Mike_H Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 The best sites in Southern Maine are those in the Presumscot formation which is comprised of mostly Pleistocene marine silty clays. Now, all I ever worked in is Missouri sandstone. But not sure of the best tools. I have a bricklayer's hammer (I like the chisel end better than the pick of the geologist's hammer) and cold chisels as well as a mason's chisel but I'm not sure of what else would work best. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Dactyll Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 Mike.... I suppose it depends how dry the clays are.... if they are saturated then take a spade of some description if you are allowed to dig, the army do a folding spade/pick which are always handy in your rucksack in these circumstances, but they are never as effective as a very sharp spade..... if the clays are dry and have natural 'faultlines' I tend to sometimes turn my bricklayers hammer round and use it as a chisel, hitting the head of the bricklayers hammer with a lump hammer driving the chisel end into the cracks to split the clay.... I know the head of a hammer is hardened and may splinter, but wearing eye protection anyway, it makes no odds... also if they are dry a spade can be a very good prybar, and give you that extra leverage when you need it.... Cheers Steve... And Welcome if your a New Member... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike_H Posted February 20, 2010 Author Share Posted February 20, 2010 Mike.... I suppose it depends how dry the clays are.... if they are saturated then take a spade of some description if you are allowed to dig, the army do a folding spade/pick which are always handy in your rucksack in these circumstances, but they are never as effective as a very sharp spade..... if the clays are dry and have natural 'faultlines' I tend to sometimes turn my bricklayers hammer round and use it as a chisel, hitting the head of the bricklayers hammer with a lump hammer driving the chisel end into the cracks to split the clay.... I know the head of a hammer is hardened and may splinter, but wearing eye protection anyway, it makes no odds... also if they are dry a spade can be a very good prybar, and give you that extra leverage when you need it.... Thanks steve. I guess I have everything I need then. Got the pry bar and the folding "camp spade" which I think I got at an army surplus store. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erose Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 A small (4") pointed trowel is also quite useful in softer clay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike_H Posted February 20, 2010 Author Share Posted February 20, 2010 A small (4") pointed trowel is also quite useful in softer clay. I figured that one and plan on getting at least a 3" putty knife. Pretty much the same thing in my opinion. Besides, I work at Wal-mart, I get a discount on stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pleecan Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 A slotted screw driver works wonders ... great for digging out small objects in clay.... used to extract 6mm pyritized goniatites from the clay pits at Arkona. PL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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