The success of a demolition job depends on two fundamental factors: the choice of the Demolition Hammer suitable and the chisels that we will use with that tool. In a previous article we have concentrated on the function and types of the demolition hammer, here we will discuss in depth what we must take into account when selecting the most convenient one according to the use we give it.
For example, many believe that the larger and more powerful the demolition Man better results we will obtain. But this is not always true, so, for example, if we are frequent users, it will always be convenient to choose, as far as possible, a smaller tool that will ultimately allow us a more appropriate use, with energy savings and less impact. for our body.
Another factor that can work against us is having chosen the demolition Man appropriate with the wrong chisel. This would lead not only to unsatisfactory results, but also to breakage of the chisel, with the consequent loss of time and money.
Let’s see then in this article, what are the aspects that we must consider when we decide to buy or rent a Demolition Hammer and its cutting tools according to use.
Tool Considerations
First of all, it should be noted that if our work involves heavy demolition with large equipment, mainly vehicle-mountable hydraulics, our contractor company will make the choice of the correct tool for us. Therefore, this guide will be rather useful for tasks performed by a professional user or home user related to a medium to small demolition job and therefore involving portable tools.
1) Technology
The portable demolition hammers offered in the market are mostly tires, electrical or fuel. The choice of one type or another will basically depend on the intended use, as well as the mobility and power needs.
This means that for jobs that require constant mobility and high power, the fuel models are the most recommended option, as long as the work is carried out outdoors. For smaller, less intense jobs and indoors or in tight spaces, an electric or pneumatic model will probably be more suitable. In general, the fuel models provide more power and versatility. Electric models are lighter and cheaper, but require an outlet or battery. Pneumatic models are also extremely versatile, and since they use compressed air, many can be very lightweight and work perfectly for breaking stone or concrete walls.
2) Design
We have seen that the common designs of portable demolition hammers They come in two types: “D” or horizontal handles, and “T” or vertical handles. The choice of one or the other will depend on the orientation of the surface to be worked on. If it is a wall, for example, to demolish it or to excavate an area in order to lay a pipe, the ideal is to choose a horizontal demolition. If we are going to remove tiles or break a layer of concrete on a floor, we will opt for a vertical demolition, although we must bear in mind that some manufacturers offer models that can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions.
3) Power and number of strokes per minute
These parameters are very important because they refer to the ability of the tool to demolish concrete or stone surfaces. Generally, a higher number of strokes per minute is associated with a larger motor, capable of knocking down harder surfaces. Most of the portable wrecks they work between 850 and more than 3000 strokes per minute. In turn, the power (known as impact energy) of portable models, measured in joules (or feet / pounds), can vary between 8 and 70 J, and there is an inverse relationship between both parameters, that is, the higher power, fewer strokes per minute.
In our choice we must ensure that the demolition Man have the required capabilities and, if possible, opt for a model that exceeds our requirements to guarantee the longest tool life.
4) Weight
Although it may seem obvious, we should always check the weight of a demolition Man to choose. This will give us an idea of the intended use. The heaviest ones are used on large demolition projects, for prolonged use on the hardest surfaces. The lighter ones can be more versatile and many are designed with “D” handles to allow the demolition of walls, ceilings and other surfaces above the ground. The lightest models weigh about 6 kg, while the heaviest can exceed 30 kg.
This factor also depends on the robustness of the user who is going to use the tool, since the size of the tool that the user can hold and maneuver will depend on their own strength, which in turn is directly related to productivity. The weight of the tool is more prevalent in horizontal applications, such as wall demolition, as the user supports the total weight of the tool with their hands and arms.
5) Type of material
Some wreckers they work best not only on different material thicknesses, but also on different material compositions. For example, if the material to be broken contains steel, we may need to look for a pneumatic demolition or one portable hydraulic. We can consult this with the seller, who will provide us with detailed advice based on the thickness and structure of the material.
6) Noise, vibration and ergonomics
The noise problems generated by the demolition operation and the tool during its operation are important because, in addition to affecting our health and the environment, they can violate special noise abatement requirements established by government regulations. All the demolition hammers from well-known manufacturers meet the noise level requirements, but it is clear that some (especially those that run on fuel) are louder than others. That is why we must bear in mind where and when we are going to use our tool to choose the one whose noise level is the lowest possible.
Noise attenuation will be enhanced if we seek wreckers equipped with vibration reduction systems, although these models tend to be more expensive. Otherwise, we can use pads and grips on the handles to help us control the vibration. For their part, the horizontal models of some manufacturers offer as an option a module for dust extraction, which would be an interesting alternative to consider if in our usual work we demolish, for example, plaster surfaces, which generate large amounts of fine dust. .
Regarding the Ergonomic design, we must look for a demolition Man that it is easy to use, with handles adapted to the size of our hands and that the ON / OFF switch and other controls are easily accessible. First of all, let us remember that a Demolition Hammer represents a balance between maneuverability and power, so we must try several and choose the most comfortable, easy to maneuver and store.
Demolition Hammer
Chisel Considerations
Each brand of Demolition Hammer accepts a slightly different type of chisel, although some are interchangeable. Therefore, it is preferable that our choice points to a brand that accepts a wide variety of chisels, or that accepts our existing collection of chisels.
Acquiring a chisel it is also conditioned to a series of factors that depend on certain parameters. Let’s look at three of the main ones.
a) Size of the work to be carried out
If we are going to work in a large or small area we can choose a chisel large pointed, which can then produce less debris. A chisel small rips out smaller chunks, puncturing small areas and causing large crumbs. Instead, a larger one removes larger areas, or allows you to remove the material with your hands after breaking it.
b) Material strength
The resistance of the material to be demolished has a great impact on the choice of chisel. If the material is weak, a chisel large blunt tip will be perfectly suited to that task. If the material is strong, work can be started with a chisel with a small tip, as this puts more pressure on a smaller amount of space, which makes it easier to pierce the material.
c) Area to be demolished
Certain areas to be demolished are easy to attack, for example, completely open walls or a floor that does not present any type of obstruction. If the work is in a difficult area, demolition may be difficult. The chisels Narrow-blade, cold-cut, and pencil-tipped blades work best in unusual areas, as their long, thin shape makes it easy to break material in small or hidden areas.
Demolisher Applications Summary
As a conclusion of what we have seen, in the following graph we are going to detail for illustrative purposes some types of demolition hammers based on their design, power, strokes per minute and weight that are more suitable for a series of applications.
Demolisher – applications
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