Miscellaneous Tips

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Drilling and splitting a large rock not free to move when split calls for additional care. If a hole is placed in the middle of the rock, one side may shift and jam, bend, or break the steel or the feathers and wedge. Similarly, splitting a rock that is supported only at the ends can shear tools if it breaks and slides suddenly. In instances like these, start holes from an open edge and work toward the middle. A hole drilled near the side of a large rock 18 to 24 inches from an edge will indicate how you should proceed.

Holes drilled in these lateral locations will be
less likely to jam steel or wedges and feathers
than one drilled in the middle.

Picking

Pick heads have a pointed tip for exposing and enlarging points of natural weakness in rocks. Many times soft and medium hard rock can be broken with a pick so that no drilling is required.

When using a pick, be careful to maintain control of the head at all times. Avoid raising the pick overhead while swinging. This wastes energy needed for sustained operation, sacrifices accurate placement of the tip, and creates a safety hazard for the operator and others. The narrow heavy pick head cannot be easily controlled or directed from these heights.

Avoid using the pick as a prying tool; use crowbars instead. If picking or prying a natural seam does not split the rock, use a drilling steel or a wedge and feathers in the hole. Always wear safety glasses or goggles when picking to guard against flying chips of rock.

Picks are effective tools for breaking rock.

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Using a pick.