Wedge and feathers

0009.43

The four-sided wedge and pair of flat feathers with curved ends are used to break rocks apart by slipping the feathers and wedge into a drilled hole that is smaller than the combined size of both. The flat edge of the wedge must be parallel along the line of the break. The wedge slips between the feathers without getting stuck in the hole. The rock breaks apart by tapping the wedges set along the line where the break should occur.

c.a. 1900

W-0.5 L-3.5 inches

Tap, tap, tap goes the hammers as they strike each of the wedges until a sharp cracking sound is heard and the granite rocks splits apart.

Wedges
Quarrying