Contractors and DIYers need clarification due to their array of choices when it comes to breaking up tough, aged concrete or walls. From lightweight, handheld rotary hammers to bulky mounted breakers, there are lots of tools that all work in a variety of ways to drive metal against the concrete. A jackhammer is known for its simplicity and versatility.
You don’t need to deal with any mess related to rotation modes or drill bits – all you get is a wide range of sturdy hammer-driven chisels that work efficiently in breaking up and chipping away concrete, tile, rocks, and other materials.
So, whether you are a professional or just a DIYer who loves to do at-home renovation projects, you will need a high-quality jackhammer to perform your tasks. In this article, we have put together a brief buying guide and some top-notch jackhammers of different types that will help make your work easy. Let’s get started with how a jackhammer works:
How Does a Jack Hammer Work?
Jackhammers are often called demolition hammers, pneumatic hammers, or electric hammers. However, all of these are just types of jackhammers. You might be aware of the classic jackhammer that is often seen chipping away a road – It is a larger in-line tool powered by compressed air. Smaller jackhammers weigh less than 30 pounds and are used in interior work to chip away at walls and other things to open up spaces.
Most, if not all, jackhammers use a spinning gear to drive a piston inside its cylinder. This is how a jackhammer works: upon pressing down on the handle, the air pumps from the compressor to the jackhammer through a valve. The air pressure forces the pile driver down, and it pounds on the drill bit, smashing it into the surface. This was the working of an air hammer. Still, in an electric jackhammer, the mechanism is updated through electric motors that rotate a crank or cam, converting the motor’s rotary motion into reciprocating motion and working its way into hammering the business end into the ground or any object.
How Much Does a Jackhammer Cost?
How much does a jackhammer cost if you want to purchase a jackhammer? The answer to this question depends on many factors. Jackhammers are used for many purposes, including demolition, excavation, and pneumatic. For this reason, there is no “average” price for these tools.
The average cost of a jackhammer is $300-$3,000 or more . However, if you are looking for a more powerful tool to handle more difficult tasks, expect to pay more than this range. Several factors can increase the price of your jackhammer, including brand name, size, and power. Suppose you are starting out with your business or home improvement project. In that case, it’s best to start with an inexpensive model until you know what type of job needs to be done next time!
Types of Jackhammers
There’s no perfect jackhammer out there that can suit everyone’s needs, this is why they come in various types, and you can choose the best one according to your requirements. Here are three prominent types of demolition hammers to choose from:
Electric Jack Hammer
The electric jackhammer is a great choice for removing some concrete or asphalt. It has an electric motor that drives its hammering mechanism, so it doesn’t need any extra fuel to operate. However, you will need to bring along an extension cord if you’re going to be working remotely from an outlet.
If you are a DIYer, your best bet would be getting an electric jackhammer rather than any other type. It is super easy to use, doesn’t produce noise like other types, is affordable, portable, works in cold temperatures, and doesn’t require an expensive external power source.
Pneumatic Jack Hammer
A pneumatic hammer, also known as a power hammer or air hammer, can be seen widely on construction sites, but those are the larger models. There are lightweight models of air hammers available as well. Unlike electric jackhammers, a pneumatic jackhammer uses compressed air to break up or chip away at stones, metals, and other suborn materials. Generally, this tool is used to smooth a surface area, cut through a surface, or dig holes. It replaces the traditional hammer and chisel with double the power and strength.
However, it might need more precision in the final result, but that doesn’t mean it compromises the hammer power it provides. A pneumatic jackhammer is usually attached to a pipe or a hose that is further connected to a compressed air tank, which pumps up air and makes the pistons move.
Hydraulic Jack Hammer
This type is not used in at-home projects or preferred by DIYers because it is costly and suitable for large-scale projects only. It is construction equipment you can commonly see on under-construction roads. Hydraulic Jackhammers are used to demolish a structure or crunch rocks into smaller pieces. They are attached to an excavator and work on the principles of hydraulics.
They have a canister containing pressurized hydraulic oil, which the hammer uses to apply high pressure. Hydraulic hammers are much more potent than all other types. Their force depends on the pisto jackhammer, demolition jackhammer, electronic jackhammer, jackhammer, air hammer, and pneumatic jackhammer strokes and their size.
Things to Consider When Buying Jack Hammers
1. Know The Types
Jackhammers are one of the most important tools in construction. They make your job easier and help you get it done faster. But before making the right choice, you must know what’s out there.
There are three types of jackhammers: manual, pneumatic, and electric. Manual jackhammers are powered by the user’s strength; they’re great for small projects and easy to transport. Pneumatic jackhammers use compressed air to power them; this makes them faster and more powerful than manual jackhammers. Electric jackhammers are powered by electricity and are often used on larger projects where more force is needed than a pneumatic model can provide.
2. Consider the Weight
The weight of your jackhammer is an important consideration when buying one. A heavy jackhammer can be difficult to use, so it’s a good idea to find one that is light enough to lift easily.
The weight of your jackhammer should be proportional to your physical strength. If you are weak or have back problems, it’s best to choose a jackhammer that weighs less than 50 pounds.
If you are strong and healthy, however, you may want a heavier model that will provide more power and speed when working with concrete or other building materials.
3. Noise Level
When you’re looking for a jackhammer, one of the important things you’ll want to consider is how loud it is. Suppose you’re working in an area where there are other people around. In that case, it’s important to ensure that the jackhammer isn’t so loud that it will disturb the nearby people.
Also, suppose you’re using your jackhammer for work purposes. In that case, you’ll need to ensure that the noise level is manageable for your employees to handle.
Pneumatic jackhammers produce more noise than electric ones because of their mechanism. A jackhammer’s noise level control feature doesn’t just help preserve your hearing but also ensures that your job site and tool are compliant with noise.
4. Vibration Control
Vibration control is a technology that reduces the amount of vibration that’s transferred from the machine to your body. It helps you avoid hand-arm vibration syndrome caused by excessive exposure to vibrations throughout long periods. Suppose you’re using your jackhammer for extended periods. This can be especially important in that case because it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries like tendonitis, muscle spasms, and even heart problems.
When buying your jackhammer, look for one with good vibration control so that you can work safely and comfortably.
5. Accessible Power Controls and Dials
Look for this when shopping for a jackhammer because it will make your life much easier. It’s all about convenience—when you have easy-to-reach power controls, it will be much easier to adjust the speed, turn on or off the machine, and increase or decrease the force with which it hits its target.
If these features aren’t important, don’t worry about them! But if they are, then this is one thing that should definitely be on your radar when shopping around for a jackhammer.
6. Insulated Plugs
Insulated plugs are a must-have for any jackhammer used in cold weather. In fact, some jackhammers come with insulated plugs as a standard feature. The reason for this is simple: insulated plugs protect against electrical shocks and fires.
If you don’t have an insulated plug or your jackhammer doesn’t come with one, it’s easy to install one yourself. Make sure you use the correct kind—a 3-pronged plug won’t work on a 2-pronged jackhammer outlet! You can find them at any hardware store or home improvement center.
7. LEDs and Power Lights
One of the most important features is LEDs (light-emitting diodes). These lights provide better visibility when working in dimly lit areas or at night. You’ll also see less glare from the sun if your jackhammer doesn’t have them.
Power lights are also important because they indicate how much battery power is left in your tool, so you can avoid running out of juice halfway through a job.
8. Variable Speed Control and Soft Start
Variable Speed Control allows you to adjust the speed of your jackhammer. You can slow it down or speed it up, which is useful when working on different materials or types of concrete.
Soft Start helps you get used to the feel of your new jackhammer before starting to work with it. When you press the trigger on a jackhammer, it will start slowly and speed up as it gets into its regular rhythm. This helps reduce fatigue in your hands and arms while using the tool for long periods.
9. Cord Length
The cord length is one thing to consider when buying a jackhammer. If you’re working in an area with no outlets and need to move around a lot, you’ll want a cord at least 100 feet long. On the other hand, if you’re working in an area with many outlets and don’t need to move around much, then 50 feet will be fine.
10. Lock-On Button Control
When you’re looking to buy a jackhammer, you want to ensure that you get the best possible tool for the job. One of the things you should consider is the lock-on button control. This allows you to keep your machine running at a steady pace without having to keep pressing down on the trigger.
This feature is especially useful if you’re working on an extended job that requires continuous use of your jackhammer. It can also be helpful if you are working with a team and need to pass off the jackhammer for someone else to take over when needed—without having them stop and start up again every few minutes just because they need a break from holding down that trigger!
11. Impact
This refers to two specific measurements: impact force and impact rate. Impact force is measured in joules, the deciding factor for power. A jackhammer that has a high-impact force can deliver a more powerful blow. However, they are difficult to control.
On the other hand, the impact rate is the number of times its bit makes contact with the pavement per minute. This is important in breaking through material. However, a higher impact rate means you can still break through more solid material. It just means that you’ll be able to do it faster.
Wrapping It Up
If you’ve read this far, you know that a jackhammer is a tool that can be used for many purposes. But if you’re looking to buy one, how do you know which one is right for you?
That’s where we come in! We’ve done our research, and we’re here to tell you what we’ve found out. So whether you’re looking for an all-purpose jackhammer or something specifically designed for rock removal, look no further than this guide. We’ve covered everything from their uses to their types, and we hope it helps you make the right decision when it comes time to buy your own.