In this article we focus on helping you choose the best demolition hammer for your specific type of projects and budget. We’ve chosen 4 excellent models that we feel are worth investing in. Beyond that, we educate you on things to consider when buying a demolition hammer, such as : How many pounds of force do I need? and, for the less-experienced, what does impact energy (joules) mean?
A demolition hammer is a noisy machine that’s used in construction work to break concrete. It’s big, about 32 inches long and it looks heavy. When it’s working, the floor vibrates, and it kicks up a lot of dust. It uses a long bit that’s about an inch in diameter which does not rotate. It either uses compressed air or electricity as a power source. They often call the electric model an electro-pneumatic or rotary-hammer. Mostly because it has an electric motor which rotates a crank that drives a piston in a sleeve.
The demolition hammer has two pistons, a drive piston and a free flight piston. The crank moves the drive piston back and forth compressing the air between it and the flight piston within the same cylinder. The drive piston never touches the flight piston which then propels the flight piston against a striker which drives the drill bit forward with force.
9.5 ft./lbs. of Impact Energy | DEWALT D25831K
Ideal For : Work on concrete and masonry walls, floor and wall channeling, and removing plaster and tile from floors, walls and ceilings.
Applications & Uses | Demolition Hammer
You use a demolition hammer to demolish things. To remove surface material, for general chipping, breaking concrete and masonry, breaking asphalt, driving ground rods, breaking up floor tiles, and more. It’s an effective demolition tool with a powerful hammer action that break into concrete, rip up pavements or asphalt and break into hard rock. The manufacturers make demolition hammers available in a variety of styles and sizes. These machines are big and heavy, mid-sized demolition hammers start at around 10 pounds, going up to 75 pounds.
A variety of interchangeable bits are available to break into the material. Pointed chisels for chipping and chiseling that’s used for demolition work and breaking rocks. Wide flat chisels for surface smoothing, scaling and tile removing. Bushing tips to roughen up surfaces and remove excess concrete. Many more specialized tips provide additional functionality. Not all demolition hammers use the same tip connection ends.
Popular tip connection ends are TE-C (SDS-plus), TE-H28 (HEX 28), TE-S and TE-Y (SDS-max). You must know which tips you need for your demolition hammer because they are not interchangeable.
Impact Energy & Joules | What does it mean?
You will find that some manufacturers refer to demolition hammers as jack hammers. They also tend to confuse things more by rating the energy efficiency of demolition hammers either in Joules or foot pounds. For quick conversions remember that 10 Joules = 7.38 foot pounds. The immediate, unanswered need, is to understand the meaning of energy ratings. Practically, what will you be able to do with a 35 Joule demolition hammer?
A foot pond force energy is what you will transfer to a chisel when hitting it with a one pound hammer with one foot travel. It does not sound like much, but keep in mind that the machine hits the chisel around 1000 times per minute. And you are applying some of your weight behind it as well .
The following examples of demolition hammers from 25 to 80 pounds weight will give you some feeling of their capabilities. The lighter tools are for use on vertical surfaces like a concrete wall because you hold up the machine to use it. At the same time, you cope with the breaking energy of the tool. The heavy tools used for heavy structural demolition rely on the weight of the machine to assist with the demolition work.
- A 25.1 pounds demolition hammer can have 17 foot pounds of energy and 1700 bpm. Light but powerful enough to use for wall demolition and rock faces of difficult excavation.
- 35 pound demolition hammers, with 25.7 foot pounds of energy is still light enough for walls etc. but it can do more. It’s generally used for breaking up concrete and heavy structural demolition, landscape and trench work in floors and walls. Other uses include asphalt removal, driving ground rod and tent stakes.
- The heavier 40 pounds demolition hammer delivers 26 foot pounds energy.
- Bigger machines that weigh 63 pounds, with 1000 BPM and 35 foot pounds impact energy are the mid-sized heavies.
- The big ones, 80 lb. demolition hammers delivering 38 foot pounds of energy, are meant for heavy-duty applications. They easily handle floor trenching for pipes, breaking out stairs or risers, creating openings into shafts, breaking asphalt, loosening or breaking hard packed clay.
How many pounds of force do I need?
Demolition hammers are specifically designed to chip and break out concrete, stone and masonry. Corded electric demolition hammers are available from several manufacturers in weights of approximately 10 to 75 pounds. Tools in the plus-or-minus 20-pound range is powerful yet light enough to chase walls for electrical work and piping.
Some tool users may not understand the distinction between hammer drills, rotary hammers, and demolition hammers. Rotary hammers and hammer drills drill holes. Demolition hammers break the object apart by a hammering action, it is not a drill.
The difference between a hammer drill and rotary hammer is twofold, the rotary hammer is meant for drilling into masonry work. It uses a pneumatic hammer like a demolition hammer to hammer the bit. At the same time, a gear action rotates the bit. Some rotary hammers have three functions; drill only for wood and metal, hammer only for chiseling work and hammer with drill for drilling concrete.
The hammer drill is a normal drill that can drill into wood and metal. They normally have variable speeds, one or two-speed selection, and forward-reverse rotation. It is the smallest and lightest of the three. When you select the hammer drill function, the chuck back-end is in contact with the stationary cam action. As the drill chuck rotates against it, it provides a short distance hammer action as it rises and falls on the cam. We all know the noise it generates. It cannot chisel because the chuck rotates. It is effective for occasional light drilling into masonry but it’s not effective in hard cast concrete.
Another distinction uses hammer classes according to weight, to distinguish between demolition hammer capabilities. In the specifications of a demolition hammer, you will find an entry for Breaker/Demo class. You will notice it is the same as its weight, from 10 to 60 pounds. Another reference is its impact energy which ranges from 5.6 to 43 foot pounds impact energy.
Reviews | Best Demolition Hammer
The products I review cover the light to medium duty range and two heavy weights:
- Bosch DH1020VC : Weight = 25.1 lbs. — 23 Joules or 17 ft./lb. energy, SDS-max bits
- Makita HM1214CX : weighs 27 pounds with 25.7 Joules or 19 foot pound energy and Anti Vibration Technology and SDS-max bits
- Makita HM1307CB : weighs 35 pounds with 34.8 Joules or 25.7 foot pound energy, 1-1/8” Hex shank bits.
- Dewalt D25960K : weighs 40 pounds with 35 joules or 25.8 foot pound energy, 1-1/8” Hex bits.
Demolition hammers use a variety of quick change chucks for attaching chisels. The diameter of the connection varies according to the breaking energy of the tool. For example, the lighter Bosch DH1020VC and Makita HM1214CX both use SDS-max. The heavier Makita HM1214CX and Dewalt D25960K use the 1-1/8″ Hex connection because they transmit more power.
Bosch DH1020VC | Best Demolition Hammer
15 Amp, SDS-max demolition hammer. Weighing 25.1 pounds. Provides 17 Ft./lbs. (23 joules) of impact energy for high powered concrete, tile, and masonry, removal — and more.
Features:
- In-line design – better weight distribution for concrete chiseling and light-duty demolition in horizontal applications
- Best-in-class impact energy – 17 Ft.-Lbs. provides maximum concrete removal for productivity
- Power-to-weight ratio – 15.0 Amp demo hammer delivers 1,700 BPM at 25.1 Lbs. weight
- Vibration Control technology – reduces vibration in hammer mechanism and at handle for improved comfort in all-day demolition applications
- Constant Response circuitry – reliable operation with constant speed under load, soft-start control and overload protection
- Vario-Lock positioning – locks chisel in one of 12 positions for optimized work angle
- 360° auxiliary handle – operator comfort due to a wide range of positioning
- Variable-speed dial – accurate bit starting and controlled chiseling
- SDS-max bit system – ease of use with tool-free bit changes with automatic bit locking and maximum impact-energy transfer rate
- Service light – indicates when preventative maintenance is required
- Padded rear handle – for additional comfort
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Bosch DH1020VC.
Overview
The Bosch DH1020VC demolition hammer accepts SDS-max shanks. This is not the original SDS design of Bosch. The SDS and SDS+ bits are interchangeable and are 10mm (0.3937 inch) in diameter. The SDS max has a diameter of 18 mm or 5/32 inch. The advantage offered by the SDS max chuck is that you simply push the bit into the chuck. There is no need for tightening.
The design of this demolition hammer has the padded shock absorbing handle at the back with another 360° rotating, auxiliary side-handle near the chuck. The weight of the demolition hammer is evenly distributed to give the user excellent control. It has the advantage that both arms carry the same weight. It works equally well when used for downward chiseling of concrete and when holding it in a horizontal position. The motor is a 15 Amp 120 Volt brushed motor. It delivers 17.0 foot pound of impact energy and its maximum rate is 1,700 blows per minute.
This is the lightest demolition hammer in our selection, it weighs only 25.1 pounds. Its weight makes it an excellent choice for using in a horizontal position like chasing walls for piping. Yet it is powerful enough for the job, and its Constant Response circuitry delivers constant power under load. It starts smoothly and offers excellent overload protection.
A variable-speed dial allows the operator to adjust the speed from 900 blows per minute to 1,700 blows per minute. An additional feature used on the drill is the Vario-Lock positioning system that lets you rotate and lock the chisel.
This demolition hammer features the Bosch Vibration Control technology. Bosch reduced vibrations in the hammer mechanism with a longer air pocket and fitted spring loaded shock absorbers at the rear handle.
An LED indicator indicates when you will have to do preventative maintenance soon. When it lights up or blinks, it is an indication that the cut-out carbon brushes will only last for approximately 8 hours use. When the brushes bottom out, the light will go off and the motor will stop running.
The Bosch DH1020VC demolition hammer is 9.0 inches high and 27.5 inches long. With a tip inserted, its downward working position enables an upright stance to reduce fatigue.
Bosch supply the tool in a plastic carrying case. A one year limited warranty covers the demolition hammer, and they will service it within one year of date of purchase. They will perform electrical, safety and performance checks free of charge, and will lubricate and replace worn parts under normal use.
Makita HM1214CX | Best Demolition Hammer
14 Amp corded-electric, AVT Demolition Hammer, accepts SDS‑MAX bits. Weighing 27 pounds. Impact Energy = 25.7 Joules or 19 ft./lb.
Features:
Includes : Side handle, bull point, bit grease, tool case with wheels and 1″ Rotary Hammer
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Makita HM1214CX.
Overview
Roughly 2 pounds heavier than the Bosch, the Makita HM1214CX weighs in at 27 pounds. The Hammer action of the Makita breaker has Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) built in. It’s a counterbalance system that reduces vibration and the impact on the tool user. It uses a spring loaded counter balance that uses air to force it in the opposite direction of travel to the piston. It absorbs some of the force normally passed on to the user and as a result it feels smoother. The rear grip is spring loaded to absorb more of the impact shocks passed on through the demolition hammer.
The HM1214CX has a 14 Amp motor that provides 950 to 1,900 blows per minute and 25.7 Joules impact. In foot pounds that is 19, or only 2 foot pound more than the Bosch. It puts the Bosch DV1020VC and the HM1214CX in the same class. The Makita, like the Bosch, uses an automatic brush cut-off system. It protects the commutator by stopping the motor when the brushes wear out. A warning indicator lamp will warn the user approximately eight hours before it happens.
Makita feel that they reduced the noise levels, but at 102 dB it is as noisy as any demolition hammer. It is therefore important to protect your ears and to ensure that persons nearby do the same. The HM1214CX weighs 27.1 pounds and it delivers 25.7 Joules or 19 foot pound impact energy. It accepts the popular SDS-MAX shank that makes a wide range of bits and breaker hammer accessories available to the owner.
Twelve settings allow you to set the bit to different positions to suit the angle you are working at. It is still the demolition hammer you can hold above your head when working on a wall to let it chip down with its own weight. The large side handle swivels through 360° and places your hand close to the chuck. It ensures that the tool feels balanced and easy to control.
The 16.4 ft. cord is a welcome feature on the HM1214CX that enables you to reach most places without an extension. Landscapers, pool installers, electricians, plumbers, masons, remodelers, and general contractors will all appreciate the long cord. Its powerful 14.0 Amp motor will ensure that the demolition hammer can handle the most demanding applications. The Makita constant speed control automatically increases the power of the motor to maintain speed under load. The same control enables it to do a soft start to suppress the tendency to jump off target during start-up.
The variable speed control dial enables you to adapt the speed from 950 to 1,900 blows per minute. A wide enough range to suit most applications. The Makita HM1214CX demolition hammer has no hammering action when not chipping. It makes it more comfortable to hold the tool and align it to the job. To further ease operations, the one-touch chuck allows you to do quick bit changes.
The well-known Makita Motor Advantage field core has interlocking steel laminations, dual ball bearings, and more copper commutator bars on the armature. The engineers tuned it to deliver, better energy transfer efficiency for more power. With that goes the longer brushes that will extend the time between service intervals.
Tech Specs :
- Blows Per Minute (variable speed) : 950 – 1,900 BPM
- Impact Energy (ft.lbs.) : 19
- Impact Energy (Joules) : 25.7 J
- AMPS : 14
- Noise Level : 101 dB
- Vibration (m/s²) : 8
- Overall Length : 27-1/2″
- Net Weight : 27.1 lbs.
- Bit Type : Accepts SDS-MAX
- Breaker/Demo class : 27
- Power Type : Corded
- Shipping Weight : 60 lbs
Makita HM1307CB | Best Demolition Hammer
Weighing 35 pounds. Impact Energy = 34.8 Joules or 25.7 foot pound
Features:
- Powerful 14 AMP motor delivers 25.7 ft.lbs. of impact energy to handle the most demanding applications
- Constant Speed Control automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain consistent speed under load for the most challenging jobs
- Soft Start suppresses start-up reaction for smoother start-ups and better accuracy
- L.E.D. Service Light notifies the user approximately 8 hours before the brushes need to be replaced
- L.E.D. Power Lights indicate switch failure or cord damage
- Variable Speed control dial enables user to match the speed to the application for greater versatility
- Extended Life Brushes are longer for more work between service intervals and less downtime
- Automatic Brush Cut-Off protects commutator from damage for longer tool life
- “No hammering when idling” function helps increase tool life
- Easy-to-operate slide switch increases productivity and allows for continuous use
- Side-handle swivels 360° for greater control
- Rubberized ergonomic soft grip provides more comfort
- Makita Motor Advantage engineered with field core interlocking steel laminations, dual ball bearing armature and more copper commutator bars, increasing energy transfer efficiency for more power and longer tool life
- Durable blow-molded rolling tool case for safe storage and easy transportation
Overview
This Makita HM1307CB is more powerful despite using the same 14 Amp motor as the Makita HM1214CX. It delivers 25.7 foot pound (34.9 Joules) of impact energy to handle more demanding applications. The secret is in the gearing, its variable speed range is lower, from 730 to 1,450 blows per minute. It delivers roughly 10 Joules or 6.7 foot pounds more than the HM1214CX. It is roughly 11 pounds heavier too and its quick change chuck takes the 1-1/8″ Hex bits. It is therefore a more robust machine built for heavier demolition work.
A constant speed control system that automatically applies more power to the motor to maintain a consistent speed under load seems to be a standard feature. The same system also gives you the Soft Start that suppresses the tendency to bounce around during start-up. The final control over the motor is with the variable speed control dial. It enables you to match motor speed to the application.
Like its smaller partner, this demolition hammer also offers extended life for its brushes because they are longer. It has the advantage that the time between brush replacement services is longer, saving you on downtime and service expenses. To protect the commutator an Automatic Cut-Off cuts the power when the brushes bottom out. Fortunately, the same L.E.D. Service Light notifies you approximately 8 hours before that happens. L.E.D. Power Lights indicate when power is on and as such is an indicator that the switch or power cord failed.
The power on switch is an easy to operate slide switch that allows you to use the demolition hammer continuously. Thankfully it means you do not have to pull a trigger all the time. When the demolition hammer is not in use, but running, it reduces the hammering action to increase tool life.
VIDEO | A Closer Look at the Makita HM1307CB
They sell the Makita HM1307CB in a blow-molded tool case with wheels and with one free bull point chisel.
The side-handle that swivels 360° makes it easier and safer to hold the tool against a vertical surface. On this model it does not matter that it does not have vibration suppression because there is no vibration control anyway. On models with the active counterbalance, I’m surprised to find that the side-handle is always a solid handle that transmits all the vibrations. The vibration levels on this model is high (12 m/s²), you will have to make more stops to return blood to your fingers.
The Makita motor consumes 14 Amps. They use interlocking steel laminations in its armature field core, two ball bearings, and more copper commutator bars. It ensures better energy transfer efficiency, making the motor more effective. The 16.4 foot cord that they fit to this Makita demolition hammer is a sensible length. It always disappoints me when I buy a tool with a short cord.
Overall, the Makita is 32-1/2 inches long and with the bit installed it is close to 4 feet long. The tool alone weighs 38.2 pounds and the 1-1/8 inch Hex-bit will add more weight. This is a serious demolition hammer.
DeWALT D25960K | Best Demolition Hammer
40 pounds with 35 Joules or 25.8 foot pound
Features:
- SHOCKS – Active Vibration Control reduces vibration felt by the user at the handles. A Perform and Protect feature.
- 35 joules of impact energy provides maximum demolition performance
- 15 amp motor provides maximum power and overload protection
- Soft start help the user maintain control of the tool
- Rubber coated handles provide greater comfort and control
- Wheeled Kit provides storage and ability to easily move the tool
- Uses 1-1/8″ Hex Demo Steel
- Compatible with DWH052K chiseling dust extraction system.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DeWALT D25960K.
Overview
The DeWALT D25960K demolition hammer delivers 25.8 foot pound, 35 Joules of impact energy. Its chuck accepts 1-1/8 inch Hex bits to put it in the same power class as the Makita HM1307CB. But it’s heavier, if only by 1.8 pounds.
The hammer action mechanism is a dependable German engineered product that is sure to deliver long life. It has an all-metal housing and barrel suitable to a demolition hammer for heavy-duty applications. This machine is another one meant for floor trenching for pipe, breaking out stairs and risers or creating openings into shafts. Outside its used to break paving, asphalt, loosening and breaking hard packed Adobe clay.
VIDEO | A Closer Look at how the Shock System Works
The DeWALT SHOCKS Active Vibration Control reduces vibration felt by the user by up to 50%. This is an active counterbalance system with spring loaded shock absorbers at the rear handle. The small Makita and the Bosch also have shock absorber rear handles and they also deploy active counterbalance shock absorber systems. To see how they weigh up I considered some user feedback, and then compared that to their specifications.
A respondent that claims he used all three demolition hammers states that Bosch and Makita have the best vibration control. According to him, the two is followed by Hilti, then DeWalt. A claim that’s made by more than one party, with varying models from the same manufacturers being mentioned. The SHOCKS™ vibration measurement given by DeWALT is 6.8 m/s² compared to 8 m/s² for Makita’s HM1214CX. The Makita HM1307CB with no counter balance and solid handles delivers 12 m/s² vibrations, making DeWALT the most effective of our four models.
The DeWALT has a 15 amp motor with overload protection to prolong the life of the motor. This corded tool is 30 inches long and fitted with a variable impact control dial for speed selection. A soft start system helps the user maintain control of the tool when starting off on a new spot.
Demolition hammers make a lot of noise and generates a lot of dust. DeWALT decided to do something about the dust problem and the D25960K is compatible with the DWH052K chiseling dust extraction system. The system simply uses a disk extractor cone attached to a commercial dust extractor that attaches to the tip of the hammer. It’s at the breaking point, sucking up the dust and accepts DEWALT Pointed and Flat Chisels up to 1.25″ wide.
Safety Advice | Demolition Hammers
Regardless of the effort put in by the manufacturers of these fine demolition hammers they still vibrate during use. To protect your hands and arms use thick cushioned gloves that absorb vibrations. Take frequent rest periods to limit the time you expose yourself to the vibrations. Remember that vibrations caused by hammer action may be harmful to your hands and arms.
Equally important is your eyes and ears. The noise generated by demolition hammers can cause hearing loss. At the least, you will have a ringing sensation in the ears that affect hearing. Wear good quality ear protection; when you notice your peers losing their hearing, you will be glad you did.
Always wear eye protection such as good quality safety goggles when using demolition hammers. Demolition hammers work by chipping away at the concrete or masonry and cause specs of dirt to fly in all directions. Adequate eye protection will deflect fragments of the material that reach your face and eyes. Dust generated or gases released from the material you are breaking can be harmful. It may expose you to hazardous dust containing respirable crystalline silica. I have a friend in the hospital because of this. I urge you to wear a dust mask or respirator when using a demolition hammer.
This tool is powerful, bounces around and vibrates, it may cause you to lose control, a firm grip is necessary. Loss of control can cause personal injury or damage to equipment.
For your own safety, it is best to determine if there are gas or water pipes hidden in the area that you must break apart. The local utility company will assist you in doing so. Determine for yourself that someone locked out the gas, water and electricity supply and apply your own lock.
Dull or damaged bits and accessories waste time and money. They have a greater tendency to bind in the workpiece and takes longer to do the work.
A bit that binds or jams in the work cause the demolition hammer to react violently. Position yourself so a it will not catch you between any part of the hammer and walls or posts. It could crush your hand or leg.
Should the bit become stuck, stop the demolition hammer and remove it from the bit. You can attempt to remove it by wiggling it by hand but be careful, it’s hot. Tap it with a hammer near the tip where it is stuck. You can also use another tip in the demolition hammer and break it loose. While doing this do not remove any protective clothing.
Always wait for the tool to come to a complete stop before you place it down. Bits can become hot after prolonged use. Wait for the bit to cool down before you remove it and wear thick leather protective gloves when grasping the bit.
Keep in mind that these tools are heavy, always ensure that you have firm footing and also wear heavy work boots and gloves. It’s a dusty environment, beware of slipping. It is better to use the demolition hammer such that the bit points down at an angle. You want the tip of the bit to chip into the material and break pieces off rather than repeatedly hitting the same spot.
Lastly, I urge you to wear eye and hearing protection, hard hat, heavy leather gloves, and steel-toe work boots. When working inside, wear a breathing mask. Be safe.