Charles Brady King pioneered the device now known as the jackhammer, a powerful tool which fuses a hammer with a chisel. Although hand-held variants are predominantly powered using pressurized air, more muscular ones such as the rig mounted version used by construction vehicles are driven by hydraulics. It is a regular sight on construction sites around the world as well as in mines, farms, and other industrial uses, being utilized to break up concrete, asphalt, and rock.

A jackhammer employs a chiseling action, created by the continuous, mechanical up-and-down motion of an internal hammer. A powerful pounding beats with a relentless frequency of between 1200 to 2400 beats per minute, driving the hammer downwards to deliver a sharp jolt on the back of the bit before it propels upwards once more, starting the cycle over again.

At the press of the hammer, the material is shattered, and the broken pieces are propelled away from the drill bit by its operator. By gripping its handle, the operator easily manages to maintain the right hole depth.

The ubiquitous jackhammer is almost impossible to imagine without SDS (slotted drive shank) drill bits. Changing these quick-swap bits requires no specialized tooling, providing a great degree of flexibility and efficiency in the range of tasks it can be employed for.

Jackhammers are most often found smashing their way through concrete, an amalgam of cement, water, and one of various aggregates like sand, crushed stone, or gravel. A popular building material around the globe, concrete’s compelling qualities make it highly sought-after by construction crews.

Concrete is a material lauded for its strength and longevity, though its hardness and rigidity make it notoriously tough to modify. An effective solution is to use a jackhammer, an instrument designed to efficiently decimate concrete and also suitable for destroying asphalt.

Jackhammers are versatile tools, which are not only utilized for construction but also employed in mining and quarrying operations. Using the power of the machine, they can break apart rocks and ore to facilitate extraction.

Farmers have long benefited from the power of jackhammers, which are used to bust up stubborn soil so that it can be primed for tilling and eventual cultivation.

Choosing the right jackhammer can be a tricky business due to the wide range of options available; from light, handheld instruments up to hefty rigs created for heavier feats. You’ll have to decide based on what kind of job you need it for.

If you have a construction job requiring a jackhammer, you’ll want a bigger model geared towards taking on tougher tasks. For mining and quarrying projects, a robust version capable of penetrating more difficult surfaces is essential.

For rural endeavors, a size and weight suitable for agriculture will do the trick.

Every jackhammer has something special to offer, no matter your requirements.