Best demolition hammer. A demolition hammer is a pretty noisy machine for breaking concrete in construction projects. The length is usually about 32 inches long, and the look is bulky and heavy.
When the tool is operating, it will kick up much dust and debris, and the floor vibrates. On the front side, there is a long bit about one inch in diameter.
A demolition hammer is used to remove surface material, chipping, breaking brick, breaking tile floor, breaking concrete, masonry, breaking asphalt, and driving ground rods. The hammer action can break into concrete, rip up pavements, asphalt, and breaks into tough stone.
There are a wide variety of demolition hammer styles and sizes in the market. These tools are bulky and oversized.
A wide variety of bits are available to break into the most rigid material. Finding the right demolition hammer can be challenging. You must discover the factors to consider before purchasing the best demolition hammer.
What is a demolition hammer?
When it comes to masonry work, brick and concrete demolition hammers can be useful. The tool is designed for the professional contractor for vibrational absorption to padded gripping. The tool is a versatile piece of equipment to do tough jobs easy.
A demolition hammer is a powerful tool for breaking down large walls made of concrete. In the market today, there are many styles and sizes that you can select.
The tool can be used on any bulky and thick material and concrete walls. The demolition hammer uses a bit to pound the surface of thick material or concrete, which breaks it into pieces.
It is recommended to utilize a demolition hammer properly. Improper use may cause severe property damage.
Uses of the demolition hammer
Restoration work
When you have a restoration project, you sometimes face the problem of demoing through rigid brick and concrete. You may use a rotary hammer or hammer drills, but they are not enough and efficient.
The size of the tool for breaking concrete, breaking tile floor, and breaking brick depends on the job at hand. If you use a small size hammer, you could damage the hammer to finish the demolition job.
You can use demolition hammers to provide ease in concrete foundations and brick exteriors to handle the job. This is a powerful tool that is versatile enough to make tough demolitions a breeze.
Driveway replacement or driveway repair
You will feel convenient when you are replacing the driveway or just repair the driveway. Using a demolition hammer, it would be an easier task of chipping away at concrete. It is the proper safety equipment choice in no time at all.
Driving ground rods
Ground rods are safely grounding electrical currents. The ground rods are a way of transportation from the main electricity source using a connector and wiring.
It will be challenging work if you do not have the proper tools. The ground rod is eight-feet in length and has to be driven into the ground to prevent hazards.
With that much length, the ground may contain concrete and solid rocks. Utilizing a demolition hammer can finish the job much more comfortable.
The benefits of using a demolition hammer
You can save time to complete projects when you own a demolition hammer. You can finish the exact result required by the project using a demolition hammer that comes with a variable speed dial.
The main benefit of a demolition hammer is the higher power levels you will get. The handheld power tool can handle masonry or concrete removal needs.
Many models are equipped with a slow-start function to make it easier to chip stuff out with the chisel. The length of a demolition hammer is longer than the rotary hammer.
The long length can help you achieve up to twice the length. When you stand back from brick or concrete when drilling it, chips may jump out to strike your body.
Factor to consider when purchasing a demolition hammer
Motor power and performance
Many demolition hammers are an electric-powered unit. You need to understand the power rating, which is very vital. The higher the power rating can result in higher performance.
A 3,600-watt electric demolition hammer can provide 1,900 impacts per minute at 55 feet/pound. This means that you can break up the hardest of concrete or brick.
Impact force is given in foot-pounds (foot/pounds). A good demolition hammer can deliver from 20 foot/pounds to 60 foot/pounds.
The impact rate
BPM or blows per minute is the number of impacts the demolition hammer action can produce. These figures range from 1,100 to 1,800 BPM.
The right balance of power and weight is what is essential. It is not a case of more significant numbers of weight being more powerful. A 65-pound demolition hammer has much weight behind each blow. The BPM is lower than a lighter demolition hammer model.
A 45-pound tool delivering 50 feet/pounds has a higher force than a 35-pound tool producing 30 foot/pounds. The lower force demolition hammer is more manageable on asphalt, which is softer than brick or concrete.
Chisel size
There is a chisel on a demolition hammer responsible for the demo process. Some of these models have a one ¾ inch chisel, while other models have a one ¼ inch chisel. To get better performance, you should choose the larger chisel size.
Things to prepare before using a demolition hammer
Plastic cover
Shrapnels and concrete can fly during the demo that may damage windows, siding, or other areas. It is recommended for you to design a controlled environment.
You can avoid the flying material by installing a plastic sheet (polyethylene) over the concrete or brick. The installed plastic cover can trap dust and catch shrapnel for a safer workspace.
Make sure the polyethylene is in place while you demo the concrete. If you are working within the plastic cover, you are keeping people around safe from scattered concrete.
Teamwork
Breaking concrete has many things with the proper tools or devices. Other than that, you will need a supporting crew to finish your demo job.
The teamwork of two people consists of one person to hammer and the other person to pry. As one person breaks up the concrete, the other pries apart the pieces.
That would be good teamwork and a faster demo process. Teamwork will help form deep cracks, not grinding away at the surface or layer.
The work
The team can begin at the corners and break up toward the center of the concrete. Hit once on one spot to avoid only chipping the surface.
If you do not do this, the concrete will be challenging to break. Let’s say one area does not crack. Go to the other area until you form a fracture.
Use a mattock or pickaxe, or pry bar, to loosen and pry apart the broken concrete pieces. Clear every section as you demo because chunks can still lock together.
If you do not clear, it would be hard to break up any material. Please work with the pointed end of a mattock to disconnect or disengage the pieces through their cracks.
Push the chunks apart. Use the blade to transport away the material.
Eliminate any wiring or rebar
Various concrete slabs are reinforced with steel to strengthen the material and to resist damage. You must cut the wires that hold the material together to break up the concrete.
Cut the rebar or the wires, break up the slab into small chunks. You can use bolt or wire cutters to cut the wires. Use a reciprocating saw to cut any rebar.
The disposal
After you break up the concrete, you need to check your local recycling regulations to discover where you can take the waste material. You may have to pay an amount fee that accepts waste, but some may accept the waste for free.
The fee may be higher if you have steel or rebar in the rubble. To transport the waste material, you will need a truck. If you do not own a truck, you can always rent a truck to transport the waste.
Protective gear
Because there is a danger when working on a demolition project, you need to make sure you ear your protective gear or personal protective equipment (PPE).
Head protection
You have to protect the head from injury due to flying concrete or flying bricks. Hard hats, helmets, and other forms of head protection must be worn at all times on a demolition job site.
A head protector is made of carbon fiber or hardened plastic to keep them free of electrical conductivity, lightweight, and cool. These head protectors are usually of vibrant color to add visibility to other people or workers. Hardhats come in different styles and sizes, like a construction worker’s style.
Work boot
It is very hard to keep a demolition job site clean. Wires, steel, concrete, cement, and probably metal are scattered on the ground.
You need to protect yourself adequately to avoid injury. Demolition workers are outfitted with work boots that contain specialized toe protection and sole.
These work boots are comfortable and supportive of keeping the foot safe at all times during the demolition day in, day out.
Gloves
Whether you are just operating a demolition hammer or mattock, hand protection is crucial. These work gloves serve many functions on a demolition job site.
Sturdy work gloves keep your hands safe from abrasions and injury from sharp concrete or rough brick. Work gloves will provide extra grip on the tools and materials.
Goggles or protective sunglasses
Demolition job sites are dusty and dirty. When you transport these waste materials out of the job site, dust and debris fly into the air.
Proper eye protection is a must for any demolition job site. These goggles or protective sunglasses will protect the eyes from flying concrete or dust or debris or brick.
Protective filtering respirators
You can get sick inhaling airborne dust and debris. Your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs can get respiratory ailments ranging from lung cancer, asthma, and a cough. It is highly recommended to wear protective filtering respirators to avoid damage to health.
Tools
Besides demolition hammers, you need to purchase other tools to help with the work.
You have to have a heavy-duty wheelbarrow to transport the rubble. You can choose between purchasing or renting a powered wheelbarrow or heavy machinery if you need to finish the job efficiently.
These are some other tools need in the demolition job site.
Top 12 demolition hammer comparison chart
5 best demolition hammer reviews
1. Makita Demolition Hammer HM1203C 20-Pound SDS Max
This Makita demolition hammer provide 12 different bit angle positions to choose from. As with any other demolition hammer model, this product only needs low maintenance.
There would be no time to waste to maintain the product. It is powered by a 14-amp motor that can provide 950-1900 BPM (blows per minute) and deliver 25.5 joules of impact energy.
With such power, the Makita demolition hammer can break up almost any kind of hard material. The tool weighs only 20 pounds, so you can easily operate and maneuver with the tool effortlessly.
For precision and control, it is equipped with the soft-start feature to suppress start-up reaction. When you need to adjust to the exact pace required, the tool has a variable speed control dial that will make it possible for the adjustment.
2. Bosch Demolition Hammer 11316EVS SDS-Max
The Bosch Demolition Hammer 11316EVS is a high-quality hammer that is powered by a 14-amp motor. The motor can provide the impact energy of 12.4 foot/pounds and up to 1,890 BPM (blows per minute).
Rigid materials and tough concrete can be demolished with this tool. According to your reference, if you want the speed, this tool has a variable-speed dial to serve that.
While you are demolishing, the Bosch demolition hammer product can provide a constant response circuitry made to maintain steady speed under heavy load.
There is also the SDS-max bit system that plays an essential role in changing the bit.
3. Bauer Demolition Hammer 12.5 Amp SDS Max Type Pro (1631E-B)
This Bauer demolition hammer 1631E-B is a very powerful electric corded hammer that works great to handle rough surfaces and concrete materials. A 12.5-amp motor powers the tool, and it is equipped with a speed control dial to adjust the pace you want.
With such power, you can operate the tool with ease. You will not feel fatigued because it features shock-absorbent and anti-vibration technology.
You can have more comfort with the adjustable handle at a 360-degree angle. The Bauer demolition hammer has an impact energy of 18 foot/pounds and an impact rate of 1,900 BPM.
4. DEWALT Demolition Hammer, SDS MAX with Shocks, (D25901K)
This corded electric DeWalt demolition hammer D25901 is designed for chasing, chipping, and demolition applications. This tool can handle various masonry materials, such as stone, brick, and tough concrete.
The motor can provide a 19-setting variable impact control. This control gives impact energy of 3.7 and 18.5 foot/pounds. It also makes a sure accurate impact on the application.
You can be sure that this tool can provide serviceability, comfort, performance, and durability on the job site. A heavy-duty 14-amp motor powers it.
Performance and power
The D25901K from DeWalt provides a variable impact control dial of 19 different settings. This tool can give a user to start softly on contact and retain maximum performance throughout any demolition application under load.
DeWalt demolition hammer is equipped with spring-loaded dust seals to protect from contaminants and ingress from penetrating the tool. It is a non-air pumping beat piece to prevent debris from being vacuumed into the hammer mechanism.
This dust protection feature can lead to longer tool life.
Convenience and comfort
A sizeable rear rubber handle can operate the tool with one or two hands. You can adjust chisel rotation to reposition into 12 different orientations using your hand.
This tool features active vibration control to help reduce user fatigue. The side handle has a 150-degree lateral adjustment for flexible handle configuration options and can rotate 360-degrees around the tool.
The warranty
The De Walt demolition hammer comes with a three-year limited warranty and a two-year free service contract. It means that DeWalt will maintain the tool and replace damaged or worn parts caused by normal use without charge.
5. Hitachi Demolition Hammer H65SD3 1-1/8″ Hex 38 pound with AHB and UVP
This Hitachi demolition hammer H65SD3 can help any construction professionals to complete the most challenging and demanding jobs with ease. The tool is providing a high-quality demolition performance.
The UVP (User Vibration Protection) technology allows you to work more efficiently and reduce downtime from vibration. Its Aluminum Housing Body (AHB) can provide extra durability and can withstand job site abuse.
The big switch with a lock-on of this Hitachi demolition hammer helps reduce fatigue and enhances usability. This tool has an inline design, which is the perfect choice for removing tile from walls or floors or demolishing rigid concrete.
Hitachi demolition hammer is a multi-use tool suitable for tamping soil or cutting asphalt or tamping gravel or tamping asphalt and loosening soil.