Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling, cracking, and withdrawing solid each cores, the method commencing with coring the earth using a conventional rotary core drill (20). The core drill is withdrawn to leave an attached earth core (26) and a drilled core groove (24). A hydraulically powered core cracker assembly (40) sized to fit the drilled groove is screwed into the groove. A ram drawer (44) built into the cracker assembly is activated to break off the earth core at its base. The cracker assembly is then withdrawn and a hydraulically powered core grabber/remover assembly (70) sized to fit the drilled groove is screwed into the groove, activated to engage the earth core, and hoisted to remove the earth core from the drill hole. Preferred embodiments of the core cracker and core grabber/remover assemblies are described.