FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Demolition Hammers for Clay

user-4907894 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on August 22, 2002 03:10am

The area I live in has such hard clay soil that is it almost imprenetrable, even with a pick-end maddox. Would a spade attachment on a demolition hammer help dig large holes for planting.

Would the mid-large size, such as the Makita 1500HB work?

Thanks

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. 4Lorn1 | Aug 22, 2002 06:27am | #1

    Florida. In places we have hard pan, a clay sand mix, that is so tough that a full, overhead, swing by a health 300 lbs man full of beans and armed with a good pick will leave a hole that can be filled with a tablespoon. Most of the material removed hits you right in the mouth.

    To dig 500' of footers in this stuff we ended up using an electric jack hammer, the spot was under a 6 story building and inaccessible to heavier equipment, with a clay spade bit that was designed for the job. The tool came in at a good 50 lbs. Set tool, hammer down to depth, pull handles to you to break the piece off, lift hammer and place in new position. Wash rinse repeat. It was a tough and noisy job and the jackhammering had to be rotated through the crew to allow the backs to recover a bit.

  2. PhillGiles | Aug 22, 2002 07:01am | #2

    In the mid-60s I often drove the delivery truck for the rental department where my father worked; and every day we dropped off a couple of 150CFM Gardiner-Denver compressors, a couple of full-size breakers (well over 100#), and dozens of pick and 8" spade bits; all to dig holes in Toronto's clay. Don't see that much anymore for planting trees, they now have these trucks with a large clam-shell digging attachment on the back which makes a perfect divot for a tree with one swipe, about $50/hole. Worth the money ? After a couple of hours of digging by hand, it can sure sound like it. Sometimes in a backyard I see them swiss-cheesing a hole with a 2-man 12" auger and then cleaning it out by hand.

    .

    Phill Giles

    The Unionville Woodwright

    Unionville, Ontario



    Edited 8/22/2002 12:08:36 AM ET by Phill Giles

  3. JohnSprung | Aug 22, 2002 09:37pm | #3

    We're on adobe here, and that approach is used quite a bit.  I bought a Bosch 11236 to dig a small footing in my crawl space.  (It was the biggest one that would fit.) 

    If you'd rather spend time than money, another way to go is to soak the area with water for a few days.  Put a ring of dirt around it that you can fill maybe 6" deep, and fill it twice a day until the stuff becomes digable.  Let it dry just enough to not be a muddy mess, then dig it out.  If you encounter still more hard stuff farther down, stop digging and go back to soaking.

    -- J.S.

    1. pm22 | Aug 23, 2002 03:57am | #4

      In our area, we have hardpan mixed with cobblestones.[San Diego] I think it's called "schiess".

      The soaking idea sounds good but I don't think it would dissolve the cobblestones. However, this suggests maybe using a pressure washer to cut away the hardpan. Another alternative is the .50 caliber machine gun.

      Why would a tree want to live in that stuff?

      -Peter

      1. ANDYSZ2 | Aug 30, 2002 02:47pm | #5

         I live in Memphis where the red clay in the summer is like brick add gravel to the mix and  you can't even get a two man auger to dig. For postholes the best method is a tractor with auger that can hydraulically push down. To do it by hand I have used a hammer drill to start breaking the ground up I use a long auger bit also a steel tamper bar to break the clay loose after drilling.

                                                                 GOOD LUCK

                                                                  ANDY SZ2

      2. JohnSprung | Aug 30, 2002 10:05pm | #6

        > this suggests maybe using a pressure washer to cut away the hardpan.

        Couple this with a shop vac on steroids, and you have one of those new vacuum excavating systems.  I tried to rent one for my footing job, but they haven't made their way out West yet.

        -- J.S.

        1. Catskinner | Sep 07, 2002 04:05pm | #7

          John, I'm glad you mentioned it first. <G>

          A friend of mine discovered he needed to dig a hole less than a foot in diameter, pretty deep, and no way to get to it with equipment.

          We took two Rigid shop vacs, an SDS chisel bit, and a 5 foot section of 3/4 black pipe.

          Cut the SDS bit in half with a grinder, slip the pieces into either end of the black pipe, welded them securely (root pass 6010, topped with 7018; instant 6' chisel for a demolition hammer. One guy on the SDS hammer, one guy on the shop vac, and one guy emptying dirt, I was amazed at how fast we could dig.

          Murphy's 4th Law of Combat Operations: If it's a stupid idea but it works, it ain't stupid.

          DRC

  4. Catskinner | Sep 07, 2002 04:16pm | #8

    We have that same clay that makes a strong man tired.

    That Makita 1500 (40 lb.) hammer with a clay spade works just fine.

    It's still not easy work, but a whole lot better than picking at it by hand.

    DRC

  5. ahneedhelp | Sep 25, 2002 05:28am | #9

    Rent a Bosch electric jackhammer and marry a physical therapist.

    1. ANDYSZ2 | Sep 25, 2002 05:44am | #10

      Funny you should say this as I thought about what talents I wanted in my second wife and the first thing that came to mind was the ability to give me a good massage so I ended up marrying a physical therapist.Turned out to be one of my best ideas yet.

                                                    ANDYSZ2

      1. Piffin | Sep 25, 2002 06:08am | #11

        So what does your wife think about your other relationship with the Bosch Brute?

        Excellence is its own reward!

        1. ANDYSZ2 | Sep 25, 2002 06:16am | #12

          She and the rest of the family think I'm  a machine anyway. But she deals with my  tool buying fetish pretty well .

                                                         ANDYSZ2

      2. ahneedhelp | Sep 25, 2002 03:14pm | #13

        My wife, the physical therapist with a masters degree from UCLA.....gets more massages from me then the other way around.

        I need to correct that situation pronto !

        Alan

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data