Jackhammers

There are several types of jackhammers, which usually run on compressed air from a machine, but can also be electrically or even hydraulically powered. The latter is usually attached to a backhoe, trackhoe or even a front-end loader. For the average user, a compressed air jackhammer or an electrical one is the way to go.

The electrical Hammers have come a long way in a short while. They can produce a destructive power that goes far beyond their lighter weight. For instance, the DeWalt D25980K electric concrete breaker has 61 ft/lbs of breaking power, has a dial setting for various impacts, and only weighs in at 68.3 lbs itself! The hammer comes with 2 Bull point chisels, 1 x 1” Cold chisel, and 1 x 3” wide chisel.

Unlike breaking hammers, jackhammers are mostly made to break up horizontal material. To get the bit started, place it where you want to break (and these tools are NOT precise, so be careful – the bit will strike above and below the point you start at), and squeeze the trigger on the hammer. I’ve seen guys place the bit between their feet to get the bit started on new material, but this can be very dangerous. That’s 61 ft/lbs (or more) of pressure if you slip up, and will easily crush your foot. Don’t do it.

When breaking up thick chunks of concrete especially, the bit may get caught in the material. You can push down on the handle (make sure to shut off the tool before doing this) to lever the material up, or use a pry bar. Always observe safety guidelines when operating a jackhammer – they’re powerful destructive tools and should be respected as such.