Demolition Hammer is not a Drilling Machine. Demolition Hammers are used to break anything in its way. It can break rocks, concrete, tiles and all those hard materials. In other words they can perform Chipping operations. There are two types. One work on compressed air known to be Jack Hammers and the others work on electricity and which is being explained below.
If your job involves minor chipping on concrete, then I suggest you try Hammer Drills first. Almost all the Rotary Hammer Drills above 24mm* capacity have ‘Hammer Only’ function. For most DIYers, this might be sufficient. If you are a professional in the civil industry, and your daily job involves chipping and demolition, then buying Rotary Hammer Drills doesn’t make any sense. You need a demolition hammer itself. Here is the article to get you started on Demolition Hammers. This article explains their specifications for practical usage.
If you are looking for a drilling machine, I would suggest you to first follow this article on Drilling Machine Buying Guide.
Not all the Demolition Hammers have the same Shank. Chipping bit design varies from machine to machine. Most standard shank used in Breaker Machines under 7 kgs is the ‘SDS Max’ Type. You might have heard SDS+ which is used in 90% of Rotary Hammer Drills. Demolition hammers are also called as Breaker Machines. So don’t get confused if I mention ‘Breaker’.
Electric Demolition Hammer Specifications
Power
This is the first thing you should consider more than any other specs. More the power, more will be its impact. Whatever may be the weight of the machine, if there is not enough power in the machine to utilize it, you won’t get the desired result. If you are holding the machine horizontal, you will sooner get tired carrying that weight.
Weight
This is the second most important factor to buy a Demolition Hammer. Generally weight is mentioned on the machine according to EPTA procedure (2003,2009,2014). More the weight, the impact energy will also be higher. While using the machine vertically on the floor, it is easy to handle any amount of weight. While using the machine in any intricate angles on the wall, the operator will feel the weight of the machine.
More the weight, the machine will have higher power requirements too and can accomplish the job very fast. In some areas where complete demolition is required, heavy weight hammers will be more suited.
For minor chipping/ demolition, it is not a good idea to use heavy weight hammers. Because the hammer force will damage a larger area than expected. It is not easy to control the force exerted while holding the machine. So, for indoor usage, 5 kg hammers might be sufficient.
Impact Energy
This is the amount of Force the machine outputs for one stroke. This will be measured in Joules. Impact energy is a factor of weight of the machine. For DIY and Professional Work, this factor is least important. People always buy machines that can be easily serviced.
In India, Demolition workers work on contract basis. Jobs are to be completed within time limit. No one wants a machine with no spares available.
Types of Demolition Hammers
If you are reading this from India, let me inform you there are only 3 types of Demolition hammers or Breakers sold widely sold in the Market. Well, there are other types too. But that is too professional.
The first type is the basic 5 kg hammer. It is the cheapest among all Breaker machines. It is widely used for creating slots in the wall for passing wires, pipe plumbing works and chipping on ceilings. Since it weighs less, it can be used for longer durations. Repair is very easy. Parts are easily available. This 5 kg hammer needs Grease for lubrication. Not Oil. Just a tip, if you own this, do not overfill the grease. But before that, buy the right type of Demolition Hammer Grease.
The next upgrade and the best choice for heavy usage is the old and gold mighty 65 Model. Originally designed by Makita/ Hitachi couple of decades ago. Now every brand has their own name for the 65 Hammer. Whatever the name, the name still includes ’65’. This makes people aware that it is the same machine and people are less worried about parts availability.
As said, this is very professional, it weights at least 15 kgs. Using this machine needs a proper tactic. Well, you can’t lift 15kgs all day long with its heavy vibrations make the weight even heavier to handle. The point here is, you need energy just to lift and give the cutting edge a point on the wall, where it can rest and continue its breaking work. In India every professional building demolisher workers have and are still using this powerful machine.
In this case, the moving parts need oil for lubrication. The chisel bits used have a different shank design. Just mention that the machine is 65 model, you get the right ones. Like said, it was originally designed by Makita is the 80’s.
The problem with 65 model is its vibrations. The next upgrade for the above is the premium 11E machine. This machine was originally developed by Bosch. The design is such that it creates lesser vibrations which comforts the user to work for longer durations. The machine is designed such that, even if it weighs less, its impact energy is still greater. Nowadays all other brands have their own version of the 11E Model. Hence finding parts is not at all a problem. This machine requires less maintenance as the 5kg hammer.
If these are not enough, then go and buy yourself a 35HP Tractor with Compressor Attachment. Air Demotion hammers are most powerful among all. Air tools are Cheap and easy to maintain. Just like Air Impact Wrench. All this will cost you a one time investment of at least 8 Lakhs or Used under 5 Lakhs.
Maintenance
Apart from brushes for electric ones, the most important maintenance factor which improves the life of a demolition hammer is regular oiling for moving parts. Follow the Manufacturers Data and the machine will last longer. This is it. I hope you got the point.