splitting rock

[muddstopper]

You just need to borrow my brother, he can break an anvil in just a minute. Turn him loose on that rock and you would be able to plant a garden in just a few minutes.

 

[old gray]

You just need to borrow my brother, he can break an anvil in just a minute. Turn him loose on that rock and you would be able to plant a garden in just a few minutes.

Hhhaaa, If he breaks anvils he is dangerous!

 

[muddstopper]

And please, dont give him nothing sharp or a piece of rope.

 

[crazyal]

Masonry bits don't dull. They over head and the carbide falls out. Once that happens they burn up. They also need the percussion of the drills hammer to work well. My 1/2 Milwaukee cordless is a hammer drill but it's only for drilling 1/4" holes in ceramic tiles. For stones you need a real hammer drill. Feathers and wedges will work but for a large stone you will need plenty of them, the cost adds up pretty quickly. Plus you need to drill to the right depth.

I've tried everything over the years. What I found works best is to call someone who will blast it. Because of where I am I've never needed blasting mats so I can usually get them to stop by with a simple tow behind compressor, a hand drill, and explosives on their way back from a larger job. The last time I think I only paid a couple of hundred and in about 10 minutes a large chunk of ledge was a hole 3 feet deep with lots of small rocks lining the walls. My guy loves jobs like this. Because I'm flexible they fill in dead times for him. For all I know he puts the cash in his pocket.

 

[tractchores]

My HF SDS goes through RI granite like it's nothing, like maybe an inch per second for a half inch hole. The first time I drilled a hole I was so amazed I was looking around for other rocks to drill. I have no idea how long the drill or the bits last, I've only had call to drill a few holes.

Nice what do you use as a bit?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Nice what do you use as a bit?

I use a set of bits I bought at HF. No idea how long they will last. They also go through concrete like it's nothing.

I bought it with the chisel bit set to break up a concrete floor, it wasn't up to that job and I ended up using a sledgehammer for most of it. It was good to get a crack started and around the edges and in corners where I couldn't swing the sledge.

 

[4shorts]

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?

I used a product called Ecobust and it works. I did a two part video on it. Here's the link to part 1
http://youtu.be/JlTgjnglHng

Here's the product: https://www.lowes.ca/mortar/ecobust-expansive-rock-and-concrete-demolition-mortar_g1559554.html

 

[tractchores]

I use a set of bits I bought at HF. No idea how long they will last. They also go through concrete like it's nothing.

I bought it with the chisel bit set to break up a concrete floor, it wasn't up to that job and I ended up using a sledgehammer for most of it. It was good to get a crack started and around the edges and in corners where I couldn't swing the sledge.

Thanks. I will have to try it out for my next digging project. I hit huge car sized boulders any time I dig a hole.

 

[Threepoint]

If you're looking at rotary hammers at HF, suggest you go with their 8.5 amp, 1-9/16" SDS Max model (that uses SDS Max bits and chisels), instead of their SDS models. 1-9/16 in. 8.5 Amp Heavy Duty SDS Max Type Variable Speed Rotary Hammer. This thing is a beast. Just checked, and it's on sale right now for $120. A 20%-off coupon will bring it under $100. I've had one for a couple of years now, and it's a pleasure to use.

If you get it, make sure you get the SDS Max bits and chisels, as regular SDS are too small. Drill Bits: 13 in. SDS Max Type Masonry Drill Bit Set 3 Pc
or
21 in. SDS Max Type Masonry Drill Bit Set 3 Pc

Chisels: 12 in. SDS Max Type Masonry Chisel Bit Set 3 Pc

 

[dragoneggs]

I used a product called Ecobust and it works. I did a two part video on it. Here's the link to part 1
http://youtu.be/JlTgjnglHng

Here's the product: https://www.lowes.ca/mortar/ecobust-expansive-rock-and-concrete-demolition-mortar_g1559554.html

I was hoping you would chime in, Paul. Now I don't have to hunt down your video to post! I enjoyed it except for the drilling part... I recall you drilled a fair number of holes. Maybe the SDS system first would save some hard labor time?