I've got a bunch of concrete slabs and some large rocks in my new garden that I need to get rid of, but I'm not looking to invest in a drill just yet. I'm wondering if anyone has tips on how to effectively break them up so I can dispose of them. If a drill would really make things easier, I might consider spending a few hundred dollars, but I'd prefer a cheaper solution if possible!
3 Answers
Don't forget to protect your eyes before swinging that hammer! If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try heating the rocks. Just put them on some logs and build a fire underneath. When they heat up, dousing them with cold water can cause them to crack. But be cautious, though—this can get a bit dangerous if the rock is porous and holds water!
If you're looking for the cheapest way, a star drill and a small sledgehammer can work, but it’ll take forever and leave you sore afterwards. If you're open to renting, see if a tool rental place near you has a hammer drill. They should have options that won't break the bank! Just be ready to haul away the debris afterward; that's always the challenging part!
I actually found a disposal place near me that takes broken concrete for free. You might want to check if there's something like that where you live—it could save you a lot of hassle!
A sledgehammer is a solid option for breaking concrete, but if it's big rocks or thick slabs, you might want to rent a jackhammer instead. Trust me, it can save you a ton of time and effort—especially if you're dealing with a lot of heavy material. I had to break up an old slab once, and my dad tried the sledgehammer first. It took ages until he finally rented a jackhammer, and it was done in a day!
Yeah, I had a similar experience! I thought I could handle it with a sledgehammer, but ended up renting a jackhammer after a week of busting my back. Best decision ever!
I did something similar with smaller river stones when I was a kid. They popped like popcorn when heated! But yeah, definitely watch out for waterlogged rocks.