The Sand Cone Apparatus is used to determine the in-place density of any soil that can be excavated to a stable condition with hand tools. This method is generally limited to materials with a maximum particle size of 2 in (5.1 cm). .Sand Cone 6", comprising two cones with a shutter mechanism. Density plate for 6" Sand cone. The plate has a 6.5 " diameter recessed hole to locate the sand cone.