A jackhammer is a pneumatic or electro-mechanical tool that combines a hammer directly with a chisel.
Hand-held jackhammers are generally powered by compressed air, but some are also powered by electric motors. Larger jackhammers, such as rig mounted hammers used on construction machinery, are usually hydraulically powered. They are usually used to break up rock, pavement, and concrete.
A jackhammer operates by driving an internal hammer up and down. The hammer is first driven down to strike the back of the bit and then back up to return the hammer to the original position to repeat the cycle. The bit usually recovers from the stroke by means of a spring. The effectiveness of the jackhammer is dependent on how much force is applied to the tool.
A full-sized portable jackhammer is impractical for use against walls and steep slopes, except by a very strong person, as the user would have to both support the weight of the tool, and push the tool back against the work after each blow. A technique developed by experienced workers is a two-person team to overcome this obstacle of gravity: one person operates the hammer and the second assists by holding the hammer either on their shoulders or cradled in their arms. Both use their combined weight to push the bit into the workface. This method is commonly referred to as horizontal jackhammering.
Different bit types include:
- Spade – provides flat finish for concrete or edging in asphalt or dirt
- Flat tip – allows direction control or finer edge finish
- Point – general breaking
- Stake driver – drives concrete form stakes
- Scabbler – finishes surface smooth or for cleaning prior to bonding
- Flex chisel – flexible metal blade (attached to shank with bolts) for tile removal and scraping
- Bushing tool – multiple carbide points for cleaning up seams and knocking down rough spots in concrete
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