Insert and Drive Feather and Wedge Shims
0:00
0:18
16.8K views
At 0:00 in
Been a minute since we worked with natural stone, but just wait until you see it come together!
What happens here
The process begins by inserting feather and wedge shims (also known as plug and feathers) into pre-drilled holes along the desired split line of the large rock. Once the shims are placed, use a sledgehammer to gently and evenly tap each shim, driving them progressively deeper into the rock. This creates internal stress that will eventually cause the rock to split.
Goal: Initiate stress points within the rock for a controlled split.
Tools and materials
- Feather and Wedge Shims — Creating expansion force within the rock to induce a split
- Gloves — Protecting hands from impacts and sharp rock edges
- Safety Glasses — Protecting eyes from flying rock fragments
- Sledgehammer — Driving the feather and wedge shims into the rock