Abstract: A device is shown wherein the bale of metal cutting chips formed at one end of a chip conveyor is ripped apart into smaller portions which can be more easily handled in subsequent treatment operations such as separating or crushing. The device comprises a holding tooth and a ripping tooth which are pushed into the bale of chips. After extension into the bale, the ripping tooth is then moved away from the holding tooth in the conveying direction by drive means thus ripping off a portion of the bale. The teeth are then retracted and returned to their original positions. These steps are repeated until the bale has been separated into smaller portions as desired.