How to Fix Rock

[thinkxingu]

I will be readdressing this rock project this morning. I will start by hitting it a lot with a heavy sledge. That's a $0 project, and I need some exercise to prepare for Pop's tomorrow. My hope is that it will sheer along the flat, as that's all I'm hoping to do is get it mostly flat.

Also, there are windows not far away, so I'm thinking I can cover it with a tarp to keep shards from flying. If I go the jackhammer route, I'd have to consider protection for nearby objects.

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[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I will be readdressing this rock project this morning. I will start by hitting it a lot with a heavy sledge. That's a $0 project, and I need some exercise to prepare for Pop's tomorrow. My hope is that it will sheer along the flat, as that's all I'm hoping to do is get it mostly flat.

Also, there are windows not far away, so I'm thinking I can cover it with a tarp to keep shards from flying. If I go the jackhammer route, I'd have to consider protection for nearby objects.

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A picture of you trying to break that rock would be hilarious...would you consider wearing a striped outfit as well?
Seriously though, you must have a drill? Buy a couple of masonry bits and a rock splitting kit (google "rock splitting tools") and make the job fun!
I ordered a set of these and split a rock that jutted out of my large rock wall so my tractor could pass between it and the garage. Makes you feel like one of those old timers working the quarries with hand tools...

[Hillcountry]

It appears Home Cheapo carries them.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bon-Tool...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[fatlazyless]

If I was doing it, I'd get a pointed concrete chisel at Lowe's like the $13.98 Irwin 3/4" pointed concrete chisel and beat on it with a 2-lb mason's hand hammer, repeatedly, which should break up the top area of that gray granite boulder enough so what's left is below the ground level. ...... have fun.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

If I was doing it, I'd get a pointed concrete chisel at Lowe's like the $13.98 Irwin 3/4" pointed concrete chisel and beat on it with a 2-lb mason's hand hammer, repeatedly, which should break up the top area of that gray granite boulder enough so what's left is below the ground level. ...... have fun.

You know what, I saw old dudes in YouTube videos using those and had no idea they were still made. For $14, I would've gone that route!

From what I can see—and I guess I'll know soon enough—a sledge will work. It's just...harder. If it DOES work, it'll be quicker overall (I've already got it vs. having to order/drive to pick up gear, etc.) and free...

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[jbolty]

did you ever dig to see how far down it goes? I bet it's a square post or a former step

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by jbolty

did you ever dig to see how far down it goes? I bet it's a square post or a former step

It's not as regular a shape as it looks, and I never dug around it because I'm not gonna pull it—that would open up another landscaping and disposal task.

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[SAB1]

As I said above last year its not tough:

https://www.betonamit.com/en/

[tummyman]

I would have gone to Heath's Hardware, rented their large hammer drill with all the carbide bits, chisels, etc. for a few bucks. Drill a few holes. Then off to LaVallee''s for some of that non explosive powder to break it up. Mix it up, pour it down the holes, go have a beer and swim, and in the morning it will be rubble. Easy work. Have done it before and extremely easy.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

A picture of you trying to break that rock would be hilarious...would you consider wearing a striped outfit as well?
Seriously though, you must have a drill? Buy a couple of masonry bits and a rock splitting kit (google "rock splitting tools") and make the job fun!
I ordered a set of these and split a rock that jutted out of my large rock wall so my tractor could pass between it and the garage. Makes you feel like one of those old timers working the quarries with hand tools...

I mean, in return for me helping you with that jump pack deal a few years ago, you could offer to let me use yours...

I've looked at all the options—wedges and feathers, non-explosives, jackhammer, sledge—and the only one I currently have (and is free) is the sledge. I busted up a couple (smaller) rocks last year, and it wasn't horrible.

I'd like to do the drill and feather/wedges for just what you mentioned—I think it's neat to try new techniques/tools, but I'd need a hammer drill, bits, and the feathers/wedges which would all cost ~$100 to buy/rent.

I put that cost up against a new 6x10 inflatable (as compared to the $400 form pads) water pad for $149...and guess which won?!

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[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I mean, in return for me helping you with that jump pack deal a few years ago, you could offer to let me use yours...

I've looked at all the options—wedges and feathers, non-explosives, jackhammer, sledge—and the only one I currently have (and is free) is the sledge. I busted up a couple (smaller) rocks last year, and it wasn't horrible.

I'd like to do the drill and feather/wedges for just what you mentioned—I think it's neat to try new techniques/tools, but I'd need a hammer drill, bits, and the feathers/wedges which would all cost ~$100 to buy/rent.

I put that cost up against a new 6x10 inflatable (as compared to the $400 form pads) water pad for $149...and guess which won?!

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I would lend you my hammer drill but we’re re-doing our deck right now and need them for screws. I think I could find the wedge and feather set if I looked in my basement tool drawers. Looks like you’re going the JH route anyway...have fun!

[Garcia]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I will be readdressing this rock project this morning. I will start by hitting it a lot with a heavy sledge. That's a $0 project, and I need some exercise to prepare for Pop's tomorrow. My hope is that it will sheer along the flat, as that's all I'm hoping to do is get it mostly flat.

Also, there are windows not far away, so I'm thinking I can cover it with a tarp to keep shards from flying. If I go the jackhammer route, I'd have to consider protection for nearby objects.

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A little inspiration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLoskF32tCU