Best Overall
Bosch Jack 35-Pound 1⅛-Inch Hex Breaker Hammer
Best Bang For The Buck
Vevor Demolition Jackhammer
Best Versatility
Makita 23-Pound SDS‑MAX AVT Demolition Hammer
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When home improvement require demolition — whether remove concrete , asphalt , walls , or roofing tile floor — a pneumatic hammer is thetoolof selection . Jackhammers used to be tools that only professional used , but they now come in a salmagundi of sizes and price point , making them more approachable to everyone . Since so much has change , we explore more than a dozen air hammer and try four to help you find the right one for your next bountiful project . We also selected four additional products to consider , based on their exceptional feature .
TheBosch Jack 35 - pound 1⅛ ” Hex Breaker Hammertops our list for its sheer mogul and sturdiness . After our trial , we think there is n’t a occupation that this demolition electric hammer ca n’t palm . However , the Bosch is n’t the only one we like . This guide let in more top picks for a range of jobs in addition to some important proficient and functioning return to consider when shopping . Read on to discover our testing results and find the expert jackhammer for your motive .
Our Top Picks
Each of the follow tools is the best jackhammer in its class . Titles help reflect performance and have been provided so you may chop-chop focus on the correct resolution for your indigence .
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Maneuverability4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Although it was one of the heavier tools essay at 38 pounds , we still found the Bosch manageable . In our tests , it broke up material easily with an impact force of 22 pes - pounding and 1,300 blows per mo ( bpm ) . The air - cushioned vibration - ascendancy system and jar - take in top hold help ease the effect on the wheeler dealer , but it still may be somewhat jarring , especially for users of pocket-size stature . One of the good feature is the second handle , which can be adjusted at various angles so the user can asseverate command in a diversity of place . We also appreciated the inflexible carrying sheath with wheel to easily transport the pneumatic hammer to the work site .
A well - work up tool with a toll tag to jibe , the Bosch is a powerhouse . While it may be more than needed for small-scale line of work , it ’s well - suited to the needs of contractors or even homeowner who have several demolition jobs on their to - do leaning . The Bosch only include the star point chisel , so it may be necessary to buy additional bits to inflate the use of this mallet .
What our tester says:“When I start this one up I knew it could obliterate anything . It went through concrete , mineral pitch , everything I bemuse at it without an effort on my part . I felt like I acquire the major power of an industrial jackhammer without being shaken to pieces . ” — John Tropp , main contractile organ , Pottsville , PA
Get the Bosch pneumatic hammer atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Maneuverability5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value5/5
When we learned that the Vevor was under $ 100 , we had doubts about how effective it would be , but we were pleasantly surprised with this modest jackhammer . We test it on small sections of concrete , asphalt , and cinder blocks and it wield to break them all , but we would n’t sour to this tool for extensive job like demolish an intact driveway .
At just 18 pound this was a air to evasive action , and because it is so lightweight , the Vevor would be an idealistic selection when doing indoor or precision work . We sense it would be great for a job such as take up a tile floor or a small section of a pavement . Although it is small , we had no problems with the motor overheating and get hold it well-fixed to switch bit .
Photo: Joddi Webb for Bob Vila
The Vevor include a full kit of accessories , including some personal guard equipment — perfect for those newfangled to plate renovations . Along with a vapid chisel and full point chisel , it also follow with filth , goggles , a dust mask , and gloves .
On the downside , the computer storage lawsuit , which was otherwise adequate , arrived with a broken clip . At this ace - low-cost Leontyne Price dot , however , we ’re willing to chalk it up to jolting manipulation during shipping . The corduroy was on the short side but commit that this jackhammer is designed for lighter - duty , small job , the length is not a major drawback .
For pocket-size to average jobs , the Vevor is a capable , light - to - handle jackhammer at a great price .
Photo: Joddi Webb
Get the Vevor jackhammer atAmazonorVevor .
Our Ratings : Setup5/5;Maneuverability4.5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Build Quality4.75/5 ; Value4.8/5
While the 23 - pound Makita only come with one number ( bull point ) , we constitute it the most versatile because it proffer the best of both world . It handle like a little tool , pull off to be easy to hold and easy to guide with both a rear and adjustable side handle , yet it still has heavy - duty construction and the big businessman for larger jobs .
Photo: Аmazon
We see its might when it easily busted up concrete , but when we moved on to testing in mineral pitch we want to see how promiscuous it would be to control . We found that despite the power and force of the Makita we were still able-bodied to control it well enough to make a accurate line cut .
We were impressed by several extra features . The soft offset give the user good control that can make precision work easier , while the adjustable speeds can be fix to match unlike chore and cloth . It also has a soft no - load function to reduce the motor speed when it is not in use , increase the lifespan of the tool . The Makita also flashes warning lights when there is a switch or corduroy problem and when the brushes need to be replaced . It includes a sturdy carrying case . With the additional leverage of SDS - MAX moment , this tool can tackle a all-embracing variety of jobs .
The Makita is an investment , but considering its potential and the extra features , we regard it well deserving it for anyone who performs panoptic destruction .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Makita jackhammer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Gas-Powered
Yescom 32.7cc 2-Stroke Gas-Powered Jackhammer
Our Ratings : Setup4/5;Maneuverability4/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
An electric pneumatic hammer seems like the pure tool , but galvanizing tools tether the user to a cord and potentially a generator , depending on the work site . When a job is too far from a power outlet or a cord is too much of a hassle , one option is a natural gas - power tool .
We tested the Yescom only for wad drive , as its invention intends . Although useful for instal fencing and other out-of-door structures , this is not for demolition . However , Yescom does tender agas - power demo jackhammerwith bit attachment if standard destruction is part of the projection .
Photo: Amazon
We had no problem driving fencing into dry clay soil because this is a sturdy , muscular machine . It make it with a shaft outfit , two socket sleeve , and two pile heads . matter in at 34 pound , it ’s a challenge to drag the Yescom into place , and the unit is a routine top - heavy in some positions . This tool will require more upkeep than an electrical cock , including keep a gas - oil intermixture on hand , but it can go to places out of the reach of corded shaft at less cost and with more power than a battery - operated model . We also like that it meets Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) expelling prerequisite , though it does not meet the more rigid California Air Resources Board ( CARB ) standard .
Also , although we give the users ’ manual a plus for providing a elaborated part partitioning and the didactics are middling self - discernible , the English interlingual rendition include some ill-chosen diction to sift through .
Get the Yescom jackhammer atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Walmart
More Great Options
There is such a wide compass of jackhammer on the marketplace that we could n’t test them all . But we did n’t want to disregard to introduce you to pecker that may be ideal for your needs . After explore extra models , we encounter that these poser also offer many lucky features .
Best Cordless
Milwaukee MX FUEL Breaker Kit
There are several lightweight cordless jackhammers on the market , but few rightfully high - performance cordless air hammer exist , just because it ’s hard to get sustained gamy power out of a battery multitude . The Milwaukee MX Fuel cordless breaker is an exception . With encroachment vigour of 50 foot - pound , it is actually the most powerful handheld jackhammer on this list . Its 1,300bpm is competitive , too .
Cordless tools are rated by electromotive force rather than by amps or W . destruction drills are typically 24V , and occasionally 36V. The Milwaukee cordless demolition hammer is a 72V model , which goes some mode to explaining the impressive impact statistics . As you would wait from the brand , it is also well made and reliable . Milwaukee claims this barrage fire - powered jackhammer can move 2 ton of fabric per commission , though they do n’t state what material or atmospheric condition . They also say one charge could get the picture a 40 - invertebrate foot oceanic abyss that is 1 foot wide and 6 inch abstruse . Real - reality performance may disagree , but it still impresses . A recharge time of 90 minutes makes a spare bombardment something of a necessity for professional use .
Get the Milwaukee jackhammer atThe Home Depot , Northern Tool + Equipment , orAcme Tools .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best Heavy-Duty
Makita 70-Pound AVT Breaker Hammer
Two things are required to maximise destructive force out : impact DOE and tool weight . That mean promiscuous framework , despite having like performance flesh , ca n’t deliver the straight-out power that this Makita does . The combination of 46.5 ft - pounds and 71.3 pounding of aggregated solvent in quicker , more efficient breaking of concrete and mineral pitch surfaces .
But as we often get a line , power is nothing without ascendency . The Makita jackhammer uses proprietary anti - vibration technology with an undivided equalizer organization so most of the get-up-and-go goes through the chisel and not the exploiter . Wide side handle also grant for good balance and maneuverability .
On some jackhammers , the corduroy can be a simple 6 infantry , which build an extension a necessity . The Makita has an surplus - farseeing power cord—16.4 - pes — so extension will be necessary less often . It also comes with a utile wheeled go-cart for well-situated deportation and a selection of four chisels .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Makita jackhammer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Best Lightweight
XtremepowerUS 3,000bpm 1½-Inch Demolition Hammer
The XtremepowerUS jackhammer weighs just under 20 pounds , ranking it among the lightest tools in its class . Despite its compact dimensions , it has plenty of performance to tender . The 1,000 - watt motor deliver 8 foot - Sudanese pound of impact energy and an highly rapid shock rate of 3,000bpm .
This is a useful tool for concrete break , tile removal , and general demolition of brick and pulley block oeuvre . The ergonomic D - traction main handle and 360 - degree side grip ( which can be removed completely if desired ) bid well-heeled control and manoeuvrability . Two ⅝-inch chisels are included , and it come in a problematical blow - mold causa . The Mary Leontyne Price will make it very attractive to DIYers and to tradespeople who need a pneumatic hammer only now and then .
Get the XtremepowerUS jackhammer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best Maneuverability
TR Industrial TR-300 Demolition Jackhammer
The TR Industrial 100 weighs in at 31 pounds and has an wallop rate of 1,800bpm . With that power , it can handle challenging jobs . The adjustable handle makes it easier to come at a problem from different angles well . In addition to being a lasting creature , it come with everything you involve — except pinna protection . The case stop the jackhammer , chisel ( flat , hex , and spade ) , oil , condom goggles , gloves , and extra carbon brushes .
Get the TR Industrial pneumatic hammer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTR Industrial .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Jackhammers
Our review of the best jackhammer include four that we tested as well as four extra options that we also advocate based on our product research . When selecting the good leveling power hammer for this usher , we study public presentation as well as price , lastingness , and mobility .
bet on thebitsincluded with each Cartesian product , we tested the tools by breaking up concrete , mineral pitch , cinder blocks , brick , and grunge . During these tests , we observed how well the task was accomplished , how long-lasting the dick seemed , any motor or design issues , and the effectuality of refuge feature . We also considered if a tool would be suitable for a cooking stove of jobs if additional fleck were buy .
What to Consider When Choosing a Jackhammer
Jackhammers are very unlike tools than the hook orframing hammersthat many DIYers are used to solve with . It can be difficult to see the proficient jargon and the wallop of various performance figure . The adopt section helps clarify the details provided by manufacturers to make it easier to assess how suitable each mannikin will be for the piece of work you need to do .
Type
There are four different types of pneumatic hammer : hydraulic , pneumatic , accelerator , and galvanizing .
Weight
The system of weights of a jackhammer can be a confusing figure because it can mean two different things . The first is obvious — the actual physical weight unit of the tool . This can diverge substantially . The impenetrable - responsibility Makita jackhammer profiled above weighs more than 70 pounds , whereas the XtremepowerUS is under 20 pound . That can make a big conflict in how tiring it is to apply each jackhammer .
The other path weight is expressed by manufacturers is in terms of the force , or bear upon Department of Energy , the tools deliver . Looking at the Makita again , it is rated as a 70 - hammering shaft . Although often call off a weight , strictly speaking , this touch on to the force use . However , not all companies use this power stipulation , and while it might be useful when comparing pneumatic hammer , it is n’t as exact as the impact evaluation .
Impact Ratings
As with weight , there are two impact form that you will want to take . The first , impact get-up-and-go , is most important in terms of the raw power delivered through the chisel . It could also be seen as the breaking strength . It is given as foot - pounds , often indite as ft.lbs . or ft / lbs . This can be discombobulate when some dick ( like the Makita ) give a pound valuation only . For clearing , the Makita ’s literal impact energy is 46.5 foot - quid , and this is the figure that ought to be looked at when making comparisons .
Second is the encroachment rate , or how tight the power hammer action works . This is devote in C per minute ( beats per minute ) . loose - duty jackhammers often have higher revving motors than bombastic gadget , and therefore a faster wallop pace . It does n’t equate to more breaking power unless the two machines being liken are otherwise the same .
Additional Specifications and Features
Unlike small , preciseness puppet , a jackhammer is normally a large , brute - force tool , and as such , take careful considerateness before buy . direct a close look at some important specification and peculiar feature , listed below , can aid you make the good purchasing decision .
Safety Tips for Using Jackhammers
A jackhammer is not a dangerous tool as such , but the free weight and baron of the breakers can lead to hurt if not treat with some care . The most important thing to do upon purchase one is to read the owner ’s manual of arms , even if you have used similar tools before .
Pay special tending to how to turn the peter off quickly in an emergency . Also , follow maintenance rule of thumb . A jackhammer that malfunctions because it has n’t been looked after decently can induce serious safety issues .
FAQs
We ’ve covered the subject of jackhammer and the various performance options in considerable depth . Although we ’ve reviewed the technical face of these powerful tool in detail , inquiry on pneumatic hammer purchase revealed a few interrogative sentence of a more general nature . The answers to those have been provided below .
The type of hammer used for demolition can have several dissimilar names . The term “ air hammer ” applies to all of them , though it is most often used for big upright tools . They are also cry breaker hammers . Lighter , more manageable models might be called demolition hammers orrotary power hammer drills .
The jackhammer size of it you ask depend on the type of work you ’re undertaking . The 70 - Irish pound Makita featured above is designed for heavy - obligation applications like breaking up large areas ofconcreteor mineral pitch . The Bosch is a great world-wide - determination tool , and the XtremepowerUS is soft to handle for small jobs indoors or out .
Photo: Amazon
The term “ jackhammer ” can be apply to a number of unlike tool . diehard might argue that a jackhammer is used erect , and a demolitionhammeris used horizontally . However , as can be look above , there are a number of crossovers . Focusing on the tool ’s capability is more important than the name it has been throw .
To determine how hefty a jackhammer will be as a concrete removal tool , think its weight . The standard rule is 10 Irish punt of tool for every in of concrete . you may also consider the cock ’s impact DOE . pocket-sized to average task need 15 to 22 foot - pounds while larger job ask 30 to 45 infantry - pounds .
Some experts recommend a uninterrupted luminance spray of water at the item where the spot strikes the concrete to suppress airborne junk which can be hazardous if inhaled . Simply wet the concrete before start the job is not enough . Another option is to report the region with 6 - mil polythene sheeting ; the wallop will break the concrete through the sheeting , but it will keep the dust and debris down .
Photo: Joddi Webb for Bob Vila
pic to concrete dust can damage lungs so mask should always be worn on every destruction job .
by and large , removing a square foot of concrete 4 inches compact takes 2 to 5 bit , and a 100 - straight - infantry expanse 3 to 8 hour . Factors including manipulator experience , concrete reinforcement , and obstacle such as trees or underground tobacco pipe will tempt the timing .
Meet the Tester
Jodi Webb is a DIYer who test product with her contractile organ hubby so lector get the advantages of both an expert ’s and DIYer ’s viewpoint .
Additional research supply by Bob Beacham .
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