How to Use Crack Hammers
Tools of the trade for any geologist or mineral collector, crack hammers are often referred to simply as "sledge hammers" or "hand sledges." A crack hammer has a long, cylindrical handle with a rounded tip that's flat on both ends. Crack hammers come in a variety of sizes. Smaller crack hammers work best when freeing small specimens from the surrounding rock while a heavier crack hammer is necessary for larger specimens. If you plan to collect geologic specimens that are even partially buried in rock, bringing along the right crack hammer and knowing how to use it is a must. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Put on your protective goggles. Stone or mineral shards can become airborne while you work. Protective eyewear prevents the shards from damaging your eyesight.
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Place the tapered end of the stone chisel against the stone you wish to cut. If you're removing a mineral deposit, wedge the chisel along the side and slightly underneath the deposit. Your chisel should stick out from the rock at an angle.
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Tap the blunt end of the chisel lightly with the crack hammer. Remove the chisel and inspect the stone or mineral deposit. If the stone shows damage or the mineral deposit is loose, replace the chisel and continue tapping lightly with the crack hammer until the stone breaks or the mineral dislodges from the surrounding rock.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't get a crack hammer mixed up with a rock hammer. A rock hammer is tapered on one end and used for digging and breaking apart small rocks.
You can tap slightly harder on the chisel with the crack hammer if you simply intend to break a stone rather than take a specimen.
Never use more force than you need to, and always tap the chisel with the crack hammer slowly. If you tap rapidly and forcefully, you are more likely to slip and injure yourself.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hammer image by Tobias Huber from Fotolia.com
