Which Demolition Hammer Should I Get?

[Koa Man]

I am planning to buy a electric demolition hammer to break aspalt, concrete up to 4 inches thick, and hard packed dirt. I would like to keep the weight of the hammer between 30 to 40 lbs. , and hopefully the cost under $800. This will not be for everyday use, probably be used one or two days a month. I would appreciate any suggestions on which one I should get.

 

[illflem]

I've used Bosch, Milwaukee and DeWalt. Bosch was by far the best. I'm speaking of the hand drill looking types, all under $700, they are not hammer drills. The T handle standup types are all over $1000 for a brand name. Never used a standup electric, by the time it gets that serious it's time to rent a compressor and jack hammer.

 

[Big P]

Like Illflem said Bosch.

 

[Doc Tinker]

Did you say "hammer"? I love hammers



Can't help you with your question though, just had to say that I like lots of hammers.



Doc

 

[Koa Man]

I would prefer the smaller drill handle type hammer instead of the T handle. A few months ago I saw a couple of guys busting up a aspalt driveway with a small demo hammer. It was dark green in color, so I assume it was probably a Bosch, since the Hitachi is a lighter green. It was going thru the blacktop like butter. I was impressed. I wanted to go the check it out, but I was in the top of a tree working and they left before I was done. I don't intend to bust large slabs. This will mostly be used for busting channels to get to tree roots lifting concrete or aspalt. Hoping someone can recommend a specific model or what to look for when buying one..... what is needed and what are just gimmicks.

 

[tmacc]

Koa Man,

FWIW, I've used the Hitachi T-handle DH on a 3' x 6' patio door slab and by the end of the slab I couldn't feel my hands for some time. It could be just the nature of the beast. I haven't used the Bosch, but they generally make a pretty good product. Like illflem said, for the big stuff use a air hammer, but... let a helper do the work. Age/seniority has it's privileges.

 

[illflem]

Koaman, the Bosch demolition hammers basically come in two power ranges a 14 and 9 amp. Both are around 20 lbs. The bigger ones run around $800 the smaller down to $450. For asphalt the smaller ones would be fine. The options that change the price are plastic or metal casing and a service indicator light. The light is nice because they need service often. I like plastic case tools better but they cost more. One thing about Bosch hammers that can be a drawback is that you need Bosch chisels, but they last a long time. Wish I could remember model numbers but it's been a long while and they have probably changed anyways.

Think I may have told you that I wrenched awhile for a company in HI that built waterscapes, that's were I ordered and fixed the hammers. They used them to bust ditches into concrete to install new lines or do repairs. The Bosch hammers required only routine maintenance while the others just plain broke, ended up throwing away the DeWalts after a few months. This is with 300 lb Samoans working them hard. Lucky for me I only had to run them for short periods to check repairs and teach others how to use them, they're tough on your hands. Can't be beat for doing detail concrete breaking though. We used 12 of them while doing the remodel of the animal containments at the Honolulu zoo. Had a couple of compressors with jackhammers also but these small units definitely had their place. Worked great for installing anchors and cutting roots also.

 

[Benson]

For the money I think a Makita will do the job well. I have their small Demo hammer. I have also had their little power scraper for well over 10 years. It isn't used all that often but they both do the job well. I think they are a pretty good value for the money.

 

[Scollins]

Try this link:

http://www.boschtools.com/Tools+and...uct_list.htm?link=product&item_group_id=10256



The first two items are the T-handle mega-brute variety. The remaining models look like type of thing you are looking for. I think the bad boy of the bunch, the 11317EVS would sell for around $750.



This site seems to have a decent selection and prices:

http://www.builderscentral.com/rotham.html



I put in a fake address for Kailua, HI and selected the only available shipping method (2nd Day Air) for the Bosch EV11314EVS ($525) and the shipping came to $47. 96 for a grand total of $572. 96. I thought the shipping would be much higher, especially 2nd day air... ... ...



I have never ordered from them, so I can't comment as to their customer service, etc.

 

[Forrest]

Is there anything you can't find out about on this site?

 

['956Wheel]

All of them are a pain!

Bosch is the one you want, however regardless of what you use you will kill your hands... . get a pair of those vibration reducing gloves... GOOD ONES!



Mike

 

[Koa Man]

Thanks for all the help. I learned two things about demo hammers on this thread. Get the Bosch and have my son-in-law operate it. The guy at the local hardware store told me that Bosch would be the best one but they did not have what I was looking for in stock. Cheaper to buy on the internet anyway. I'll check out the sites Scollins mentioned and decide from there.