We are not living in the Stone Age when everything needed to be done by hand using traditional tools. Those tools were hard to use and time-consuming. It is our good luck that we live in a modern world where millions of handy power tools are available.
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.
You cannot get far enough if you do not have the best air hammer in your hand. An air hammer would not provide you with enough comfort and convenience if the required features were absent. Moreover, you cannot get the job completed with a flimsy unit.
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.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice 
| Ingersoll Rand 114GQC - Pneumatic Hammer
| Read Review |
Also Great 
| Sunex SX243 - Long Barrel Air Hammer
| Read Review |
Best Price 
| Dynamic Power D319115-SA - Short Barrel Air Hammer
| Read Review |
Best Weight 
| DeWALT DWMT70785 - Air Chisel Hammer
| Read Review |
Best PRO 
| Chicago Pneumatic CP717 - Heavy Duty Air Hammer
| Read Review |
#1. Ingersoll Rand 114GQC – Best 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.
This pneumatic hammer is small in size and light in weight as compared to other hammers. It lies in the mid-range. As far as talking about power, Rand 114GQC comes with a capacity of 3500 blows per minute (BPM) and an average air ingestion clocking at 4 CFM. It delivers a stroke capacity of 2-5/8 inch.
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.
Features
- Power rate: 3500 BPM
- Average Air Consumption: 4 CFM
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch
- Stroke capacity: Two 5/8 inch
- Bore diameter: 3/4 inch
- Shank opening: round
- Chisel shank diameter: 0.401-inches
- Weight: 4.1 lb
- It comes with a 3-piece chisel set
- Quick-change chisel retainer
- Heat-treated piston
- Alloyed steel barrel
Pros
- It is highly durable and compact
- Switching of chisels is an easy process
- It includes a professional trigger
- It has an ergonomic design and grip handle
- A retainer system is present for fast and convenient exclusion and inclusion
Cons
- It lacks a carrying case
- Chips quality is not satisfactory
- There is no instruction manual
- It produces vibrations
#2. Sunex SX243 – Best Long Barrel Air Hammer
Sunex is famous for providing strength, flexibility, and remarkable value. No one can beat the Sunex air tools when it comes to performance. Sunex SX243 is also an excellent combination of high power and lightweight.
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.
Features
- Power rate: 2200 BPM
- Average Air Consumption: 4 CFM
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch
- Stroke capacity: 3 3/4 inches
- Bore diameter: 3/4 inch
- Hose size: 3/8 inch
- Weight: 4.6 lb
- Built-in regulator
- Structure is composed of aluminum alloy
- Long and hardened steel barrel
Pros
- Extremely comfortable rubber grip
- A long barrel provides more power and velocity
- It is affordable
- The built-in knob allows power adjustment
Cons
- Lack of chisels
- A little bit heavy
- BPM value is a little less than some other models
#3. Dynamic Power D319115SA – Best 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.
This air hammer kit comes with four round chisels comprising bolt cutter flat, ripper, and tapered punch chisels. Besides, you will also get a quick coupler and lubricating oil. D319115SA is highly recommended for pipe removals, muffler, body shop work, scraping rust, shock work, and light front end work. It is perfect for all these tasks and many more.
Features
- Power rate: 5000 BPM
- Average air consumption: 20 CFM
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch
- Stroke capacity: 1 5/8-inch
- Bore diameter: 3/4 inch
- Hose size: 3/8 inch
- Chisel shank diameter: 0.401 inches
- Weight: 3.8 lb
- Anti-vibration feature
- Built-in regulator and heat-treated piston
Pros
- It has a high BPM rate
- Its anti-vibration feature provides a more than 30 percent reduction in shocks and vibrations
- It is very easy to control
Cons
- Lacks instructions regarding assembly and usage
- It has some reliability issues
#4. DeWALT DWMT70785 – Best 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 size of its barrel is neither very small nor large. So, when it comes to heavy-duty tasks, DeWALT DWMT70785 is not that powerful. However, this tool works exceptionally well for masonry and automotive tasks. It comes with a limited three-year warranty and free pneumatic oil.
Features
- Power rate: 2600 BPM
- Average air consumption: 4.5 CFM
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch
- Stroke capacity: 2 5/8 inches
- Bore diameter: 3/4 inch
- Hose size: 3/8 inch
- Chisel shank diameter: 0.401 inches
- Weight: 3.4 lb
- Touch control trigger
Pros
- It offers remarkable durability
- The touch control trigger makes it easy to use
- Its handle provides satisfactory grip and absorbs most of the vibrations
Cons
- There is a need for a power upgrade
- It lacks adjustment for air pressure
#5. Chicago Pneumatic CP717 – Best 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.
Features
- Power rate: 1800 BPM
- Average air consumption: 7 CFM
- Air inlet: 1/4 inch
- Bore diameter: 3/4 inch
- Hose size: 3/8 inch
- Chisel shank diameter: 0.498 inches
- Weight: 4 lb
- Composed of aluminum and steel
Pros
- It is the finest suit for heavy-duty tasks
- It offers a superb weight to power ratio
- Positive action trigger provides precise control
- It is comfortable to use
Cons
- Its trigger is made up of plastic instead of metal
Buyer’s Guide
Since you must be well-aware of the purpose of air hammers by now, we are sure that you must have mastered not only the best air hammers but also their features and specs. However, the question is: Are you still confused? And if the answer is YES, then there still might be some questions such as, What to look for? Which features are good? What should be kept in mind while buying? Many things are unknown yet.
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
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
Air hammer is a powerful tool; besides assisting, it can cause destruction too. So, optimal control is obligatory. Moreover, it contains a progressive trigger. Always try to go for an air hammer comprising an easy-to-use trigger. Chicago Pneumatic CP717 includes a positive action trigger. While DeWALT DWMT70785 contains 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.
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.