Boulder breakdown with plugs and wedges
#1
Boulder breakdown with plugs and wedges
I have a couple of large landscape rocks (small boulders) that I had dug out and need to get rid of. They are heavy. See pic (I included a 16oz. bottle of water for size reference).
I think the way to go is to break them down. I believe this can be done with plugs/wedges/feathers/shims. (I was looking at these). What tools do I need? Do I need a rotary hammer to drill 1/2" holes in the rock, or can I get by with a hammer drill? I currently don't have either. I have a 4 lb. sledge, and what looks to be a 10 lb. sledgehammer. I have what looks to be some masonry/concrete chisels (see pic), there might be more around. Input appreciated.
I think the way to go is to break them down. I believe this can be done with plugs/wedges/feathers/shims. (I was looking at these). What tools do I need? Do I need a rotary hammer to drill 1/2" holes in the rock, or can I get by with a hammer drill? I currently don't have either. I have a 4 lb. sledge, and what looks to be a 10 lb. sledgehammer. I have what looks to be some masonry/concrete chisels (see pic), there might be more around. Input appreciated.
#3
Offer them up on Craig's List for free, a lot less work!
cwbuff
voted this post useful.
#4
Group Moderator
Why do you want to break rocks? You will still have the same amount of rock to dispose of after you spend a hundred+$ on tools to break them. If you want to split them just for fun you'll need a rotary hammer, appropriate sized bit, feather & wedges and a hammer.
#5
Why do you want to break rocks?...If you want to split them just for fun..
You will still have the same amount of rock to dispose of
after you spend a hundred+$ on tools
2) I may have additional uses for whatever tools bought.
3) Recently purchased, lightly-used tools can have resale or donation value.
you'll need a rotary hammer
#6
I don't know if you are kidding
Dig a hole and bury them!
#8
Member
Sometimes Craiglist does not work overnight and I see ads there for similar stuff all the time. Sometimes I think people are trying not to have to do the work or go to the expense of disposing of something. Sometimes there are indeed takers.
Yes you can subdivide these. Pilot Dane has the answer if you want to go this route.
And maybe landscape contractors would take them for them. Just cast a big enough net with the publicity.
Are you looking for new tools for Christmas?
Yes you can subdivide these. Pilot Dane has the answer if you want to go this route.
And maybe landscape contractors would take them for them. Just cast a big enough net with the publicity.
Are you looking for new tools for Christmas?
#9
Nope, any time I want to get rid of construction scraps, rather than burning or throwing away I offer them up. I usually have a half dozen folks wanting to stop by
Same here, which is why I listed these after I got them out. But I wasn't surprised that they did not go. They are too heavy, and they have been painted. It is just common rock.
Dig a hole and bury them!
Last edited by Remlon98; 12-02-20 at 02:10 AM.
#10
Check out this thread by @sgull for some ideas Breaking big rock
#11
Member
Bury as Marq1 suggested or keep trying to give away via Craig's List, Freecycle, etc. Once at my vacation house I had an easy chair in excellent condition to get rid of. I put it outside marked FREE and no one was interested for a week but when I marked it as $5 it went the next day (and they left the money.) Make your stones valuable ("garden/landscape boulders") and someone will want them.
#12
Member
I think keep trying on all the local give away sites. Looks like two strong men could lift the larger one. What is the harm in trying a couple good licks with the big hammer. It looks like you could knock some sides off of the larger one. Maybe drag them farther from the house and cut loose. Work out some frustration. Any chance you could issue a challenge to a strong neighborhood youth? What is a fair price for reducing the big one to three parts?
After a few days on the give away sites maybe you could pay someone to get rid of them. What is it worth to you? Too bad they are painted.
After a few days on the give away sites maybe you could pay someone to get rid of them. What is it worth to you? Too bad they are painted.
#13
Make your stones valuable ("garden/landscape boulders") and someone will want them.
Looks like two strong men could lift the larger one
Any chance you could issue a challenge to a strong neighborhood youth? What is a fair price for reducing the big one to three parts?
For even more laughs, run your idea by your lawyer and insurance company.
What is the harm in trying a couple good licks with the big hammer.
(Actually, I was hitting on the end opposite of where the break occurred). Motivated, I went to resume my work, but noticed a problem:
Oh well, it was old and likely compromised. I picked up a replacement handle last night, To be continued...
2john02458
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#14
Member
Free Whiskey Rocks- "some disassembly required"
Impressive - you've just split diabase / hornfels- one of the hardest rocks on the East coast.
(I just noticed that you're in MontCo, PA, so based on that fine grain, orange patina, and white paint, they're probably "stay on the driveway" landscape rocks.)
In the 1800s they were commonly cut into Belgian block pavers.
In the 2000s, they're commonly split down and then put in a gem-turner to make "Whiskey Rocks"
https://youtu.be/m2JltESSjxU
Impressive - you've just split diabase / hornfels- one of the hardest rocks on the East coast.
(I just noticed that you're in MontCo, PA, so based on that fine grain, orange patina, and white paint, they're probably "stay on the driveway" landscape rocks.)
In the 1800s they were commonly cut into Belgian block pavers.
In the 2000s, they're commonly split down and then put in a gem-turner to make "Whiskey Rocks"
https://youtu.be/m2JltESSjxU
Last edited by Hal_S; 12-13-20 at 07:54 AM.
2john02458
voted this post useful.
#15
Member
Soapstone (the material that comprises the Whiskey Stones) must be chilled before going into your drink. Simply keep your Whiskey Stones in your freezer and you'll always have a few handy. You only need three Whiskey Stones per glass.
#16
Member
Originally Posted by 2john02458
Originally Posted by Whiskey Rocks
Soapstone (the material that comprises the Whiskey Stones) must be chilled before going into your drink. Simply keep your Whiskey Stones in your freezer and you'll always have a few handy. You only need three Whiskey Stones per glass.
Soapstone is used because it is VERY soft and easy to shape -
There's an prominent outcrop of soapstone along the East Bank Trail of Wissahickon creek, (across from Forbidden Drive) where generations of mountain bikers catching the outcrop with their handlebars has, LITERALLY, cut a linear notch in the soft rock...
2john02458
voted this post useful.