EZEBREAK MICRO-BLASTER 1 User manual

MICRO-BLASTER 1™ INSTRUCTIONS

!!!!!!WARNING!!!!!!
BEFORE OPERATING THIS DEVICE CHECK WITH LOCAL
AUTHORITIES FOR PERMITTING AND LICENSING AS
REQUIRED!
OBEY ALL REGULATIONS AND ALWAYS PRACTICE
THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF SAFETY
USE ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
Your MICRO-BLASTER KIT should contain the following
items:
1 MICRO-BLASTER I UNIT
1 RUBBER BULB HOLE BLOWER
25 FT. RELEASE CORD W/CLIP & WINDER
2 TAPERED DRIFT PINS
1 HEX KEY, 1/8 INCH
1 5/16” BORE BRUSH
1 CORD REDIRECT KIT
1 INSTRUCTION CARD
1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL
----------------------------------
MICRO-BLASTER CARTRIDGES ARE SUPPLIED
SEPARATELY
CONTACT YOUR DEALER OR EZEBREAK FOR DETAILS
--------------------------------
Ezebreak,LLC, 1 Clay St, PO Box 29, Frankford WV, 24938
V 304-497-9970, F 304-497-9971 www.ezebreak.com
©2002-2007 EZEBREAK
US Patent #7,069,862 and International Patents Pend.

MICR0-BLASTER INSTRUCTIONS
!CAUTION! READ, ABSORB AND UNDERSTAND THESE
DIRECTIONS BEFORE USING THIS DEVICE.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM IMPROPER USE!
We strongly recommend that the user practice using this
device as much as is reasonably possible in advance of an
important project. Because MICRO-BLASTING uses very low
energy cartridges, it's use demands attention to such subtleties
as the grain of the material and the distance from a free edge of
that being cracked. Although a great deal of engineering and
testing has gone into the development of this device it's
effective use is quite dependent on the user's experience and
skill in using it. If the material is flawed or cracked, contains
voids or is especially soft, i.e. "rotten rock", this system may
prove to be ineffective. The cracking action is dependent on the
very rapid buildup of pressure upon activation of the Micro-
Blaster Cartridge. If these gasses are allowed to escape too
easily through cracks etc. sufficient force to crack the rock will
not be generated. In situations where one has encountered
flawed material or the material has cracked from the use of
MICRO-BLASTING, frost or whatever, an alternative technique
such as "plugs and feathers" or more simply the use of suitably
sized "drift pins" (2 are included with your MICRO-BLASTER kit)
may prove to be the most effective method. The use of small
hand sledges to “coax” the rock apart can often be quite
effective. Placement of cartridges too near the bottom of a rock
may also prove ineffective in that the rock may only “blow out” at
the bottom. Judgment needs to be exercised to place the
cartridge near the middle of the mass to be cracked in order to
avoid this problem and gain the maximum effect.
CAUTION! ALWAYS USE EYE, EAR AND HAND
PROTECTION WHEN EMPLOYING THIS TECHNIQUE AND
NEVER ACTUATE THE MICRO-BLASTER WITH ANYONE
INCLUDING THE OPERATOR, WITHIN 25 FEET (8 METERS)
OF THE MICRO-BLASTER.

Step by Step Instructions.
To be Followed in the Order Presented
DO NOT USE THIS SYSTEM IF YOU DO NOT
FULLY UNDERSTAND THESE DIRECTIONS
1. Drill a 5/16" hole, no more than 10" deep in the rock or
masonry you intend to crack, for 2 cartridge shots use 12" deep
hole. Painting a mark or applying a piece of tape on the drill bit at
this distance from the end will greatly aid in drilling holes to the
proper depth. The use of a new and sharp carbide masonry bit
is highly recommended. Worn bits can drill undersized holes
which will not allow the MICRO-BLASTER to be inserted into
the hole to its full depth. If problems are experienced with holes
being too small, measurement of the bits used may determine
the cause. Also holes that are not drilled straight can cause
problems in inserting the MICRO-BLASTER into the hole to the
full depth. Inserting the MICRO-BLASTER to its full depth is
critical. If the hole is not able to accommodate the entire length
of the MICRO-BLASTER, in turn allowing the tip to make
contact with the primer end of the cartridge, no initiation of the
cartridge will occur. Depending on the hardness and type of
material, this hole should be 4 to 12 inches from the edge of the
material you intend to crack. Experience will dictate placement
of the hole. Drilling in the center of a large rock may not be
effective and only eject the MICRO-BLASTER from the hole
upon initiation of the cartridge without cracking the rock. If this
occurs drilling closer to an edge will yield better results.
2. The hole should next be cleaned of all debris and rock dust
generated during the drilling process. Use the Hole Blower
supplied with your MICRO-BLASTER kit to blow out the drilling
dust . Any other technique using compressed air will also be
effective as long as the tube delivering the air is of sufficient
length to reach the bottom of the hole and eject all loose
material. After blowing out the hole run the BORE BRUSH in
and out of the hole to remove any packed rock dust from the

sides of the hole followed by blowing out the loosened dust
from the hole.
3. Next make sure that the un-cocked MICRO-BLASTER can be
inserted to the full depth of the hole. A snug fit is best as it will
help to hold the MICRO-BLASTER in place upon initiation of the
cartridge. If the hole is too tight running the rotating drill bit in and
out of the hole can dislodge packed rock dust that the HOLE
BLOWER or BORE BRUSH did not remove. This may not help if
the bit is undersized or the hole is not drilled straight, check bit
diameter if cleaning the hole carefully does not cure the
problem. After doing this blow out the hole again and make
sure that your MICRO-BLASTER can be inserted to the full
depth of the hole. Do not go on to step 4. until completion of
this step is accomplished and the hole has been properly
cleaned!
4. Insert a MICRO-BLASTER cartridge into the CLEANED and
CHECKED hole making sure that the end of the cartridge with
the metal primer is positioned correctly out so that it will make
contact with the tip of the MICRO-BLASTER when it is inserted
into the hole in the next step (5). Using the Hole Blower tube
gently push the cartridge to the bottom of the hole. USE ONLY
THE HOLE BLOWER TUBE TO PUSH THE CARTRIDGE INTO
THE HOLE! If step 3 was properly completed this will require
very little or no force. NEVER FORCE A CARTRIDGE INTO
THE HOLE. EXTREME INJURY MAY RESULT!
5. Before inserting the MICRO-BLASTER into your drilled hole
the release cord needs to be stretched out to its full length, 25
feet (8 meters), attached to the Release Plate hole, and the
device needs to be cocked with SAFETY CLIP applied. Cocking
is accomplished by pulling the COCKING KNOB (attached to the
end of the hexagonal hammer) away from the BODY of the
MICRO-BLASTER while pressing in the Release Cord end of
the Release Plate until it locks the hammer in the extended
(cocked) position. The hexagonal Hammer should now be
protruding about three quarters (3/4) inch further than in the
uncocked position. BE SURE TO ATTACH THE SAFETY CLIP

TO THE SLOTTED END OF THE RELEASE PLATE. Next shake
the MICRO-BLASTER so that the Firing Pin extends about 1/10
of an inch from the tip of the MICRO-BLASTER. A whipping
motion seems the most effective for extending the Firing Pin. If
the Firing Pin is not easily shifted, check for damage or dirt
which may be stopping its free movement. NEVER USE YOUR
MICRO-BLASTER IF THE FIRING PIN DOES NOT MOVE
FREELY. The green indicator should not be visible through the
countersunk hole in the side of the MICRO-BLASTER when the
Firing Pin is extended. With the pin extended from the tip,
carefully insert the tip of the MICRO-BLASTER into the hole
and gently slide it into the hole until it makes contact with the
cartridge installed in the previous step. Some resistance to
insertion is desirable as this will contribute to the effectiveness
of the MICRO-BLASTER in that the gasses produced from
initiation of the cartridge will not easily eject the MICRO-
BLASTER from the hole. To make sure that you have made
contact with the cartridge notice that you can now see the green
head of the Firing Pin through the countersunk hole in the side
of your MICRO-BLASTER BODY. If you cannot see the green it
is very likely that the tip of the MICRO-BLASTER is not in
contact with the end of the cartridge. The MICRO-BLASTER will
not initiate the cartridge if the tip is not in contact with the
cartridge. When you can see green through the hole, the tip of
the MICRO-BLASTER is in contact with the cartridge and ready
to fire. Covering the masonry or rock with a blast mat (ie old
carpet or other heavy material) is highly recommended and will
avoid damage to anything in the immediate area from flyrock.
After making sure that the area is clear, remove the safety clip
and retreat to the end of the 25 foot (8 meter) release cord. Be
extremely careful to avoid stepping on or tripping over the
release cord and inadvertently triggering the MICRO-BLASTER
as you move to the WINDER end of the Release Cord.
6. Before initiating the cartridge again carefully scan the area
around where you are working and make sure that no one has
inadvertently entered your work area. When you have
determined that the area is clear pull the Release Cord gently
but steadily until the MICRO-BLASTER initiates the cartridge.

MAINTENANCE and TROUBLESHOOTING
Your MICRO-BLASTER has been designed to provide
many years of service with a minimum of care. Routine
disassembly, cleaning and lubrication with a light oil will keep
your MICRO-BLASTER fully functional. Special attention should
be paid to maintaining free movement of the firing pin which
extends from the tip of the MICRO-BLASTER. Always check for
free movement before each use and remedy any conditions that
might inhibit this free movement before using.
CAUTION! NEVER USE YOUR MICRO-BLASTER IF THE
FIRING PIN DOES NOT MOVE FREELY! SERIOUS INJURY
MAY RESULT!
Other than problems with drilled holes mentioned above
we have encountered relatively few problems using this device.
When cracking masonry in a hole or ditch the pulling action on
the release cord may tend to lift the MICRO-BLASTER out of
the drilled hole. If this happens the Firing pin will not be able to
make proper contact with the metal primer in the end of the
cartridge and will not initiate. To solve this problem redirect the
release cord so that the pulling action does not lift the MICRO-
BLASTER out of the hole when the Release Cord is pulled. A
weight with a small pulley positioned below the level of the
Release Plate with the Release Cord passed through the
pulley has worked well to solve this problem. Also drilling a
shallow second hole adjacent to the first hole in which an
anchor/pulley assembly is installed can also provide the
required redirect of the Release Cord. We are working on a
simple device to do this which when finished will be available
through our dealers or online.
When cracking rocks in situations where gravity does not
hold the MICRO-BLASTER in place the user will be required to
use their ingenuity to hold the device in place. The use of
secondary holes to mount anchors which hold the MICRO-
BLASTER by means of bungee cords has been used with good
success in these situations.

MISFIRES
Very occasionally cartridges have not initiated in the rock. If
this happens wait at least one minute before approaching the
MICRO-BLASTER and then very carefully withdraw the Micro-
Blaster from the hole with a twisting motion. Drilling dust, which
was not completely removed from the drilled hole, can become
packed on top of the cartridge with the insertion of the MICRO-
BLASTER keeping the Firing Pin from making forceful contact
with the primer when the MICRO-BLASTER is actuated. Rather
than trying to clean the hole, which might present a safety issue,
we recommend users drill a second hole 2 to 3 inches away
and parallel to the first drilled hole and then follow the
instructions stated earlier in this manual. Be especially careful to
properly clean the hole before inserting the cartridge and
MICRO-BLASTER. To avoid MISFIRES maintain Micro-Blaster
in top condition.
ACTUATOR PIN PROBLEMS
As has been stated earlier it is extremely important to
maintain free movement of the actuator pin. Disassemble,
clean, and re-lubricate often. Pins “dry fired” against hard
materials have been known to crack due to the high hardness of
the pin. If it is noticed that the end of the pin is not in the form of
a smooth half round ball the firing pin may have been damaged
during use. If the amount of pin sticking out of the pin tube when
the un-cocked hammer is pressed into the body of your
MICRO-BLASTER (there by extending the pin completely) is
about 1/8 inch, proper initiation of the MICRO-BLASTER
cartridge should take place. Pins that have chipped or become
rough can puncture the primer allowing flame to escape through
the puncture which will quickly erode the tip of the actuator pin.
Maintaining a half-round and polished end will avoid this
problem.Test firing with the tip held against a wood surface
should leave a noticeable dent indicating proper function of the
unit.

RECOMMENDED PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
1. Remove Release Plate Screws (b) with 1/8” hex key.
2. Remove hex Hammer assembly using a 5/16” (8 mm) wrench
3. The Firing Pin (j) can then be removed through the same
opening the Hammer Assembly was removed from.
4. Thoroughly clean all parts and lubricate with light oil and
reassemble in reverse order of disassembly.
5. Test for free movement of hammer, release plate, and
actuator pin.
INFORMATION, SPARE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Go to the website below or for further information on your MICRO-
BLASTER . Spare parts can be obtained from your MICRO-BLASTER
dealer. Units needing repair will only be accepted after proper return
authorizationhas been given byEZEBREAK.
www.ezebreak.com
EZEBREAK
304-497-9970
CRACK WISELY!

Statement of Liability:
All statements, technical information and recommendations
which are contained herein are believed to be reliable and
accurate. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness
and the following statement is made in lieu of all warranties,
expressed or implied: Seller's and manufacturer's only
obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved
to be defective. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable
for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising
out of the use of or inability to use the products. Before using
any product, the user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever
in connection therewith. No statement or recommendation not
contained herein shall have any force or effect unless in an
agreement signed by representatives of seller or manufacturer.
All manufacturer's names are the trademarks of the respective
organizations or companies.
This section of the manual contains a few short articles
on using your Micro-Blaster I™
Breaking Large Rocks with the Micro-Blaster™
To break large rocks or to break off larger pieces of rock with the
Micro-Blaster™, a technique known as "pre-splits" has allowed us to
break up rocks weighing up to 10 tons. The technique involves drilling a
series of holes along a line defining where the rock should split. This is
similar to the technique used since Roman times using tools known as
"plugs and feathers" or "wedges and feathers" and is still used today in
dimensional stone quarries to make predictable cuts. Probably the most
noticeable example of the use of this concept on a large scale can be
seen along the sides of highways where deep cuts were made in the
surrounding terrain to allow construction of the road. The parallel vertical
lines (1/2 of the original drilled holes) are evidence of the accuracy and
effectiveness of "pre-splits".
With the Micro-Blaster™ experience with the material being cracked
will allow the user to make decisions on hole spacing. Lacking that, a
good starting point would be to space your holes 12 inches apart and
then fire the Micro-Blaster™ in one of the middle holes. The first shot
may not split off any material but on close examination should reveal a

hairline crack emanating from the hole and connecting some or all of the
other holes. Remember, holes intended to be shot always need to be
cleaned thoroughly just before loading and firing. The other holes not
shot do not require cleaning. A second shot can be done in one of the
other holes as long as the crack connecting the holes is not too large
which will allow the expanding gases from the 2nd initiated cartridge to
escape too rapidly through the crack.
If the second shot does not open or extend the original hairline crack
from the first shot two options need to be considered. The crack may be
allowing too much of the gas to escape or the spacing of the drilled
holes needs to be reduced. If you decide that too much gas is escaping
you will now need to use the tapered pins supplied in the Micro-
Blaster™ kit to wedge apart the rock. For most rocks placement of the
two pins at 1/3 intervals along the line of holes and hammering
alternately on each pin should finish the split. For especially large rocks
more pins may be called for to exert greater splitting force.
In general softer materials will need the holes to be drilled closer
together than the harder materials. This is primarily because the softer
materials tend to absorb more of the energy developed by the Micro-
Blaster™ cartridge. Concrete, partly because of its relative softness and
the presence of the aggregate within (which breaks up the fracture
lines), may require hole spacing as close as six inches. Very hard fine
grained rock such as granite or limestone may be effectively cracked
with hole spacing as much as eighteen to twenty four inches. When
breaking rock with distinct layers, holes drilled parallel to the layers are
often more effective than holes drilled at right angles to or through the
layers (i.e. sandstones).
After some experience using the Micro-Blaster™ with specific
materials the spacing of holes will become more predictable.
Furthermore an organized and methodical approach to your projects will
greatly improve productivity. Always check the firing pin for free
movement to avoid misfires and observe all safety precautions.
Breaking Larger Rock Using 2 Cartridges in the Same Hole
On projects where the breaking of larger rock or softer materials (i.e.
concrete) must be broken, the use of 2 Micro-Blaster Cartridges in the
same hole has proven to be extremely effective. We estimate that a
fourfold increase in the effective power can be expected over the use of
a single cartridge in a hole. When anticipating that more than one
cartridge will be required to effectively crack the material at hand, the
5/16” dia. holes should be drilled to a depth of 12” and then cleaned in
the usual way . Never use more than 2 cartridges in the same hole!

Since the resulting “blast” will be increased when using 2 cartridges
in the same hole, we recommend a suitable mat (carpet works well) be
placed over the material to be broken to avoid fly rock issues and muffle
the sound.
Whether using one or two cartridges, the cleanliness of the drilled
hole is always extremely important and should always be done
thoroughly to insure dependable operation of your Micro-Blaster and
avoid misfires.
Always observe all suggested safety precautions and use your
Micro-Blaster in a sensible and responsible manner.
Breaking Concrete
As stated earlier, concrete, because of its relative softness and the
aggregate it contains, will require more shots to be placed closer
together than when breaking hard rock. Rebar and reinforcing wire will
also further reduce the tools capacity. Large masses containing these
reinforcements have been successfully broken by successive shots
starting at a free edge or corner and progressing through the mass.
Concrete slabs and poured walls, given their relative thinness,
should be drilled in the center of an exposed edge. This will allow holes
to be drilled to their proper depth (9 to 10 inches for single cartridge
shots and 12 inches for 2 cartridge shots). If no edge is exposed, very
shallow angled holes can be drilled and shot in the face of the concrete
(floors or walls). Care should be taken to drill the holes so that the
bottom of the hole is in the center of the material to be broken. To start
these shallow holes, begin by drilling at a right angles to the surface
(approximately 1/4 inch deep) and then swing the drill to the angle
required. Be careful not to drill too deeply when starting the hole, as you
may damage the tip of the drill when moving to the shallow angle
required. Pre-scoring the outline of the opening with a masonry saw,
then Micro-Blasting the material out will provide a more finished
appearance to the opening if required. It is good practice to score as
deeply as possible and if access is available to score from both sides.
Holes drilled in the corners through the wall or floor will aid in the proper
alignment of these scored lines and should be done before scoring.
Drilling in these slots may cause the tip of the drill to jam and damage the
bit.

MICRO-BLASTER Assembly & Parts
MICRO-BLASTER PARTS:
A.Cocking Knob
B.Release Plate Screw (2)
C.Release Plate
D. Nylon Washers (2)
E.Hammer
F. Hammer Guide
G. Spring
H. Bushing
I. Roll Pin
J. Firing Pin
K.Firing Pin Tube
L.Body
M.Sight Hole
Shown without Lanyard and Safety Clip Assembly