Manly Sledge

[Bull]

I have a couple of sledgehammers, but I don't think they are manly enough. They have sort of small heads, and are not particularly heavy.

I need to bust apart two sets of very old, very thick concrete stairs. I believe it is time to buy a Manly Sledge.

What is the largest sledge that can be purchased? I am looking to stay with a US-made product, too.

 

[Hiball]

I have a couple of sledgehammers, but I don't think they are manly enough. They have sort of small heads, and are not particularly heavy.

I need to bust apart two sets of very old, very thick concrete stairs. I believe it is time to buy a Manly Sledge.

What is the largest sledge that can be purchased? I am looking to stay with a US-made product, too.

Rent a jack hammer

 

[Bull]

Rent a jack hammer

Oh no, not me.

I like to do manual labor...digging holes, swinging a sledge, using a scythe. I used my dinky sledges to bust apart an entire garage floor last summer. I think someone here helped me calculate the amount at like 10 tons or something.

 

[boiler7904]

I broke out my patio by hand 2 summers ago. I want to say I used an 8 or 10 lb sledge and a 3 pound engineer's hammer for the edge by the patio door - wife hand visions of things getting out of control and the big hammer going through the door. I was feeling it in my shoulders and back for a few days. Hiball has the right idea with renting a jackhammer - one of the electric Bosch Brutes should be more than enough.

 

[Bull]

Oh, baby. I just found this site:

http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCategories.asp?pg=displaycategories&category=1.

All the way up to 20lbs.

Let's talk physics. Will a larger sledge that you swing more slowly do as much, more, or less damage per strike as a smaller one that you can swing more quickly?

 

[Bull]

I am going to stand firm on this Luddite stance of mine...no power other than MANpower

 

[HankMurphy]

20 pounds. Harry Epstein has them, $38.65.

 

[bmxr4life87]

I prefer the damage that will occur with a slightly smaller hammer with a little more inertia! But I also swing an 18" 4lb sledge one handed all day so its no biggie

 

[brockstar]

Are you going to use this on the monster under the stairs, Dave?

Nice to see you doing it the way old school man would..

I didnt find a sledge over 20 lbs. That's a real mother to swing..Wouldn't you want a lighter sledge to get some more speed to the head? Of course, I slept through physics, so I could be full of it..

 

[ksfarmboy]

Of course, I slept through physics, so I could be full of it..

Me too, but I have heard several people say that for splitting wood, a lighter axe is actually better than a heavy one, so I would assume the same applies here. I like manual labor as well, but the thoughts of swinging a 20 lb sledge all day doesn't sound like fun to me.

 

[crewchief888]

i used to use a 20lb sledge knocking out track pins.
that got old really fast. i dropped down to a 16lb, and was a little happier, i could get more swings in before i got tired. if i was gonna bust out concrete, i wouldnt go heavier than 12-14lb, because of the amount of swings it's gonna take.
i'd rent an electric jackhammer anyway, you'll still get a workout !

 

[Ross]

How thick is the concrete that you are going to be breaking apart? I tried using a 16 pound sledge on about 10-12 inches of concrete and it was going nowhere. I ended up using a jackhammer... which has its own physical demands... give one a try it is quite a workout.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I poersonally would use a 16 lb or lighter. 20lbs will get very heavy very fast.

That said I'd probably get both just because.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

Let's talk physics. Will a larger sledge that you swing more slowly do as much, more, or less damage per strike as a smaller one that you can swing more quickly?

I read a discussion at length on another forum debating heavy vs light wood mauls, and honestly in the end it almost seemed like a classic Snap On vs Mac debate. Both approaches work well for the individuals who use them. However, in order to maximize your efficiency you MUST swing a light one fast and you MUST let the heavy one fall almost by itself. Where you run into trouble is when you try to swing the heavy one fast; that tires you out very quickly. The whole point of it being heavy is to allow the maul/hammer to do the work for you, so that you can in fact use it all day with about the same effort on your part as using a light one. I prefer heavy wood mauls for big stuff and light ones for small stuff.

Again, I am summarizing several pages worth of debate, but the real difference seems to be personal preference and you obviously have your heart set on a great big one, so buy it by all means.

 

[vssjim]

Oh, baby. I just found this site:

http://www.counciltool.com/DisplayCategories.asp?pg=displaycategories&category=1.

All the way up to 20lbs.

Let's talk physics. Will a larger sledge that you swing more slowly do as much, more, or less damage per strike as a smaller one that you can swing more quickly?

After reading about this family owened company the one thing I would do is send them my money.

 

[dirttracker18]

I've always been told "Don't hit it harder, get a bigger hammer." My thought on this is that you can swing a smaller hammer faster but the bigger hammer caries more inertia even at a slower speed. However, I am no engineer. Buy both (your BFH can never be big enough) and let us know the results of your less then scientific test results. Would be interesting to hear.

 

[Bull]

Are you going to use this on the monster under the stairs, Dave?
Nice to see you doing it the way old school man would..

That beast under the stairs must be cut, not broken. It's not cast iron, so a sledge wont help me.

How thick is the concrete that you are going to be breaking apart? I tried using a 16 pound sledge on about 10-12 inches of concrete and it was going nowhere. I ended up using a jackhammer... which has its own physical demands... give one a try it is quite a workout.

I'm not sure just how thick the concrete is. There are two sets of monolithic-looking stairs. Maybe I can get a photo.

I poersonally would use a 16 lb or lighter. 20lbs will get very heavy very fast.

That said I'd probably get both just because.

I already have two sledges, both of the smaller/medium variety. I think I will grab a big-boy so I have some options...can't have too many tool options!

After reading about this family owened company the one thing I would do is send them my money.

I agree. You must have seen their "About Us" section? Good stuff...we should all buy from them!

http://www.counciltool.com/index.asp?pg=aboutus


Oh, I did check out the offerings from Harry Epstein. I love the price, but they are from Mexico.

 

[brockstar]

Thanks, Bull for the link - I'm finding there are lots of American made options once you do some digging. Looks like a quality place.

Since you have lighter sledges, go get the bad boy and go to town. After breaking up the old barn slab, you're a pro!

 

[64merc]

I would just start swinging away with the hammers you already have, and see how it goes. If they don't make a dent, then maybe try a larger hammer.

BTW, thanks for asking the question. I've often wondered the same thing.

 

[olds70supreme]

"Let's talk physics. Will a larger sledge that you swing more slowly do as much, more, or less damage per strike as a smaller one that you can swing more quickly? "

Kinetic Energy Equation (simplified)
E = 1/2 * m * v^2

m = mass
v = velocity
E = energy

You can see that increasing the velocity will have a much greater effect on the energy than increasing the mass by an identical amount. On the other hand there are practical limits as to how much faster you can swing after decreasing the mass by a given amount, so I would just use the largest hammer that didn't wear me out so much that I would be able to pick it up and start again the next day.

 

[Rory Bellows]

Bull,
Today is Thursday check your local paper for estate sales in your area. I bet you can get one for $5-$10 at any one of them. My bet would be they will be American made and cheap. Why buy new? You have seen the prices, right? Seems pretty costly for a sledge then you have to add shipping which will propably be oversize. I have a old American made Warren-Teed 16 or 20lb (never weighed or even used it yet) I got at an auction for $5 in pristine shape.

 

[pedro1990]

IMO, i think the lighter tool/higher velocity really only applies to splitting wood where as you want to swing thru the object. when you are busting concrete, your trying to hit hard and impact alot of force on the concrete. in a case where the object doesnt "give", the amount the tool bounces back depends on the weight of said tool. the best weight for a sledge in this case would be 12-16lbs which is a good mix of size and swingability.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Depending on how many "Ratchets" you have to swap!
Picture #1 65 lb. rotary drill w/carbide detachable bits-drill holes until the cows come home!
Picture #2 90lb. breaker-better than Jenny Craig for weight reduction!
Picture #3 Right up your alley-20+ lb. dead blow-solid lead-Chriopractioner approved for back problems-Guaranteed!!!
Might be a little pricey on the shipping!!

 

[Bull]

Those tools look pretty heavy-duty, Dan. isn't lead too soft for a sledge, though? How's that work?

As for the estate sale idea, it isn't a bad one. The new sledges are pretty expensive.

 

[nolatoolguy]

Well to be honest theres a point when a sledge hammer gets so big its actually better to use a smaller one

Now if it was a rescue situation and time was essence i would say get one at least 15lbs

However, for that i would get just a basicl ten pound sledge

Also if you take a concrete chisel hold it and use a smal sledge just a few times to create a crack it will go much faster.


Now jackhammers are great but they will create more dust but if you can get a jackhammer

 

[Mike662]

After reading about this family owened company the one thing I would do is send them my money.

Council tools are used frequently by firefighters. They make some good stuff!

 

[toolmiser]

I have a 20 lb sledge that I picked up at a garage sale just for fun. I replaced the handle, and painted it and stored it for a few years waiting for my fun. I knew some day someone would want to borrow a sledge. Well we got a new neighbor and he came over and talked to my wife (who knew about "Big Bertha"). His eyes got very big when he was given her. I let him tote it home and then went to rescue him with a smaller one. Happened a couple years later with another neighbor-Bertha made him studder.

 

[boro_boy70]

Hey Bull, if you want a real mans sledge, try this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Huge-blacksmith...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item23062d5e1b

A couple of whacks with that thing, should destroy just about anything.

 

[Bull]

Hey Bull, if you want a real mans sledge, try this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Huge-blacksmith...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item23062d5e1b

A couple of whacks with that thing, should destroy just about anything.

Son-of-a-gun...you think that thing is actually usable? Even if it started out as a display I mean....

 

[speed bump]

Bull what size are you and what kind of shape are you in? Personally I really like a 12lb hammer, I can swing it all day long and its fast. A 16lb hammer is a lot for most people to keep going very long (even big boys) and I rarely see 20lb sledge anywhere other than stuck in a little corner off to the side.

If you really really want a big one I can hook you up with a damn good blacksmith though.

 

[alamerang]

What about this bad boy on Ebay? Just buy a handle at the hardware store and you're set.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Plumb-S...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item563affa30f

I'd think that the pointed end would concentrate the force and crack the concrete making it easier to break up the slab.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Bull, did you ever attack the steps?

Based on this thread I ordered a 16-pound sledge from Harry Epstein for $33.

The delivery came from UPS and there was a hole in the cardboard box and no sledge (or anything else) inside. I refused delivery (duh), and the guys at Harry Epstein were great about promptly sending out another hammer.

The replacement got here today, and it is... awesome.

Truth is, I don't have anything to use it on, right now. And for most jobs my normal-size sledge will still be plenty.

But a 16-pound hammer is a fun thing to swing (a couple of times -- then my skinny arms start getting tired).

 

[Tim Cowan]

Sounds like if "John Henry, the Steel Driving Man" had lived a little later, he could have had the joy of buying his super hammer from on line or from CL-EBAY.

 

[rwhite692]

Y'all have nothin' on the Pierson family up in Eureka.

 

[bimmer1980]

whew.... I think I have a 12 or 16 lb sledge and it wears me out.... It worked good for pounding in stakes and misc... I would not want to swing a 20 pounder....

At a minimum, if you must stick with hand tools, use a mason chisel and a smaller sledge to score a line. If the concrete does not have a weak spot, it will take you awhile to make it crack.....

If I had to do, I would grab my Stihl concrete saw, make some cuts and then hit it with the sledge hammer to crack it the rest of the way thru. THe saw will only cut about 3.5 inches deep.

I'd rather work smarter than harder, but to each his own.....

hee hee, I guess we're going to see a thread about Bull's sore muscles after this is done!! lol

best of luck!

 

[D9H 90V]

Collins Axe made in USA , you can get a 2lb up to a 25lb head , fiberglass or hickory handle, they are hard to tear up , and they are plenty manly, I love my 20 pounder. you can get em just about anywhere

 

[jvitez]

Oh no, not me.

I like to do manual labor...digging holes, swinging a sledge, using a scythe. I used my dinky sledges to bust apart an entire garage floor last summer. I think someone here helped me calculate the amount at like 10 tons or something.

I'm jealous. Every time I try and do real manly work my body says "Stick with using your brain, boy."

1. I painted houses in university. I got stuck on a roof after the ladder fell and no one was around. After 1/2 hr of sitting on the roof with no one coming by, I jumped off. Six months later I herniated a lumbar disc. It gave me pain for 10 years, literally. Only now in middle age is arthritis fusing my L5/S1 segment and my back is quite good overall.

2. I installed 400 sq ft of hardwood flooring in the old house, using ~2000 hardwood staples swinging the air stapler mallet and also tapping the boards into place. It gave me tennis elbow and a cervical disc inflammation.

3. Last fall I built a big play structure for the kids, installed 24 bags of insulation, and rewired a whole bunch of receptacles and octagon boxes. As a parting gift I got De Quervains tenosynovitis in my thumb. I'm still not over it.

It seems my body is telling me to work more and hire people to do things. I could spend more time living vicariously through GJ then. But what's the fun about that?

 

[KEH]

I have a 12 pound sledge and that's enough to swing. You do need some weight for what you are wanting to do. The 12 with lots of breaks for rest should do the job.

Re splitting wood, they are not correct about a lighter ax being better. I was raised in a house with wood heat and grew up splitting wood, also cutting down trees with an ax. For just splitting wood a 8 pound splitting maul is best. For serious splitting the maul; does better that an ax because the maul blade is tapered more abruptly and will push the wood apart without getting stuck(usually) The thinner ax is more likely to get stuck.

KEH

 

[The Big Bopper]

Hello! I dumped a big bucket of Sledge Hammer Heads in my Electrolysis Tank yesterday and this morning cleaning up I found one with a strange mark it looks like a Teepee with a "V" under that and a upside "T" supporting the whole thing. Any guesses?

 

[Hammell]

I have a 16lb hammer for driving pins on heavy equipment, its a lot of hammer if your swinging for hours.

As for concrete, a cut off saw with a concrete blade works great, cut a grid pattern in the concrete a deep as you can go, 3.5 4 inches, then send the hammer in. If the concrete is thicker a bobcat or hoe with a breaker is the way to go.