As a point of safety you should always try and prevent stray pieces of large rock rolling out of your control, such as down a hill where it may pose a danger to others. Before you begin you should also examine your sledgehammer to make sure there are no cracks in the shaft or head. If there are, there’s a chance the head may detach, becoming a potential safety hazard. [1] X Research source
It doesn’t particularly matter whether the spot you choose is flat or rounded, as long as it’s a location that you are sure you can hit it several times with little difficulty. [2] X Research source
This technique ensures maximum safety and control in the swing. Your dominant hand will control the accuracy, your non dominant hand provides balance in the swing and the rest of your body provides the power of the swing.
Take a few practice swings with little force to make sure you’re confident with the weight of the sledgehammer. Be patient and persistent, there is no set amount of times you’ll need to hit it.
A garden lawn, gravel or most ground outside is ideal as it is unlikely to be damaged by a hammer.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t fall apart immediately, it’s more important that you consistently hit the same spot repeatedly. If you decide not to use a heavy case or a pillowcase, make sure you are using a specialised rock hammer which is specifically made for this job. [5] X Research source
Take a deep breath in before you open the bag. There’s a strong chance dust will pour out once you tip the case downwards which you want to avoid breathing in. [6] X Research source When finished, wash the bag out thoroughly with hot water if you intend to reuse it.
Then, use a bulb-type syringe to remove the excess dust within the small holes. [8] X Research source
After a while, a large crack should appear within the rock.
The rock may not pry apart on the first attempt. If you need to, try hammering in the chisels a little further to increase the fracturing of the rock then try prying it open again.
