Hammer drill sandstone????

Greg1959 · Nov 9, 2016

Problem: I have a large hunk of sandstone bulging up in the middle of
my trail to my back section. I can drive my tractor over it because the
stone rises up to hit my differential.

Will a 1/2 inch hammer drill with 3/4 inch bit drill holes into the
sandstone so I can use a 16 pond sledge to bust off the hump???

Or is there an easier solution?

Thanks

Patsdeere · Nov 9, 2016

My mind quickly goes to drilling hole and packing it full of black powdery stuff. Then no more rock....

charlie n · Nov 9, 2016

Unless you plan on using a cordless drill,why not rent a electric jack hammer.

Oh ya, what's a 16 pond sledge?

Hoenes · Nov 9, 2016

My son and I have had to get rid of some concrete steps lately. We have found the best way to split concrete, is with a "bull pin." It's an iron working tool that lines up holes in structural steel. About a foot long, and tapers from 1 and a half inches to about a half inch. Drill a series of hammer drill holes, then drive the bull pin into any of the holes.You can split anything. You can buy one at a Nu-Way or similar supply store.

Janicholson · Nov 9, 2016

Sand stone is layered and soft. If the hump is layered so the layers are fairly flat, drilling at a flat angle into the stone for 4 inches to 5 inches in 4 places parallel to one another and 5 inches apart will be fine. You can wedge the chunk off in one piece with near zero work with stone wedges (google them) they are cheap and marvelous. Put them in each hole and tap the wedges in sequence to split off the rock top. From a guy that split limestone in Bloomington Ind. and granite in Ft. Collins CO. and Granite City (St. Cloud MN) Jim

Greg1959 · Nov 9, 2016

I apologize for my proofreading skills. Here is a correct version of my post

roblem: I have a large hunk of sandstone bulging up in the middle of my trail to my back section. I can't drive my tractor over it because the stone rises up to hit my differential.
Will a 1/2 inch hammer drill, with 3/4 inch bit, drill holes into the sandstone so I can use a 16 pound sledge to bust off the hump???

Or is there an easier solution?

Thanks

IaGary · Nov 9, 2016

Easier solution---

Move the trail around it.

TimV · Nov 9, 2016

Assuming you're planning on using a standard 3/4" carbide-tipped masonry bit, I think you'll find that even in sandstone it will be slow slogging and hard on your drill. I'd sooner rent a larger drill and go that route. While I have no experience with it, I have seen Dexpan used to crack rock--link below is one source for it, and there's plenty of Youtube videos on its use.
dexpan

Greg1959 · Nov 9, 2016

IaGaryYup, I wish. For me to get to the back ~150 acres I have to travel a narrow section that is not going to allow me to go around the rock.

I wish I could!

For information purposes....picture my property as an hour-glass shape and the 'pinch' in the middle is the narrow point. That is where the rock is.

2x4 · Nov 9, 2016

that's too easy

Greg1959 · Nov 9, 2016

charlie n- I considered the electric jack hammer but, the closest rental
place is about 1 hour away.

I my result to this solution.

Thanks

4play · Nov 9, 2016

A fun way to do it would be using tannerite and shoot it.

old · Nov 9, 2016

If it is true sand stone water and high pressure will remove it.

Patsdeere · Nov 9, 2016

It's not work if its fun is it?

northeastpuller1 · Nov 10, 2016

Build a fire on it or use charcoal and let it cook all day. At the end of the day, when all the hot dogs and beer are gone. Put your face shield and hard hat on. Throw a couple of 5 gallon buckets of water on it. Come back the next day with your pry bar and sledge hammer and have at it.

Mike M · Nov 10, 2016

If the stone is loose and moves with the tractor on it have you tried dragging it out of the way ? Or if you have a loader lift it up and move it ?

Mike M · Nov 10, 2016

Forgot to add: You could also dump some fill in over top of it leveling that area out ?

Determined · Nov 10, 2016

-A good air chisel
-Post pounder with a steel extension
-Spray paint a target on it and use it to set up your hunting tool for that 200 yard zero.
-Hire that kid every town has that locals claim could break an anvil.

Matt E. · Nov 10, 2016

I do a lot of environmental drilling, been at it for 18 years now. When ever we have drilled sandstone, it drills very easy compared to any other type of rock. When digging into it while excavating, it tends to crumble in irregular pieces. Remember, it is just compressed sand. There aren't regular planes for it to fracture along. At least that's how the sandstone around here acts.

Your plan to drill into it with a hammer drill should work just fine. Its just time to do it. Drill a series of holes in a certain area and hit with your sledge. See what it does. Go from there. If it doesn't work, then go get bigger tools. Your time is cheap, sounds like getting bigger tools would be more expensive. I usually go the cheap route first even if it takes me a little time to do it.

I have a huge limestone "decorative" rock in my front yard. I've tried to break the edges off with a sledge, not happening. Anyone want a free rock?

jacksun65 · Nov 11, 2016

just do what they used to do, drill holes and fill with water let it freeze. expansion splits rock

1948CaseVAI · Nov 11, 2016

Google dexpan

Dr. Walt · Nov 11, 2016

charlie n:

"Oh ya, what's a 16 pond sledge?"

Put the : You, Ewe, U - (pick the appropriate one) in the middle of the "pond". LOL

:>)

Hammer drill sandstone????

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