Rock splitters use jackhammers and other tools to cut pieces of rock away from larger masses.

Rock splitters inspect large masses of rock in rock quarries. They determine the pattern of the grain, because this pattern shows how the rock will split when cut. Splitters measure rocks and use chalk lines to outline the shape of the rock to be cut. They chisel grooves into the outline. Rock splitters use sledgehammers to drive wedges and shims into the grooves. Sometimes they use jackhammers to drill holes into the rocks.

Once they have removed large pieces of stone, rock splitters may do additional work on them. They may smooth the edges or cut slabs of stone into sheets that will be used for floors or counters.