Re: make - forge? - wedge for feathers-and-wedge rock-split

On 07/04/2024 10:29, Richard Smith wrote:

I'll look into this.
"In the moment" response - this is using small charges about the size of
an "AAA" battery?

No, those are "snappers". Cavers did and apparently do use them sometimes in the UK, but they are very coy about talking about them, possibly because their legal status is questionable. I don't know anywhere or even if you can buy them.
Capping or Hilti capping uses Hilti nail gun gun cartridges, which you can get on ebay, from Hilti, in hardware stores and elsewhere, without paperwork.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225952485669 at £15 for 100, they are about £60 per thousand if you buy lots of them.
You want the red or better the black ones, but the black ones can be more expensive and harder to get.
Some somewhat dangerous examples of use (cavers are nuts anyway):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuPozHyKEKg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjgWA8v52Go
It is possible to use them in a safer manner!!!
8mm drill :)

Cavers use...

Can visualise that - crawling along in a tiny space, having to carry
any kit in such journey, and no space to swing a sledgehammer if you
come to an obstruction...

Just "crawling along in a tiny space" is bad enough ...
Peter Fairbrother