The possibility of mechanizing the operation of wedging for the extraction of natural stone was reviewed. The goal is to reduce the weight of the wedges to several kg and reduce the diameter of the holes in the stone where the wedges are installed. The weight of one hydraulic wedge used is 26 kg, not counting the weight of the hydraulic pump with pressure hoses. Among the options for mechanizing stone mining with wedges, the following approaches are considered – the use of the electro-hydraulic effect; application of liquid nitrogen evaporation in a closed volume; use of electromechanical wedge drive. The fourth option was chosen – modernization of the powder actuated fastening tool for the new task. A calculation has been made for a modernized fastening tool. Several fastening tools chambered for a 7,62 × 54,00 mm rifle cartridge with a charge of moderated propagation gunpowder can split a large stone block. Shallow holes are drilled into the stone block into which wedges are inserted. Measures have been taken to compensate for the recoil of a shot. A shot is fired and the wedges, much larger than a concrete anchor, split the stone. The wedges are reusable. The synchronized operation of several tools is ensured by electric firing from one circuit. A modernized tool with an electric triggering for stone mining can weigh below 3,5 kg. The technical details of the proposal are discussed.