Rocks are durable and can be an issue in a garden or a landscaping project.The problem is usually caused by the rock being too heavy to lift or roll out of the way.You can decrease the load by breaking a rock.
Step 1: If possible, put the rock on a flat surface.
If you can move the rock so that it's in on a flat surface where it has little chance of moving once you hit it a few times, try and do it.As a point of safety, you should always try and prevent stray pieces of large rock from rolling out of your control, such as down a hill where it may pose a danger to others.To make sure there are no cracks in the shaft or head, you should examine your sledgehammer.There is a chance the head may detach if there is.
Step 2: To hit the rock, pick a point.
Applying repeated pressure to a specific point of the rock's surface is the key to breaking it with a sledgehammer.You can hit multiple times in a row if you pick a spot that is close.It doesn't matter if the spot you choose is flat or rounded, as long as you are sure you can hit it several times with little difficulty.
Step 3: The sledgehammer should be held correctly.
Pop culture often tells us how to hold a sledgehammer.Make sure to hold the end of the sledgehammer shaft with your non-dominant hand and not your dominant hand.The technique ensures maximum safety.The rest of your body provides the power of the swing, and your dominant hand will control the accuracy.
Step 4: To hit the rock, swing the sledgehammer 180 degrees.
Swing the sledgehammer above your head and down onto the rock using your arms and legs to do most of the lifting.Hit the same spot again and again.A fault line will appear on the rock.You are close to breaking it in two if it does.To make sure you're confident with the sledgehammer, take a few practice swings with little force.There is no set amount of times you need to hit it.
Step 5: There is a rock inside a bag.
If the rock is small enough to fit inside a large canvas bag or even a pillowcase, place it in slowly and tie it closed.
Step 6: The rock should be put in the case on the ground.
You want to make sure that the bag doesn't move or damage the surface underneath it, because you will be applying strong pressure to the rocks.It is unlikely that a hammer will damage a garden lawn, gravel or most ground outside.
Step 7: The rock should be knocked gently with the hammer.
If you want to see the rock, you have to get a feel for where it is.The swinging motion on the rock will give you an idea of what you're going to do.
Step 8: You can break the rocks with a hammer.
The hammer will eventually crack if you bring it down harder.If it doesn't fall apart immediately, it's more important that you hit the same spot repeatedly.If you decide not to use a heavy case or pillowcase, make sure you are using a specialized rock hammer which is specifically made for this job.
Step 9: The tray has a broken rock on it.
When the rock is broken to a point where you are satisfied, remove the open end of the bag and pour the fragments into a tray.Before you open the bag, take a deep breath.Dust can pour out if you tip the case downwards.If you want to reuse the bag, wash it thoroughly with hot water.
Step 10: The boulder has dirt around it.
It's important that you have a good idea of how big or small the boulder is.The general shape and size of the boulder is exposed by digging away all the dirt with a shovel.
Step 11: Remove dust by drilling several 2 inch (1.3 cm) diameter holes into the rock.
While wearing goggles, drill a series of holes in the rock.Use a bulb-type syringe to remove the dust from the small holes.
Step 12: Put the chisel and feathers in the holes.
Two feathers on either side of the chisel will help insert it.To make sure the chisel is firmly in the rock, use a small hammer to lightly tap on it.
Step 13: The chisels can be used to break the rock.
Depending on the size of the rock, use a hammer or sledgehammer to hammer the chisels into their respective holes, alternating between them on each swing.A large crack should appear after a while.
Step 14: You can open the rock with a crowbar.
Using a long crowbar, jam the slanted edge into one of the fissures and pry the rock apart to speed up the process.The rock can't be pried apart on the first attempt.If you need to increase the fracturing of the rock then try chiseling it open again.