Best way to break up large lumps of concrete

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Hi

The end of our garden is a bit of a no go area. This includes some large lumps of concrete relating to previous fence repairs. (Where posts had been removed and panels replaced)

I've tried to break them up with a pick, but obviously not strong enough. Short of hiring a pneumatic drill, is there a simple way to break them up into small pieces to remove?

Thank you.
 
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No.
Can you not move them to the pavement for collection in their current size? Or are there insufficient number to warrant someone collecting them?
 
You can buy a big, heavy, cheap SDS+ drill and switch it to breaker mode.

The cheap ones are more suitable as they are usually heavier. As you will be working downwards the weight is not a problem. Wear goggles, gloves and mask.

The cheap ones may not be very durable, but you can use the guarantee and take it back if it goes wrong before your need is finished

Some come with a starter set of cheap steels (chisels). Again, they are likely to last long enough for your job.

If it's still in working order after you've finished, that's a bonus.

"Knife through butter"

Screwfix, Aldi and Lidl sometimes have them.

Example:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-tt...us-drill-9-piece-accessory-kit-230-240v/97533

You can buy better for more money.
 
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Recommend John's ideas above, however a top tip is to buy a long 12mm SDS drill bit, and drill through the concrete first in a couple of places, makes them much more likely to break in to few large pieces, rather than lots of little bits.

My titan Titan SDS is still going strong after 5 years
 
I don't recall the price, but I bought a long one in (about) 18mm as it makes a hole you can poke a copper water pipe through. Or maybe 20mm for electrical conduit.
 
Fair, I said 12mm, but any decent size would have the same effect. Advantage of smaller is that it's likely to be a bit quicker
 
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Hi All

Thanks for swift and helpful replies. Please find photos of said concrete. The problem is two fold. Firstly, the size and weight. Also rocks have embedded themselves in soil at back of garden. Don’t know what drill and sds combo is. Can someone explain that please. (Link doesn’t work due to COVID crisis)

I was going to naively still as many holes as I could, then whack with hammer and chisel.

Thanks
 
Your plan will work. An SDS drill is basically a big, powerful drill that uses different drill bits to the round style (that you tighten with a chuck). Most models also have a rotostop feature, which utilizes the hammer function without turning the bit, allowing the use of chisels.

They basically allow you to drill into things that most "normal" drills wouldn't be able to manage, and then break them up with a chisel. Search titan sds on the Screwfix website, and you should be able to find them.
 
No scale in your photo.

SDS+ is a system, used for heavy masonry drills, where the bit is gripped in a "chuck" by fitting a groove or slot, so can withstand greater loads, and it smashes its way through. Ordinary drills have a round shank that is gripped in three or four segments.

The big heavy drill I showed is "Titan" brand, priced, including drills and steels, at around £60

It is very much a budget machine but should last for long enough.

Due to its weight it would be awkward for minor DIY jobs such as drilling for a picture-hook or curtain rail (but may be suitable if there is a reinforced concrete lintel that you need to penetrate)

you may be able to find it on the Screwfix site if you search with stock number (97533) or name

Titan TTB278SDS 6.3kg Electric SDS Plus Drill & 9 Piece Accessory Kit 230-240V (97533)

ae235


ae235


ae235
 
Thanks again. Yep, seen the various Screwfix’s models. Got the gist now. Will try my cheap and cheerful method first, then purchase kit if necessary. Seems a shame to have to cough up for specialist kit for one off job like this though.

Will let you know how I get on

Cheers
 
No scale in your photo.

SDS+ is a system, used for heavy masonry drills, where the bit is gripped in a "chuck" by fitting a groove or slot, so can withstand greater loads, and it smashes its way through. Ordinary drills have a round shank that is gripped in three or four segments.

The big heavy drill I showed is "Titan" brand, priced, including drills and steels, at around £60

It is very much a budget machine but should last for long enough.

Due to its weight it would be awkward for minor DIY jobs such as drilling for a picture-hook or curtain rail (but may be suitable if there is a reinforced concrete lintel that you need to penetrate)

you may be able to find it on the Screwfix site if you search with stock number (97533) or name

Titan TTB278SDS 6.3kg Electric SDS Plus Drill & 9 Piece Accessory Kit 230-240V (97533)

ae235


ae235


ae235

I can with confidence say that you can’t go far wrong with the Titan sds breaker from Screwfix.

Been using it now for well over a year and for the money I doubt you will get a better breaker.

two thumbs up (y)(y)
 
Thank you again. Just waiting for it to get a bit cooler before I start with my drill, hammer and chisel.
 
You might find just wacking them hard with a sledge hammer or lump hammer will cause them to break into manageable lumps.
 

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