How to split large boulders! Using ‘Wedge and Feathers’
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- Опубликовано: 28 дек 2022
- How to split boulders using a classic technique. Wedge and Feathers drive pressure into the stone to split it where you want! (Most of the time).
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In this instructional video from Hardscape Training Canada, Kevin demonstrates the process of drilling, wedging, and feather-splitting a large stone using proper tools and techniques. The video starts with Kevin introducing the wedging feathers from Micon Stone Tools and selecting a Hilti hammer drill for the task.
To begin the process, Kevin highlights the importance of safety gear such as knee pads, hearing protection, eye protection, and masks due to the creation of silica dust during the drilling. He then marks the locations for the holes on the stone, ensuring proper spacing and depth of about four inches to accommodate the wedges.
Kevin proceeds to demonstrate the insertion of the wedges and feathers into the drilled holes, making sure the wedges protrude sufficiently for effective splitting. He emphasizes the need to drive the wedges evenly to create the required pressure across the stone. As the splitting process commences, he points out how the pitch changes as the wedges are struck and how pressure needs to be consistent across all wedges.
Throughout the demonstration, Kevin adjusts the wedges as needed to maintain even pressure. He guides the viewers on how to listen for the cracking sounds indicating successful splitting and achieves a satisfying clean split on the stone. This technique can be applied for splitting larger stones or boulders using wedge and feather methods effectively.
In conclusion, Kevin showcases the results of the stone split and mentions the applicability of the technique for various hardscaping projects involving large stones. His detailed explanation and hands-on demonstration provide valuable insights into the process of drilling, wedging, and feather-splitting stones safely and efficiently. Viewers are encouraged to apply these techniques in their own projects for achieving clean and precise stone splits. 
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Great video and Great info, very useful! Thank you !!!!
Thank you for a simple, direct video on how to split boulders. Best one by far that I have seen, now I think I can do it!
Great idea for when I have a boulder too big to move!
Rock climbers know that high pitched ping from a well driven piton. Satisfaction.
I believe you want the feathers to be all the way down to the curve of the feather. Which will help the wedge from not falling out, as happened in the video. Also with harder stone your feathers can be damaged and eventually bend by having them halfway out of the stone with so much pressure of the stone and hammer.
Happy hammering!
Hey Nick thank you! I need a bigger bit for my hammer drill and I will try those tips out!
Well done
Keep the videos coming that is how I am learning this craft. I live on Haida Gwaai. So I am learning from U tube. Slowly and slowly getting the tools tools I need.
Love it! Thanks Jimmy what type of projects are you working on there?
Boulder wall on a sloped lot.
Excellent video and explanation, please create a video demonstrating how to cut the round stone for use in a millstone.
Nice video. I liked it and subscribed. I have a really hard piece of stone/rock at 40 to 45 cm thick (deep) (1 1/2 ft.) that took a very long time to drill the holes into and a variety of thickness in different places which wedges with feathers can't split even that I followed the instructions seen on videos. Some of the wedges and feathers are completely in and others are barely above the stone surface and the hammer is recoiling. One of the wedges/feathers is jumping out of its hole upon being hit with a hammer. The stone is 1,5 meter long maximum (5 ft.) and 1 meter wide in its widest place (3+ ft.) while in the middle it is 80 cm wide (under 3 ft.). The top of the stone/rock has a "mountainous terrain" so to speak (variety of reliefs) so the holes were drilled at different "heights" of the stone. Are the wedges/feathers too short for this stone/rock? Can a rock/stone of various reliefs be split like this? The wedges are about 10 cm long (4") and I used 5 wedges for the stone's length of 1,5 m( 5 ft.). After drilling 5 holes I sprayed the stone powder/dust with a water stream and then drilled more into watery holes. The stone got wet a little bit. Wrong or right, I don't know. I can post photos or even a short video within the next several hours.
HI Kevin. What is the name of the store you have your wedge and feathers from? I heard "Michael and stone tools" but didn't find the store in Vancouver.
What type of drill bit did you use
I use a carbide tipped drill bit for SDS drills like my Hilti hammer drill I use in the video. Sizing will vary depending on the size of your wedges and feathers
@@HardscapeCanada Thanks! Appreciate the info.
on what basis the number of wedges we need, and the distance between each, and location of the intended split
Ideally spacing around 6”, but it really depends on that particular stone type and hardness etc. a bit of trial and error is a must.
Hi how are you sir I hope you are well you can break any stone with this method I am from North Pakistan the stones here are very hard at the foothills of Karakaram Himalayas.
Any idea if this same method would work for a boulder that's 3 or 4x the size of the one in your video? Or would you need larger/bigger wedges that can go deeper?
This same method should work with this size of wedges, you just may need more for a larger Boulder.
@@HardscapeCanada If a row across the top won't work drill the side and insert wedges as well.
Do you have any advice for attempting to split a quartzite rock?
Hey I haven’t tied to split that particular type of stone, as it is much more dense than its predecessor sandstone and wouldn’t likely act the same way with the grains. I would think cutting it would be ideal, or maybe a mix of cutting and wedge and feathers if it’s a large enough piece
@@HardscapeCanada Thank you for these tips. I have about a 300lb quartzite boulder in my backyard thanks to the last ice age. I can drill holes in it but the irons and feathers will not split the material. Small chunks will shear off perpendicular to the drill holes. I will try your suggestion.
@@davidsanderson8548 my expertise is in basalt rock. I drill 5/8 holes at 4" spacing about 4" deep and make sure if the rock is in a hole you at least dig out one side for expansion. Basalt is very hard and you can drill on top only and easily split it. Have done this on 36" boulders. However occasionally a virtually identical rock behaves quite differently and seem to be able to absorb the stress. In this case I try to drill close the edge and break of slices. On a large rock it can be time consuming so If I can break the top off and lower the height by a few inches so it allows me to grow plants I just take off the top few inches and cover it over.
Harder rocks are much easier to deal with than softer rocks, unfortunately. The process is addictive and after awhile you want to crack every rock you see on the side of the road.
@@cayrick Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. I never dreamed that there would be a need for a Ten-Step Program for rock splitters. 🔨🔨🔨🔨
Make sure your drilled holes are created in as straight a line as possible then really ensure the feathers are all inserted (and remain) in the correct position, ie. they face their 'partner' feather directly perpendicular to the line of the crack your trying to induce. The straighter you do both these tasks, the easier it's going to be to split the rock. Good luck!
A boulder 3 or 4 times that size is blocking a path in the forest. What do you recommend?
Hey look into a product called Geobreak, it’s an expanding grout that is used to crack and break large rocks
@@HardscapeCanada Thx for the suggestion! I'll have a look and let you know the results when I take it on. Have a good day o/
Why dont you pool water into the site. Keeps it cool so it lasts way longer with no dust.
Yeah, I still think dynamite is way more fun.
Haha fair enough!!
Looked on eBay only seen cheaper Chinese junk and other styles with oring holding all together etc
Where might a person buy some CANADIAN or USA made ones like u used ???
Hey check them out right here! If you do order let them know I sent you! www.miconproducts.com/wedges.html
Trow & Holden also sells them
There has to be a easier way when your arm gets stuck in a boulder.
Gold
No one else picked up on that 😂
ہیلو کیا حال ہے جناب امید ہے کہ اپ خیریت سے ہوں گے اپ کے اس طریقے سے کسی بھی پتھر کو توڑ سکتے ہیں میرا تعلق شمالی پاکستان یہاں کے پتھر بہت سخت ہیں کراکرم ہمالیہ کے ٹو کے دامن میں