Invented by William Mcreavy and later purchased by Charles Brady King, a jackhammer is a mechanized unit which melds a hammer and chisel all in one. Usually powered by compressed air, small jackhammers are often manual while more sizeable constructions use hydraulic power. These powerful tools are regularly used to shatter concrete, asphalt, and stone during development or decommission jobs.

The jackhammer is designed to deliver forceful, hammer-like blows from the tip of its bit through an internal hammer that is repeatedly thrust up and down. Transforming this continuous, back-and-forth motion into a more impactful force, the hammer gets a boost with the help of leverage created by the extended handle.

To power a jackhammer, a constant stream of compressed air is needed. The compressor supplies air at a rate more plentiful than the hammer’s use – for the typical jackhammer, that use is close to 25 cubic feet of air per minute. This ensures the hammer operates at an unchanging speed, regardless of the pressure put on the bit.

Hammer bits used for pneumatic jackhammers are typically created with a steel body for shock absorption and a tungsten carbide tip. This complex bit is fashioned to withstand constant pounding, as the tungsten carbide is sturdier than the steel body. The metal composition of the specific tool safeguards the tip from the wear and tear resulting from exhaustive hammering.

Electronic jackhammers are equipped with bits crafted from steel that have a special carbide tip for added hardness and durability against repeated hammering. The metal of the bit helps to absorb the jarring shock of each blow, thereby safeguarding the tip against damage.

Cased within a protective housing, the various components of the hammer are shielded from both the operator and the debris sparked by the cutting bit, ensuring safety in its chiseling function.

The operator of a jackhammer is typically required to activate the tool through a trigger switch, situated in the handle. It usually only takes one hand to carefully squeeze the retractable trigger, yet some jackhammers demand an extra set of hands – a second one to keep a grip on the handle while the trigger is pulled.

A jackhammer can be employed to great effect for a multitude of projects, such as pulverizing concrete, asphalt, and stone; eradicating tree stumps; or pounding nails.

Jackhammer Uses for a Variety of Tasks:

Jackhammers are a commonly-employed means of taking apart concrete surfaces such as pavement, driveways, and other flooring.

Jackhammers can help you eradicate an old tree’s last remains by dividing the stump into chunks.

Hammering away, Jackhammers are ideal for when it comes to driving nails, be it in wood or concrete.