

They should not be used on concrete, because the steel is too soft and is easily damaged. Chisels can also be used to create an initial "guideline" on concrete.įour-inch or five-inch-wide spades can also be used for asphalt and for hardpan or clay. If the material you want to remove is softer (asphalt, for example), the moil point will often just punch a hole through the surface rather than actually breaking it. It's particularly effective with coarse concrete or rock. The basic pointed tool supplied with your jackhammer is called a "moil point.” It's easy to position accurately and is a good general-purpose breaker. They’re small things, maybe, but definitely worth having.Īlways wear eye protection, ear defenders, sturdy gloves, and strong (preferably steel-toed) work boots when using a jackhammer. Some jackhammers come with gloves, goggles, and other extras. Plastic cases aren't always as rugged as they need to be. Some cases only hold the jackhammer itself, meaning bits have to be carried separately.

This can dramatically reduce fatigue.Ī case is often included with a jackhammer purchase, which is handy for transportation of the tool. Jackhammers that don't have this feature tend to jump about (also called “walking”), which can make it difficult if you're trying to hit a precise area.Īnti-vibration systems are another considerable advantage, as they insulate the user from much of the residual force of impact. Some high-quality jackhammers have a soft start, which helps you maintain control and accuracy. A non-standard size could restrict your choice when you're looking for replacements. The standard size for jackhammer bits is 1 1/8 inches.

An auxiliary (side) handle is a big benefit when working at an angle. If you need an extension cord, make sure it's of sufficient diameter to transmit the required voltage safely.Īlthough you should try to work with the jackhammer in a nearly vertical position, that's not always possible. Metal casings give more protection than plastic ones.Ī long cord is useful. Jackhammers tend to get pretty rough treatment. If all other things are equal, then a stronger motor is arguably more durable. The power of the electric motor might seem like an important aspect, but most of these tools are over 11 amps, which is plenty. As a result, powerful impacts can make the jackhammer more difficult to control. While bigger impact forces result in more demolishing power, those impacts are felt through the handles. Ranges vary from 45 to 60 joules, or 33 to 44 ft. Impact force is an area where inexpensive jackhammers sometimes deliver figures as high as the pricier ones. However, because that's an infrequently used unit of measurement, many manufacturers quote foot pounds (ft. With jackhammers, impact force has traditionally been rated in joules. The impact force is the actual amount of energy transmitted with each blow.
