Tools for building with dry stone

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As we discussed in one of our previous posts, the technique for building with dry stone is based on using stone as a single construction element, without the need for mortar. Today we’re going to explain which tools you should use for the dry stone building technique. Let’s get started!

The tools required for building with dry stone can be classified into different groups according to their use:

Tools for extraction, splitting and levering.
Tools for transporting, levelling, preparing the land and laying out the walls.
Tools for preparing the stones to be placed in position.

Tools for extraction, splitting and levering.

These tools are used for extracting, splitting and moving the stones that will be used as the base material in these constructions. The main tools used for splitting stone are:

Stone splitting/separating wedges and shims in different sizes. These tools are used for splitting large pieces of stone.

Steel or widia splitting hammers with one or two heads to make the work easier. The latter can be used directly by striking the stone by themselves, or they can be placed on the stone and struck with another mallet. The steel versions are generally used for working with limestone.

Steel levers in different sizes, which allow you to make holes and remove stones from the ground. These tools have a sharp point at one end and also a flat end in the shape of a nail.

Tools for transporting, levelling, preparing the land and laying out the walls.

These tools are used for moving, clearing the land and preparing the area where you’re going to build your construction. This section includes:

Wheelbarrows like the ones used in construction or agriculture for moving large stones. To collect the smaller stones, which are used to secure the larger stones and give consistency to the walls, all you will need is a simple basket.

For levelling and laying out the walls you will just need typical construction tools, such as metal rulers, angle rulers, plumbs, pick axes or string.

Wheelbarrows like the ones used in construction or agriculture for moving large stones. To collect the smaller stones, which are used to secure the larger stones and give consistency to the walls, all you will need is a simple basket.
A cávec hoe, a square hoe or a bricklayer’s pick for preparing the land beforehand
A large sieve for filtering out the different sizes of stone.
For levelling and laying out the walls you will just need typical construction tools, such as metal rulers, angle rulers, plumbs, pick axes or string.

Tools for preparing the stones to be placed in position.

You can use these tools to give the stones their final shape so they fit better, according to where you’re going to put them. Some of the most common tools used for this purpose include:

Pointed hammer, Picassa, mallet, Picassò. These tools are used for splitting stone.
Picapedrero mallet.
Picapedrero axe.
Pitcher or chisel.
Rammer, for compacting the paving

At Rock&Tools we have a lot of experience in the sale of tools for working with stone. On our website you will find a very comprehensive catalogue with all the best tools for sculpting stone. If you have any further queries about the most suitable tools for you, go to our blog to find all the information you need or get in touch with us so we can advise you. Join our community! You can follow us here, in our Art Space and on social media.