Electric jackhammer: choosing a tool that will go through concrete, asphalt and copper pipes

Electric jackhammer: device and principle of operation of the tool

The power of almost any electric tool is its main technical characteristic, which primarily depends on the drive of the tool, and a powerful hammer drill (also known as a jackhammer) is no exception. Its heart - an electric motor - creates torque, which, thanks to numerous mechanisms, turns into reciprocating movements of the striker. It is the striker, striking against the working body of this tool, that creates the impact force necessary for destruction. This is the whole principle jackhammer work - at least that is how it can be briefly described. If we approach this issue more globally, then we will have to study the laws of mechanics and consider every even the smallest detail of this tool separately. An ordinary user does not need this - it is enough to understand the general principle of operation, and let the mechanics study the device of the jackhammer, who take responsibility for the repair of this tool.

Makita jackhammer photo

What else an ordinary user needs to know is how electrical energy is supplied to the jackhammer drive - this nuance will be needed to carry out minor repairs to the tool directly at the work site. Quite often, the reason for the failure of the electric bump stop is simple and trivial violations of its electrical circuit - either the button fails, or the brushes are erased. The latter situation most often occurs. It should be understood that with the help of brushes, electrical energy is supplied to the motor of a bosch jackhammer or any other serious apparatus. The graphite brushes have worn off, therefore the bump stop does not work. There are two plastic plugs on the tool where the electric motor is installed. They are unscrewed, the remnants of worn brushes are removed from the holes, after which new ones are installed in their place, and the plugs are tightened again. Almost exactly the same is the case with the replacement of the start button, only for these purposes it will be necessary to disassemble almost the entire body of the electric breaker. Although not always - the majority of serious manufacturers of this tool, providing for such a situation, make a separate cover for access to the button.

Jackhammer Interskol photo

Rock hammer

Many people confuse this type of hammer with a sledgehammer due to its size and construction. They are really similar, but there are still differences. The hammer has a solid forged and very strong impact part. One end of it has a flat square shape, and the other is made in the form of a point, flattened from two sides. Thanks to this design, this tool is successfully used for working with building structures, hard rocks, as well as for splitting them. It is the presence of a sharp point that distinguishes this hammer from a sledgehammer. From the field of application, it is clear that the material for the impact part must be made of high-strength steel and be specially hardened to obtain a hardened surface. In order to transfer a large impact force to the desired surface, the tool must have sufficient weight and a long handle. It is these differences that are inherent in the rock hammer. Its weight reaches 1.5 - 2.5 kg, therefore, the more weight, the longer the handle should be.

For ease of use, the handle is made in the form of an oval in cross section, and some manufacturers additionally make it curved. This avoids slippage during operation. The cheapest material for the handle is wood. But fiberglass or fiberglass handles are in great demand due to their vibration damping properties. Less common are all-metal handles covered with rubber.

Consumable classification

Any type of nailing tool is available in certain modifications, some of which support work only with nails or staples, while others are universal. However, it is strongly discouraged to use the latter type, since it has a smaller working resource, which is why it breaks down faster during active operation.

If we talk about specialized models, then such pistols are used to make furniture upholstery, stitching thin cladding materials, fastening panels. Electric nailing tools are more productive and can easily drive fasteners into plywood sheets, boards, and thick, durable film. They are commonly referred to as nailers and are often used in professional construction. So, they are often resorted to when it is necessary to perform work on the installation of lining, decoration of walls and ceilings.

If we proceed when choosing a tool from a consumable, then you need to pay attention to the size of the nails used for the air gun. Stapling devices support work with staples of the entire available range, but pneumatic nail guns may have limitations in this regard, which are determined by their design.

Most of these tools are designed to work with 8-10 mm nails. Professional models in this regard are slightly different - for them you can use fasteners with a length of 15 to 30 mm.

Application and product description P-31

As evidenced by numerous consumer reviews, due to the geometric parameters that distinguish the chisels from Promtekhosnastka, this replaceable tool is very convenient to work with materials such as frozen soil, concrete and brickwork. Using P-31, layers can be easily chipped off very hard surfaces.

• In the production of this type of lance, craftsmen use high-quality structural carbon steel of grade 45, which is heat-treated. For this brand, strength and fluidity are considered characteristic properties. Nozzles made of this steel are highly resistant to various physical influences.
• Convenience when working with reinforced concrete products is another quality that a pick for a jackhammer possesses. "Promtekhosnastka" is a manufacturer that widely uses cross-wedge rolling technology in the process of making its packing. P-31 "chisel" is recommended for long-term work. As evidenced by positive reviews, this peak is very effective in conditions of intensive use.
• The working surface is 3-5 cm long.
• The length of the P-31 cylindrical shank is 7 cm.
• The volume of the shank is 0.24 cm.
• The size of the whole product is 315 mm.
• Weight - 1.2 kg.

It is recommended to use this nozzle when working with concrete and reinforced concrete structures. With the help of the P-31 product, you can easily cut through niches in various durable materials.

Pneumatic Breaker - Key Features

Depending on the type of work that requires the use of a pneumatic breaker, this device has units for impact energy. For example, thirty Joule bumpers are good for work in fairly shackled conditions and in a suspended state, for general construction work, a forty Joule hammer is suitable.and, accordingly, ascending. Thus, for work on especially hard and durable materials, it is advisable to use a pneumatic jackhammer with an impact force equal to more than fifty Joules.

The pneumatic breaker is a fairly simple design. The main working element of the bump stop is the so-called lance, which produces impact work. This element of the bump stop can be replaced with a more suitable one in a certain situation, depending on the specific type of work, for example, such a nozzle can be a crowbar, and a chisel, etc.

The weight of a pneumatic jackhammer is also an important factor affecting the choice of a tool, because you have to hold it with your hands, which will be quite difficult if it has a lot of weight. Therefore, as a rule, pneumatic breakers do not weigh much.

Their weight varies from 1.5 to 10 kilograms, the data, of course, are taken on average. The chipper working on pneumatics is turned on as follows, with the help of a special cord, a pneumatic jackhammer is connected to the compressor, and then compressed air comes into operation, which, as described above, brings the battle into operation in one way or another. The distinctive characteristics that influence the choice of the bump stop are: the frequency of blows per minute of time, the force of the blows, the air flow rate and the pressure required to perform the work.

About species

There are two types of pneumatic tools:

1. Impact - these are pneumatic chisels, chippers and chippers, pneumatic rammers, nail pistols and staple pistols, pneumatic chippers and so on.
2. A tool with a rotary vane motor, which is responsible for the rotation of the working head with an attachment, is pneumatic drills, wrenches, grinders, screwdrivers, and so on.

A tool such as a pneumatic hammer is designed so that the user can operate it with just one hand. The weight of the unit is extremely low - less than one kilogram. However, this does not affect the level of performance in any way. The pneumatic hammer is in no way inferior in performance to a similar unit powered by an electric drive.

In general, the pneumatic impact tool has a wide range of applications. So, a pneumatic chisel equipped with a set of nozzles can be used for cutting metal sheets and pipes, beating off plaster and tiles, creating strobes for cables. If you use a metal brush as a nozzle, then with the help of such a chisel you can clean the metal surface.

In the process of operation, the pneumatic chisel inflicts from 3000 to 5000 blows. In this case, the impact force of each is about 5 Joules. Air consumption at such performance ranges from 100 to 250 liters in one minute. Of course, pneumatic tools can be more powerful, but such units are usually used for such serious work as the demolition of concrete and brick buildings. Also, such a tool is used to drill holes three centimeters in diameter. Moreover, this pneumatic tool is made easier and of better quality than an electric analogue.

As for pneumatic tools that are equipped with a rotary vane motor, they are rarely used during normal construction and repair work. They are more used in manufacturing workshops and large workshops. At the same time, their service life is much longer than that of electric models.

In addition to the types of pneumatic tools that were mentioned, you can also find on sale such types as pneumatic shears, pneumatic saws, pistols for pumping car wheels, and so on. Moreover, many types of pneumatic tools can perform not one, but several functions at once, which is very convenient.

Choosing a pneumatic breaker

Now let's talk about how to choose a pneumatic jackhammer. For the correct choice of such devices, you need to understand how they work. The pneumatic bump stop consists of the following structural elements:

• frame;
• impact mechanism;
• handle;
• valve;
• fixing element;
• simple spring;
• shock absorber;
• nipple;
• adapter spring;
• nozzle.

The movement of the nozzle is carried out by moving the concentrated air along special lines. The principle of operation itself is practically no different from models with an electric motor, only such devices are powered differently. Without the presence of some kind of air blower, the device simply cannot work.

This is important to consider when choosing equipment. This technique is divided into groups according to the method of air mass distribution:

• valve models;
• models with spools.

Also, devices are conventionally divided into categories by weight.

Pneumatic Breaker

Less than 7 kilograms. This is a category of light bumpers that are used to solve light household tasks.

Up to 10 kilograms. These are medium-weight devices that can be used both at home and on a construction site.

More than 10 kilograms. This is a heavy professional equipment that is quite expensive, so it is impractical to buy it for renovation in an apartment.

Such devices must be selected taking into account the following parameters:

• fender complete set;
• the degree of reliability;
• ease of use;
• warranty or service.

Views

Several parameters are used to classify the devices under consideration.

In terms of productivity, jackhammers are differentiated into three types.

• Lightweight options are designed for household work. They are capable of crushing plaster, tiles, etc., which makes them suitable for home renovations. The mass of such mini jackhammers is 5-6 kg.
• Medium power units are suitable for asphalt and are therefore used for some construction work. Weight from 6 to 10 kg provides the possibility of long-term horizontal holding.
• In industry and in the construction of buildings, high-power jackhammers weighing 15-30 kg are used.

However, mass is an indirect indicator of performance. There is a classification close to the above, based on other, more significant parameters. It also includes four types.

• The first includes jackhammers with an impact energy of up to 30 J and a frequency of up to 45 Hz. They are suitable for medium-strength materials such as asphalt, brick, clay, and work in confined spaces.
• The second type is represented by options with an impact energy of 40 J and a frequency of 34 Hz, used in general construction works.
• The third type includes models with an impact energy of up to 45 J and a frequency of up to 20 Hz. They are used for work in vertical direction of impacts with durable materials.
• The fourth type is represented by hammers with an impact energy of more than 50 J and a frequency of up to 24 Hz. Such devices are used for high-strength materials.

Based on the power source, there are four types of jackhammers.

• Pneumatic devices are the most common type. The power source for them is a compressor. The principle of operation is based on the pressure of compressed air molecules on the chisel. This equipment is suitable for the destruction of any structure made of brick and concrete. For household options, a power of 5 J is required, and for industrial models this parameter is from 10 to 100 J. This is enough to destroy asphalt, stone, concrete, etc.
• Electric hammers are powered from the mains. The principle of their functioning consists in bringing the striker by means of the rotary element of the electric motor. Performance parameters are up to 1700 W of power, 45 J of impact energy and 2000 beats per minute of frequency.Thus, these jackhammer options have a high impact power, but are not suitable for cutting and drilling materials.
• Gasoline devices are driven by an internal combustion engine, which has no valves and no shaft. With low power, the main advantage of these options is autonomy, that is, the ability to use it anywhere. This is due to the absence of the need to connect to an energy source. The duration of operation is determined only by the amount of fuel. In addition, jackhammers of this type are considered safer than their counterparts. At the same time, they are distinguished by a high level of noise. These models are used in the mining industry, with the destruction of concrete, asphalt, frozen soil.
• Hydraulic hammers use a variety of power sources. They are usually used in rescue operations.

Pneumatic hammers are also divided into two types according to the principle of operation.

• Volumetric devices are driven by rapidly expanding air in the chamber.
• The operation of the turbine variants is provided by the energy generated by the rotation of the turbine.

The simplest classification of jackhammers on the basis of a set of basic parameters differentiates them into professional and household ones.

Concrete breakers are distinguished by their large dimensions, weight and productivity. These devices are designed for vertical and inclined work with concrete slabs, rocks, asphalt pavement, frozen soils. Rotary hammers are usually more compact than jackhammers or close in size, are more accurate and capable of performing the functions of a drill and screwdriver with speed and reverse control. This versatility makes them much better suited for domestic work. Thus, the instruction manual for the PE-2520M indicates the possibility of its use as both a jackhammer and a drill.

By the shape of the body

There is no need to talk a lot about the geometry of the body of construction jackhammers. Even in publications where their types are examined in detail, this topic is not covered. Everything is completely predictable: outwardly it is a rod with a tip of various shapes. But there are also externally similar riveting hammers that allow you to work effectively with large steel and aluminum rivets. The weight of such devices exceeds 3 kg, and in size they are very voluminous.

Air chipping hammers also deserve attention. They are helping:

• remove excess deposits on the surface of castings;
• clean parts of gating systems;
• clean out the burn.

Description of pneumatic nailer

An air gun is a construction tool that is powered by compressed air. In it, the air is under a pressure of 4-6 atmospheres, which is enough to drive fasteners into almost any surface.

Pneumatic hammering tools use the same principle of operation as nailing guns. Although pneumatic nailers are usually classified as driven tools, it is believed that staples rather than nails are loaded into pneumatic nailers.

Principle of operation

The basis of the operation of pneumatic hammering tools, including nailers and staple guns, is based on a rather simple principle: the tool handle is filled with compressed air, and when the trigger is pulled, the piston is activated, which begins to push it forward. During movement, the piston pushes the fastener, giving it a certain acceleration, as a result of which the latter is hammered into the surface. After the master releases the trigger, the handle is filled with air again.

When working with a pneumatic tool, you can be sure that the fasteners will not pass through the surface. Since the bracket does not have kinetic energy, it stops at the moment the striker stops acting on it.

Manufacturers equip many pneumatic-type tools with additional mechanisms to reduce the effort that craftsmen spend on working with them. So, in some models, special spikes may be used to prevent the tool from slipping out of the hands, or there may be mechanisms to protect against a second shot.

Application area

The pneumatic tool can be used in a wide variety of applications. But here it must be remembered that these devices are inferior in power to gas and electric tools. It follows that it is undesirable to use them for working with especially hard surfaces. Although a number of manufacturers produce special types of pneumatic tools that support work with iron sheets.

In everyday life, pneumatic tools are used mainly for working with wood. They are most widely used in the manufacture of cornices and wooden frames, baguettes, the construction of frame structures and simple household objects, as well as the construction of fences and fences.

Dignity

Pneumatic nailer guns are among the most popular tools among builders. Manufacturers today offer several varieties of such hammers, differing from each other in the type of supported fasteners that may have diameter 5mm and length 22 cm.

When planning to use a pneumatic hammer for installation work, you must remember about the compressor. For efficient operation, medium-sized models only need a low pressure (about 4-9 bar), at which they can drive nails in a continuous mode. Before using the tool, be sure to read the instructions, in which the manufacturer always indicates the recommended working pressure for a particular device.

Another important point to pay attention to is that the air hammer must be connected to the compressor using a special rubber hose. However, this solution limits builders in action, since the working area of ​​action depends on the length of the hose.

However, today there are many models produced with hoses made of elastic and durable materials, which make it possible to eliminate this disadvantage as much as possible. Also, pneumatic pistols have another significant disadvantage - the presence of a source of electrical energy.

If we talk about the advantages of construction nail guns, then they have much more:

• Ability to work without prior registration of special permits.
• Low noise and recoil.
• High power reserve reaching 100 J.
• The ability to work even in an explosive environment, with high humidity, as well as in a confined space.
• Light weight - no more than 3 kg.
• High speed - 3 rounds per minute.
• Reliability and ease of operation and maintenance.
• Compact dimensions.
• Affordable price that allows anyone to purchase this tool.

Hydraulic breakers

Hydraulic breakers

Demolition hammers are nowadays the most effective tool for breaking various hard materials. The hydraulic breaker is superior in performance to the gasoline breaker, pneumatic and electrical models, and belongs to the category of a professional tool. The hydraulic tool features high performance, no harmful exhaust gases and low noise levels. The small weight of the hammer allows you to work with it by weight. This type of tool has no problems when working in subzero temperatures, because the hydraulic oil is heated by circulation. The rubbing parts constantly lubricated during operation ensure long-term and reliable operation, and the hermetically sealed system excludes the ingress of dirt and dust particles into it.

The main characteristics that determine the choice of a hydraulic breaker include:

- Impact force (J).

An indicator that determines the range of materials with which you can work with a particular model of a jackhammer.

- The frequency of blows (Beats / min).

The indicator is inversely related to the impact force. With great strength, there can be no high frequency and vice versa.

- Hammer weight (kg).

More weight allows for the heaviest work.

Conventionally, hydraulic breakers can be divided into four classes.

1.

Demolition hammers with impact force up to 25 J. Used for finishing works, removing old ceramic tiles and plaster. The moderate weight of the tool provides ease of use and reduces fatigue.

2.

Demolition hammers with impact force up to 50 J. Universal models used in construction and repair work. Suitable for creating an opening in a concrete or brick wall, for demolishing concrete and asphalt. Also used in rescue operations.

3.

Demolition hammers with impact force up to 70 J. Designed for destruction of structures made of reinforced concrete, brickwork, asphalt, semi-rock and frozen ground. They are widely used in the dismantling of buildings and structures.

4.

Demolition hammers with an impact force of over 70 J. They are used for the most difficult work on the destruction of foundations, bridges, and airfield runways. This class can be described as concrete breakers.

Hydraulic breakers Atlas Copco (Sweden).

Atlas Copco offers a wide range of hydraulic breakers for every job. The impact force is 25 ÷ 125 J. The weight of the hammers is 15.5 ÷ 39 kg. Impact frequency 1400 ÷ 2550 beats / min. In addition to hammers, there is a hammer drill for drilling holes with a diameter of up to 50 mm and a depth of 6 m. Atlas Copco hydraulic stations, with an oil flow of 20-40 l / min and a pressure of 95-140 bar, ensure reliable and trouble-free operation of the jackhammers. Specialized working tool for demolition hammers has high strength and durability. The list of interchangeable tools includes: digging chisel and shovel, asphalt cutter, ramming rod, wedge chisel, tamper and other tips.

Hydraulic breakers HYCON (Denmark).

HYCON hydraulic breakers are the professional choice. High performance, reliability and ease of use - qualities inherent to HYCON tools. Only the best and most durable materials are used in the manufacture of the jackhammers to ensure unique functionality and low wear. The impact force of HYCON jackhammers is 22 ÷ 130 J. The weight of the hammers is 9.9 ÷ 29.4 kg. The frequency of blows is 1260 ÷ 2100 beats / min. The HYCON HRD 20 rotary hammer is the only tool with built-in compressed air purging and four settings. Hole diameters up to 45 mm and up to approx. 3 m deep. The HYCON range of hydraulic power packs meets all the requirements for high-quality power sources for any job.

Chicago Pneumatic hydraulic jackhammers (USA).

Chicago Pneumatic hydraulic tools are all about first class results and customer satisfaction. This is the easiest and most effective job. The impact force of the CP jackhammers is 25 ÷ 125 J. The weight of the hammers is 12.6 ÷ 39.1 kg. Impact frequency 1400 ÷ 2300 beats / min. The list of tools includes two models of perforator - manual and mounted on the boom of a mini-excavator. The diameter of the holes they make is 50 mm and the depth is up to 6 m. Chicago Pneumatic hydraulic stations used to power tools are small in size and can be easily transported by road.

How to use a jackhammer?

When buying a tool of any configuration, it is important to know how to work with a jackhammer:

Before switching on, it is important to make sure that the instrument is visually in good working order.
The engine is turned on only after the lance has been positioned at right angles to the surface to be dismantled.
For better control of the tool, the hands are compressed with minimal force, and the hammer is moderately pressed against the surface.
You need to crush in small pieces, without immediately capturing large areas. Otherwise, the peak can get stuck in faults.
If the lance is still stuck, you can remove it by smoothly shaking the instrument.
During operation, it is important to regularly check the presence of grease in the bumper barrel.
After turning off, the hammer is pressed against the work surface until the striker stops completely.
The work is completed by extracting the lance, cleaning the tool from dust and removing contaminated oil from the chuck.

Jackhammer types

The percussion instrument is used to carry out a wide front of work, from which several varieties of it have been developed, suitable for a specific situation. One of the important division criteria is the weight of the device:

1. Light hammers weighing up to 6 kg are used for minor household repairs: dismantling plaster, tiles.
2. Models of the middle weight category have a mass of 5 to 10 kg. They are used on horizontal surfaces to dismantle more durable coatings: asphalt, monolithic concrete structures.
3. Heavy devices weighing from 10 to 30 kg are used for dismantling large buildings, foundation and earthworks.

The tool and the type of drive differ. Available for sale:

• electric or cordless jackhammer;
• pneumatic model;
• hydraulic tool;
• a device that runs on gasoline.

Electric jackhammer

The principle of operation of electrical models is based on the conversion of electrical potential and depends on the built-in electric motor. Their design is aimed at high impact power, that is, for breaking coverings and walls. Electric models are not suitable for drilling and cutting metal. Work with an electric jackhammer can be carried out:

1. From standard power supply ... Such devices with double insulation are convenient for repairs in a house or apartment.
2. Battery ... The devices are used where it is not possible or convenient to use a standard power cord.

Pneumatic Breaker

The most common type is the pneumatic jackhammer. The tool is driven by a plug-in compressor. Compressed air exerts pressure on the chisel, with the help of which almost any material is destroyed. The tool is indispensable for dismantling concrete brick walls, creating openings and recesses. The air jackhammer can have different power, from which the scope of its application will also differ:

1. Devices with a low power of 5 J are used in household repairs.
2. More powerful models of 10-100 J are used by professionals for dismantling old asphalt pavements, dismantling stone structures.

Petrol Demolition Hammer

Due to the combustion of fuel (gasoline or diesel fuel), a benzo jackhammer works. The pluses of the variety include work anywhere, because there is no connection to the power supply network. It has high productivity and maximum speed of work, so the devices are applicable for crushing concrete, asphalt, icy soil and mining. The gasoline jackhammer also has a number of disadvantages:

1. High noise level during operation.
2. The need for regular refueling.
3. Low class of environmental safety, because when gasoline is burned, toxic exhaust gases are emitted.

Hydraulic Breaker

The advantages of all the above models are combined in a hydraulic device.This jackhammer is powered by a dedicated hydraulic power pack, with characteristics that meet the highest global performance and safety standards. The device has:

1. Convenience of work in any conditions due to low weight and no connection to a power source. A hydraulic jackhammer is often part of a rescue kit.
2. High performance.
3. Low noise level during operation.
4. Environmental and fire safety.

Criteria for selecting a hammer

The high energy charge and the rather large mass of individual devices make it necessary to pay attention not only to the purely technical characteristics of jackhammers. Also evaluated for non-obvious factors such as ergonomics and layout

Impact energy

As mentioned above, it is not recommended to use jackhammers to destroy reinforced concrete or cement monoliths with a low sand content in the solution. Carrying out such work will not only lead to low productivity, but also cause high wear and tear, and, therefore, the need for spending on repairs.

You need to choose the optimal model according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you need to get a guaranteed result, it is recommended to research thematic forums or ask the advice of experienced builders.

Weight and dimensions

Evaluate jackhammer weight and the size of the device is a purely individual process. The tool is selected based on habits, mode of operation (time of activity - rest), usual indicators of free space for manipulation

However, you should pay attention to the weight distribution of the device. The closer the center of gravity is to the leading hand, the less fatigue accumulates during the necessary tool movements

Materials (edit)

All materials in the construction of the device must be as strong and reliable as possible. No plastic is allowed for gearbox elements. But some manufacturers are not aware of this. Therefore, each product should be examined as carefully as possible before purchasing, so as not to encounter a breakdown literally in the first hour of work. The main thing is not to skimp on the tool of reliable brands.

Ergonomics

The design of the jackhammer should ensure zero deviation of the tool axis upon impact and its fixation in the hand as rigidly as possible.

1. The handle of the hammer should have a straight cut at the grip.
2. The grip zone should be located on the axis of the impact impulse application.
3. If the tool has two handles (heavy, concrete breakers) - they should be located on the same line, perpendicular to the axis of impact, with hand grips at an equal distance from the center.

Any handle has a start button. The location of this element should be such that the grip is not loosened for pressing or switching. The same applies to any controls. None of them should cause a need to shift attention or change the mechanics of tool control.