neighbors house up. Wish me luck.