Breaking up is NOT hard to do

Today’s concrete breakers do more, rattle users less and last longer.

by Clair Urbain

It’s been said (and sang) that breaking up is hard to do. But when it comes to concrete and today’s new generation of concrete breakers, it’s much easier than in days gone by. Today’s breakers are easier on operators, hit more effectively and are generally lighter than previous models.

Today’s electric and gas-powered tools can eliminate the need to drag a compressor to the site to run a pneumatic tool. Instead, you can just plug in or start a two-cycle engine and go to work.

The tools, which weigh from about 25 lbs. to 75 lbs., fit right between handheld demolition hammers and heavy-duty, production-driven compressed air-powered jackhammers. The lighter models in this class can be used for spade work in rocky or heavy clay conditions; the heavier models can even take on 6" to 8"-thick concrete in a pinch.

“Pavement breakers won’t replace the need for air-powered tools in thick concrete or on big jobs, but they are good for breaking 4"- to 7"-thick concrete comfortably,” says Jon Goebel, DeWalt concrete breaker product manager. “Users often have a mindset that they need to have at least a 35 lb. hammer, but today’s 25 lb. hammers can do the same job. Look at tool output.”

“The larger electric breakers can handle up to 8" concrete, and may be the only choice on a job where you can’t get an air compressor close enough,” says Mitch Burdick, Bosch hammer product manager.

New models
New models are coming on the market and, in general, they are lighter, more powerful and less jarring on the user, breaker sources report.

The electric Bosch Brute concrete breaker has been popular for more than 25 years. “At 64 lbs., it can go about anywhere. But if you would like to use a lighter tool, our new Jack hammer weighs only 38 lbs. and provides about 80 percent of the striking force as the Brute. Plumbers and waterproofers like this tool for basement work because it’s easy to transport and has the power for most jobs. It has an optimized hammer mechanism that maximizes impact force while having best-in-class vibration reduction. Its shock-mounted handle further isolates vibration,” says Burdick.

Makita has introduced a 70 lb. tool – the HM1810 – with its AVT technology that dramatically reduces the amount of vibration users feel while using the unit. “It has a built-in counterbalance system that allows an opposite and equal reaction. It’s the same design principle that’s used seismic dampening systems in some buildings in earthquake zones,” says Anthony Corwin, Makita concrete breaker product manager. “Some users think it doesn’t hit hard because they don’t feel the vibration, but it’s as productive as other units in its class.” The unit will not start hammering until the operator puts pressure on it, which helps reduce user fatigue and helps lengthen the life of the tool, he adds.

DeWalt’s D25901K and D25941K pavement breakers are new to its demolition line and feature an inline design that makes them easy to use in tough digging. “Their inline design allows them to be used like a spade and their electronic module maintains constant speed under load,” says Goebel. The D25901K model allows the user to adjust impact force to better match performance to the job.

While electric demolition hammers are more portable than air hammers, new gas-powered concrete breakers offer even greater portability, says Becky Gallert, Wacker product manager for demolition tools. “The problem with electric tools is that you can only get 110/120 volts and 15 amps out of a standard outlet. They are often the best solution for indoor work, but outdoors on smaller jobs, a gas-powered breaker can be more convenient, get the job done and cost less to use than a compressed air tool,” she says.

“Gas-powered tools are great for airport work because it’s easier to get one of these units into a secured area when compared with getting a compressor on a trailer and a truck through security. They are also very useful for sidewalk work and median repair because they don’t need a compressor or other power supply, which can take as long to set up as it does to use the tool,” she says.

Wacker’s new BH24 gas-powered breaker can tackle up to 12" concrete, Gallert adds. “It also meets European rules for vibration dampening. The upper housing is completely isolated from the lower half and that helps reduce vibration transmission to the users. And while 90 percent of the users we talked to about this unit perceived it as the heaviest unit in its class, it’s actually the lightest.” The unit uses 1 1/8"-diameter hex tools.

Selection tips
Which breaker is best? That all depends on the jobs you do, report the breaker experts. For horizontal chipping and breaking applications, breakers in the 25 to 35 lb. class are the largest you’ll want to go. The mid-size units that can be held like a spade during use are best for vertical work and breaking up hard soil. For small to medium breaking jobs where the concrete is between 6" and 8" thick, any of the 35 to 70 lb. units are acceptable. “But for larger jobs, look to pneumatic hammers or consider using a hydraulic hammer mounted on a mini-excavator that are gaining in popularity,” says Gallert.

Compare size and weight vs. output. “Our gas-powered Wacker BH24 breaker can go through 8" or even 12" concrete. It’s a good tool for quick in-and-out jobs,” she says.

Corwin says users should not discount the importance of serviceability and durability. Users want a dependable tool that is most efficient and user friendly. “Look for tools with good design and will run for a long time before repairs or replacement are needed,” he says.

Use tips
The sources report these tools work best when you let them do the work. “There’s no need to bear down excessively on these tools. If you bear down too hard, you are creating excessive force on yourself and the tool,” says Goebel.

Tool bit selection is important. A chisel is the most common breaking tool used, says Burdick. “A point may be better if you are going to get into rebar; a chisel is better if you’re trying to cut a straight line through the concrete so it can be patched later. Pros often use a concrete saw first and then follow up with a chisel which can be a very effective tool for breaking concrete,” says Burdick.

Gallert says these tools, especially the gas-powered units, are handy for driving tent stakes or sign posts. “They are easy to move from spot to spot, and they can do the job quickly,” she says.

If you’re going to be working in extremely cold conditions, Goebel suggests you let the breaker run for 30 seconds to a minute to get internal lubrication working and to warm up the tool.

The experts also suggest using sharp tools. Tools can be resharpened in the field, back at the shop or by your distributor. However, Bosch offers its Star-Point hex-shaped bull point that creates five fraction points instead of one that’s found on standard chisels. Result: 30 percent higher removal rate when compared with conventional chisels. Plus, it self-sharpens as the tool wears.

Makita’s Corwin suggests buying quality accessories. “They’ll last longer and be a better value in the long run,” he concludes.

Published in the March/April 2008 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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