Best way to split 3'-4' boulder?

[CobyRupert]

There's another thread going on about best way to dig 3' of bedrock. This is similar, but different enough that I didn't want to derail that one.

I have a (let's say 3'-4' diameter) boulder that got dug out when I built my barn. Not sure what type of stone, but seems pretty dense/hard. Excavator was able to roll it, I was able to push it against a tree with my 8000lb tractor and that's where it lies. I think that if I could split it in half, or more, I might be able to lift the sections with my FEL.

The other thread introduced me to Expanding Demolition Grout. Seems like a good option, but how do I drill holes and not end up spending $500 on a rock? When all I get is.... more rocks.

What type of drill? Type of bit? Bit diameter? How deep? How many holes? How far apart from each other?
Any way a homeowner can drill with a 1/2" electric drill? Would grout still work. Any experience? Guessing my chances are probably slim to none.
What do I need for a rock drill (or whatever)?

The Dexpan site (How to use Dexpan to break concrete or rocks easily?) say 1-1/2" bit, holes 1' apart, 80% to 90% of depth.
80% to 90% depth of a 3'-4' diameter bolder seems excessive and needs one heck of a bit.

Any way to cheat on the cheap? What's my options?

 

[RNeumann]

All those products require bigger holes drilled with a hammer drill....

Think 1” holes which is a bigger drill. Just dig a hole a bury it if you don’t want to spend the money on it.

Edit- you can get wedges online
How to Cut and Shape Stones - YouTube

 

[suburbanfarmer]

This may help

 

[Jchonline]

Hydraulic or jack hammer?

 

[QRTRHRS]

I had a brief stint with an old German stone mason as a teen. He could lay up the most beautiful fireplaces. Anyway, he had this "boneyard" he gathered from. He could take on a boulder that would fill (flatten) a pickup bed with his arsenal of sledges. He had a way of reading the grain then with a few whacks, make smaller and smaller more easily handled pieces.

I decided that mixing mud and hoofing rocks around was not for me, lol!

 

[Big Chief]

Dexpan works, i drilled 1 inch holes in ledge rock 8 to 12 inches apart 20 inches deep. Over a 3ft area. Next day all cracked, 2 days later cracked even more. 3rd day i pulled it all apart by hand.
It really works. No mess minimal labor.

 

[Diggin It]

Think outside the box (of rocks). Check with area landscapers and see if anybody wants to buy it. McMansion Folk with too much money like that sort of thing 'decorating' their front yard.

 

[mjw357]

Just hire this guy.
Clint Eastwood vs. Richard Kiel - YouTube

 

[ovrszd]

Luckily, my land produces rocks, so I don't hafta buy em.

Mother Nature does a fine job of splitting rocks.

 

[CobyRupert]

This is the rock. Bigger than my original estimate.
5 gal bucket included in picture for scale.

 

[ovrszd]

What are you going to do with it once split?

It's sellable whole. Not so much split.

 

[aczlan]

What are you going to do with it once split?

It's sellable whole. Not so much split.

I agree, put it on Craigslist for $50 "buyer moves" and someone will buy it.

Aaron Z

 

[ovrszd]

I agree, put it on Craigslist for $50 "buyer moves" and someone will buy it.

Aaron Z

Yep. Depending on how urban he is it will bring more. Acreage dwellers will give $500 if it strikes their fancy.

 

[CobyRupert]

Dexpan works, i drilled 1 inch holes in ledge rock 8 to 12 inches apart 20 inches deep. Over a 3ft area. Next day all cracked, 2 days later cracked even more. 3rd day i pulled it all apart by hand.
It really works. No mess minimal labor.

What did you drill with?

 

[CobyRupert]

Think outside the box (of rocks). Check with area landscapers and see if anybody wants to buy it. McMansion Folk with too much money like that sort of thing 'decorating' their front yard.

You may be on to something.
If it’s free, it has no value. So, how much you think I should ask?
$800 or you load.
(What is minimum to get an excavator to show up for one lift?)

 

[4570Man]

I agree, put it on Craigslist for $50 "buyer moves" and someone will buy it.

Aaron Z

That’s a multi thousand dollar moving job which sets it past a stupid whim purchase for most people but hey there’s a sucker born every minute.

 

[Diggin It]

That’s a multi thousand dollar moving job which sets it past a stupid whim purchase for most people but hey there’s a sucker born every minute.

Oh c'mon, he's got the dog there to help us load it in my 4' x 8' HF trailer.

 

[ovrszd]

Well,,,,, Google says a cubic foot of granite weighs 170lbs.

By the picture, I'm gonna say it weighs 6,000 lbs. I think I'm high.

So, doesn't take much of a trailer to haul it. Just gotta get it on the trailer.

Sure wish someone would come to me willing to pay me thousands of dollars to move that rock!!!!! I'd be all over it.

 

[4570Man]

Here’s 7500 pounds of concrete. I think you’re off by at least double on the weight.

 

[CADplans]

I bought a set of these ($20) just to try them,, WOW!!, they truly are amazing,,,

7PCS 9/16'' Plug Wedge and Feather Shims Concrete Rock Stone Splitter Hand Tool 711221674764 | eBay

The wedges can split rocks with amazing ease,,, The holes only need to be deep enough to get the wedge in,,, 9/16" diameter holes,, IIRC,,,

Drill the row of holes, insert the feathers and wedges,,,
tap each wedge in sequence,, repeat the hitting,, repeat the hitting.
You do not even need to strike the wedge very hard,,,

Success!! :thumbsup: