How to Use an Electric Jackhammer
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to break through a thick slab of concrete, you are going to need more than a pickaxe or a sledgehammer and chisel to do the job. Technology has blessed us with the jackhammer, a piece of heavy equipment that uses air pressure to drive a pile driver into a drill bit to break up dense, hard material. This equipment is difficult to handle and requires an expert touch to control. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Steel-toed work boots
- Work gloves
- Earplugs or industrial ear muffs
- Goggles
- Face mask (optional)
- Electric jackhammer
- Bolt cutters or angle grinder
Instructions
-
-
1
Put on your work boots, gloves, ear muffs or plugs, goggles and mask. The boots do not absolutely have to be steel-toed, but this will definitely help with first-timers. The mask is necessary only if dust is likely to be stirred up.
-
2
Fit the jackhammer with the desired bit according to manufacturer's directions. Plug it into a 15-amp outlet (such as a regular outlet at home).
-
-
3
Pick an area to start. Edges are the easiest places to start, then work backward from that point.
-
4
Place your feet shoulder-width apart and place the jackhammer about 6 inches in front of you. Hold the vibration control lever firmly as you would the handles of a bike. If you are working where there may be live wire, hold the machine by the insulated grips. Turn the numbered switch to "1" and begin.
-
5
If you must start in the middle of a slab, chip away small bits in it small area first, then work backward. Balance the jackhammer in your hands and apply steady pressure straight down to an area until it loosens and breaks. Do not apply excessive pressure--this reduces efficiency.
-
6
Continue hammering, angling the jackhammer at about 60 degrees until the material has completely broken.
-
7
Turn the machine off and wedge the jackhammer under the loosened material, pull back slightly and then, using your arms and right hip (or left hip if you are left-handed) push against the jackhammer and move the material aside. Cut any rebar you may encounter with the bolt cutters or angled bit.
-
8
Continue hammering and removing material, moving steadily backward from an edge or outward from the center. Take frequent rests.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Though manufacturer's directions vary, most machines have a release lever for changing bits. To change, simply push down this lever to unlock the bit, change it and pull it back up and lock the bit in.
Always change bits or service the machine when it is unplugged.
Make sure the machine is switched to "0" before you unplug it.
Always drill with sharpened bits and keep your machine well-lubricated.
Do not touch anything grounded (pipes, radiators, refrigerators, etc.) while operating the machine.
Never operate the tool if you are tired, on medication or intoxicated. Do not use around children or pets.
Do not operate the machine in a wet area, unless you have a Grounded Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
Do not pull the machine by its cord.
Never jackhammer with your back to a wall.
