Best Air Hammers. Review and Guide

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Indeed, we are fortunate to live in an era of technological advancement where a vast array of tools and equipment are readily available to assist us in our daily tasks. These tools have greatly simplified and accelerated the way we work, making it more efficient and convenient than ever before. From simple hand tools to sophisticated machinery, there are tools to suit every need and budget, enabling us to accomplish more in less time and with greater accuracy.

No doubt, modern tools have made our lives easy-going, and air hammers are no exception. These pneumatic hammers can give you all the strength required to undertake a myriad of applications. No matter whether you are a craftsman, sculptor, artist, working in an automotive workshop or remodeling houses, this power tool is here to help you.

Air hammers are indispensable tools in home workshops and small car repair shops for disassembling ball joints and brake caliper guides. Without the best air hammer in your hand, you won’t get very far. The tool’s required features are essential for comfort and convenience, and a flimsy unit won’t get the job done.

So, it is quite evident that the choice of pneumatic hammer directly affects your work. However, choosing the best pneumatic hammer according to your workload is a difficult task. But, you don’t need to worry anymore about it as we are here.
Guess what! We are going to provide you with a bunch of air hammer reviews. We have compiled a list of the best air hammers available on the market so that you can make a reasonable choice. Let’s begin!

In this review, we tried our best to provide an overview of all the basic and vital facts and features. After going through the complete text, we are utterly sure that you will be much clear and certain about what is best for you. So, before moving towards the detailed review, let us have a look at the crucial considerations.

#1. Ingersoll Rand 114GQC – Pneumatic Hammer

It is a reliable tool manufactured by a prestigious company, Ingersoll Rand. Moreover, it is a part of the EDGE series of Ingersoll. It has worth mentioning performance in both the automotive and construction industry. In addition to power, the low cost makes Ingersoll Rand a high rated device.

The Rand 114GQC is a relatively compact and lightweight pneumatic hammer, especially when compared to other hammers in its class. It falls within the mid-range category. In terms of power, it boasts a capacity of 3500 blows per minute (BPM) and requires an average air consumption rate of 4 cubic feet per minute (CFM). The hammer also delivers a stroke capacity of 2-5/8 inches.

Its handle is present near the end of the barrel and has a rubberized grip that can absorb most vibrations, making it convenient to use. Its barrel is composed of alloyed steel that protects it from moistness and increases its life period. It comes with three chisel pieces. Each of them is composed of decent quality alloys. It also comprises a convenient retainer system and heat-treated piston. An assimilated power regulator is also available to control the output.

No doubt, Ingersoll Rand 114GQC exceptionally performs its tasks, but it is not suitable for some heavy-duty works due to its compact size. It also lacks enough torque to accomplish more impactful tasks. The absence of a carrying case is also disappointing. Also, it has a limited warranty of one year.

#2. Sunex SX243 – Long Barrel Air Hammer

Sunex is well-known for its high-quality air tools that offer strength, flexibility, and exceptional value. When it comes to performance, Sunex air tools are hard to beat. The Sunex SX243 is a great example of a tool that combines high power with lightweight construction.

It is composed of an aluminum alloy, which keeps it lightweight. However, some of its parts are of steel to increase its durability. The most significant feature of Sunex SX243 is the long barrel that allows it to tackle heavy tasks.

SX243 comes with a rate of 2200 BPM in terms of its power and average air consumption of 4 CFM. The BPM value is lower than Ingersoll Rand but still much better than many other class models. Another exciting feature is its rubber grip, which is super comfortable and reduces vibrations.

The 3/4 inch bore diameter makes it a highly efficient pneumatic tool. The hammer includes a built-in knob for power adjustment. It comes with a one-year limited warranty. All in all, it is a professional duty tool, handy in many jobs such as chipping, cutting, hammering, drilling, grinding, diving, spraying, and many more.

#3. Dynamic Power D319115SA – Short Barrel Air Hammer

This short barrel power tool by Dynamic is super comfortable. It has made its way to the list of best air hammers due to its remarkable features. The most prominent ones are reliability and usefulness. Dynamic Power D319115SA is a perfect choice, as it is a wonderful combination of excellent features and high quality.

The most highlighting feature of this unit is anti-vibration. It can reduce the tool vibration by up to 30% as compared to other standard hammers. As far as the power rate is concerned, it offers 5000 BPM, which is quite adequate. Also, the average air consumption is <20 CFM. On the other hand, it provides 90-psi air pressure.

It includes a built-in regulator. It makes the hammer fast and allows it to match the speed of the job. Moreover, the change retainer permits the quick chisel changeovers. The alloyed steel barrel plays its role in durability and long life. The size of its barrel is smaller than all other recommended hammers. But, it is the best short barrel air hammer. It also features a heat-treated piston.

The D319115SA air hammer kit is a versatile toolset that includes four round chisels, including bolt cutter flat, ripper, and tapered punch chisels, along with a quick coupler and lubricating oil. This air hammer is ideal for tasks such as pipe removals, muffler and body shop work, rust scraping, shock work, light front-end work, and many more. It is a highly recommended toolset for those who want a versatile and reliable air hammer.

#4. DeWALT DWMT70785 – Air Chisel Hammer

Just like Ingersoll and Sunex, DeWALT is also a well-known power tool manufacturing company. Its products are famous for their excellent performance and quality. And, DWMT70785 is one of its best products. It is also illustrious as the best air chisel hammer available on the market. This is an easy pick for professionals as well as home users.

DeWALT DWMT70785 is a complete aluminum build structure adding durability to it and making it lightweight. It comes with a power rating of 2600 BPM, which is not as high as Ingersoll Rand, but still pretty decent.

It offers pronounced comfort to its users with an ergonomic handle and a touch control trigger. Its rubberized and unique styled handle not only provides a firm grip but also absorbs vibrations.

The DeWALT DWMT70785 air hammer has a medium-sized barrel, making it suitable for masonry and automotive jobs, but it may not be ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It comes with a three-year limited warranty and free pneumatic oil.

#5. Chicago Pneumatic CP717 – Heavy Duty Air Hammer

Chicago pneumatic is a brand trusted by many as it has a decades-long reputed history. Its products are famous for reliability and strength. Chicago Pneumatic CP717 is its best air hammer. This powerful tool is perfect for heavy-duty customers.

Its structure is a combination of aluminum and steel. The weight of 4 lb is nothing as compared to the power it provides. Talking about its power rate, it provides a force of 1800 BPM, which is all right for professional air hammers. Its average air consumption is 7 CFM.

Users love its positive action trigger because it provides precise control.
It features an easy change retainer that makes the changeover of accessories much quicker. It is very famous among truck drivers and construction workers. Moreover, it is ideal for removing truck springs, heavy-duty spring bushes, installing bulldozer walking beams, kingpin bushing removal, and front end works. It comes with a limited warranty of one year.

An Air Hammer Buying Guide, Do You Know Enough?

If you’re still feeling confused despite having learned about the best air hammers and their features and specs, there might still be some questions left unanswered. For instance, what should you look for when buying an air hammer? Which features are important to consider? What should you keep in mind while making a purchase? There may be several unknown factors that need to be clarified before you can confidently select the right air hammer for your needs.

Below is the complete buying guide to clarify your queries. We will dive into more details of the main characteristics of air hammers that will help you choose the best pneumatic tool.

Power

The main difference in the characteristics of air hammers is the impact power. The power of the blow directly depends on the length of the shaft of the hammer, the longer the shaft, the more powerful the air hammer. In air hammers, we measure the power in BPMs (Blows Per Minute). As a rule of thumb, hammers having a higher power rate work faster. But, it depends upon complete user preference and the type of work.

As a presumption, air hammers having BPM between 2000-3000 are perfect for 90% of the tasks. These are medium to heavy-duty air hammers that work exceptionally well in automotive and constructive industries. However, if you want to get one for domestic usage, low-power hammers can also work flawlessly without needing to spend additional money.

In the list mentioned above, Dynamic Power D319115SA is the best in terms of power. All other suggested air-hammers lie somewhere between the 2000-3000 BPMs except Chicago Pneumatic CP717.

Barrel Size

There is a simple rule that short barrels are best for light-duty works while large barrels for heavy-duty tasks. There is no specific measurement of size. Large size barrels can provide more velocity and strength. But, since they are less portable and uncomfortable to use, avoid large barrel size if you need versatility. Dynamic Power D319115SA is the best short barrel air hammer that you can consider.

Trigger

An air hammer can be a powerful tool, but it can also cause damage if not used with control. Therefore, it is important to have optimal control over the tool. An air hammer with an easy-to-use trigger is recommended. For example, the Chicago Pneumatic CP717 has a positive action trigger, while the DeWALT DWMT70785 has a touch control trigger.

Size of the Tank

Since air hammers utilize the power of tightly compressed air, air compressors play a vital role in their effective operation. The Air compressor is attached to the air hammer by a hose. Before buying, make sure to check the PSI rating of the hammer. It should be compatible with the rating of the air compressor. If these two do not match, you won’t be able to exercise your handheld machinery, especially those who are firmly using it at workshop. These days the best air compressors are designed to endure any type of tool.

Top 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Air Hammer

Conclusion

No doubt, air hammers are the most crucial tools. They are extremely versatile and aids you a lot in your works. But, the choice of a suitable air hammer relevant to your work is very imperative. The large variety of air hammers put the consumers in trouble of picking one. In this article, we have addressed your difficulty and provided you with the list of best air hammers.

By now, you must be equipped with the essential knowledge required to choose a pneumatic hammer. Although all the above-described units are outstanding, you can choose any one of them according to the nature of your work. However, Ingersoll Rand 114GQC is the top-rated air hammer.

It has all the necessary features that are crucial in any air-hammer. It is exceptional in performance and durability. You will not regret buying it. But again, the choice depends upon your preference and the nature of your work. Buying an air hammer is a considerable investment of money; therefore, it should be done carefully.
If you have read this review article completely, then you are all set to buy one. So, what are you waiting for? Go and get yours now.

FAQs

Can you use an air hammer on concrete?

The air hammer is almost impractical on concrete. It is small in size and best for beating, breaking, and cutting metal objects or carving in stones. However, rotary hammers are very efficient in working on concrete. It offers the best drilling rates despite its slow turning speed.

Can I use an air hammer to rivet?

The answer is NO, and here is the full picture. No doubt, an air hammer can serve various purposes very efficiently, but it is not precise. And, diving a rivet requires more fineness. That’s why air hammer fails here.

What do you use an air hammer for?

Air hammer performs a wide array of jobs. Its applications range from metalworking shops to garage, woodworking, and stone-working shops. It is used to cut, flatten, shape, and deburr metal. It can also cut frozen pipes, free frozen nuts, split rubber bushings, and ball joints. Carving on wood and stone is no exception.

How do I change the bit on my hammer?

The process of changing the bit is very modest. First of all, sort all the air hammer bits. The next step is to hold the air hammer nearby the spring on the barrel. A stub is present on the lid of the spring – drive it anticlockwise.

It will open in the spring.
Push it to one side and pull the bit out and replace it with a new one by pushing the shaft into the tool. Here you are done with changing the bit.

How do you oil an air hammer?

All the tools require maintenance. Oiling your pneumatic hammer is also very important. It’s a hasty process. You need to separate your air hammer from the air hose and put 2-3 drops of pneumatic oil in the air inlet. Keep in mind that over lubrication can result in mutilation. Moreover, avoid using any random oil in case pneumatic oil is not available. It will snap up the work.