Pneumatic power tools are all the rage – and for a good reason. These tools are second to none when it comes to getting difficult tasks done fast with minimal elbow grease. One such tool is the air hammer.
If you are looking to upgrade your current air hammer or even delve into the world of pneumatic tools, we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best air hammer.
Also known as air chisel, this power tool has countless benefits. What we also love about air hammers is the fact that there are several budget options that do no compromise on quality. Thus, there is something for everyone!
Benefits of Air Hammer
Before we dive headfirst into product recommendations, let us take a look at some benefits of air hammers. If you are on the fence about purchasing one, hopefully, you will now be tipped to the correct side!
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Speed
Naturally, the first and main reason one would purchase a power tool is for the speed – and air hammers are no different. An average medium-duty air hammer operates at 2000 to 3000 blows per minute (BPM) hence helping you breeze through your task.
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Safe To Use
Air hammers come with multiple safety features that make them extremely safe to use. These tools have barely ever led to accidents or mishaps, making them even more desirable for professionals and newbies alike.
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Portability
Air hammers are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for carrying. The chisel attachments needed are also very small, meaning a complete kit will take up barely any space.
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Great Value For Money
As we’ve mentioned already, air hammers can be bought at a very reasonable price without forgoing quality and reliability. Hence, these tools offer the great value that we look for in any tool.
7 Best Air Hammer Reviews
- 1. Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 114GQC
- 2. Ingersoll Rand 121Q Super Duty Air Hammer
- 3. Sunex SX243 Hd Long Barrel Air Hammer
- 4. Chicago Pneumatic Super Duty Air Hammer
- 5. Campbell Hausfeld XT101000 Air Hammer
- 6. Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Air Hammer
- 7. Dynamic Power Short Barrel Air Hammer
Reviewed below are eight of our favorite air hammers. They are all exceptional in terms of performance, reliability, durability, and value for money.
1. Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 114GQC
The first product on our list comes from a manufacturer who is well-loved by beginners and professionals alike. When it comes to quality and service, products from this company are not to be questioned. They are some of the most reliable power tools available on the market, and we can’t recommend them enough!
As for the air hammer, this particular model has been designed to keep professional users in mind. However, is intended for professional use does not mean the tool is bulky or too advanced for beginners. It is very lightweight and does not follow the stereotypical bulky design we’ve come to expect from industrial tools.
Boasting BPM, or blows per minute, of 3,500 this product gives you incredible power. For heavy-duty tasks, we recommend purchasing air hammers with 2,000 to 3,000 BPM. With 3,500 BPM, you will be able to do all types of tasks such as cutting metal, and concrete, scraping surfaces, and so on.
As for air consumption, this model comes in at 4 cm. We recommend 4 cfm as the minimum power for air hammers to be effective, so this is a pretty low-impact cfm. However, the tool can still carry out several different tasks with the same effectiveness as tools with higher cfm.
Besides being lightweight, the tool also has an ergonomic grip. This grip ensures that your hand does not feel the strain of the tool. Additionally, a diffused handle exhaust helps prevent the tool from overheating, thus making it more comfortable to use.
With your purchase of the tool, you will also get a three-piece chisel set. These chisels will allow you to get more precise results. They can all be installed in under 30 seconds, so switching chisels while using the tool is a breeze.
This is a great product for those looking to upgrade their air hammer to a reliable, long-lasting, and heavy-duty option.
2. Ingersoll Rand 121Q Super Duty Air Hammer
This particular product combines one of the best air hammers from the manufacturer with 6 different chisel attachments. The end result is a complete kit that helps get all sorts of work such as shearing, cutting, bushing, driving, and so on done fast and precisely.
As for the 6 tools included in the kit, they are a flat blade chisel, punch chisel, single blade cutter, Kwik cutter, claw ripper-edging tool, and vee chisel-spot welder. You would be hard-pressed to find such a well-rounded and high-quality set from other manufacturers at this price.
The air hammer included in this set is a super-duty model with 3,000 BPM. With 3,000 BPM, you can do almost all heavy-duty tasks with ease. This is a very convenient BPM as it allows you to cover a range of tasks without it being too much or too little.
Read more, Dremel Tool.
Constructed with alloy, the barrel keeps the tool lightweight and convenient. This ensures that you can use the tool for a long time for heavy-duty projects without feeling the strain on your hands. The air hammer by itself weighs in at 3.5 lbs only!
With an air consumption of 3 cfm, the tool has a lower-end power. However, the tool can effortlessly do a huge variety of jobs. Low cfm air hammers are great for projects that require precision and control. Thus, this 3 cfm air hammer makes for a great tool to have at hand at all times.
For beginners and pros alike, complete kits are extremely useful. Hence, we recommend this particular set, which combines the service of a great air hammer with the convenience of having multiple chisel attachments at hand. We assure you that you will not regret purchasing this set, regardless of your expertise level.
3. Sunex SX243 Hd Long Barrel Air Hammer
Our next product is a perfect fit for beginners or those looking to purchase an air hammer that gets everyday tasks done. This air hammer, with 2,200 BPM, makes for the perfect tool for everyday handymen. It is a great tool for beginners to start with due to its reliability and simplicity.
However, if you are looking for an air hammer to help with heavy-duty tasks, do not disregard this product either. The long barrel design of the tool pairs impressively with 2,200 BPM to result in a tool that can take care of intense projects too. This model really is the best of both worlds.
The barrel is also made of hardened steel, making it very durable. Unlike in some cheap models, the barrel will not deteriorate or come loose due to vibration or prolonged use. If your goal is to purchase an air hammer that is set to serve you for years, your search may have just ended here!
As the tool has an ergonomic grip, it does a great job of providing comfort to your hands during use. If you are just starting to get used to the feel of using pneumatic tools, this particular model will be the perfect fit for you,
Additionally, the housing is made of a lightweight aluminum alloy, which keeps the tool from becoming unnecessarily bulky. Beginners and professionals alike can benefit from this feature.
The air hammer weighs 5.6 pounds, which is a tad bit heavier than an average air hammer with similar features. However, due to the design of the tool, this weight will not cause the user strain. On top of that, the range and versatility of the tool make it a must-have.
4. Chicago Pneumatic Super Duty Air Hammer
Quite the contrary to our previous recommendation, this next product is meant for very heavy-duty, or super duty tasks. We recommend it to everyone looking for an air hammer for professional and industrial use. With incredible durability, this air hammer will be in your toolbox for several years.
Weighing in at 4.75lbs, the air hammer is designed to ensure that the user does not feel the strain of this super duty tool. Along with a comfortable design, the tool has a great vibration factor, which reduces vibration and provides better operation control. This also boosts comfort.
The air hammer has a great air consumption of 7 cfm. You will notice that this is much higher than the products we have reviewed thus far. With this air consumption, the air hammer is better suited for projects that require power over precision.
This air hammer also has a BPM of 1800. Even though this may seem on the lower end of the spectrum, there is no reason to be disappointed as the BPM pairs together really well with the air consumption, barrel length, and other features to result in one of the best heavy-duty air hammers.
A .489-inch diameter chisel shank makes the tool ready to take on extremely heavy-duty jobs and automotive, truck, and off-road equipment. You can also use the tool for removal of truck springs, front end work, heavy-duty spring bushings, and so on.
Altogether, this is one of our most highly recommended products. We recommend beginners to steer clear of this product as it may seem too intimidating. But, for professionals, one would be hard-pressed to find a product that beats this!
5. Campbell Hausfeld XT101000 Air Hammer
For a tool that does a range of tasks really well, we strongly recommend this next product. This is an affordable air hammer that gets the basic job done and is perfect for those not willing to shell out a pretty penny on the pneumatic tool.
Being an affordable tool also means that the purchase will not include chisel attachments. This may be a downside because you will have to purchase them separately. However, the air hammer has a standard shank diameter of 0.401 inches, which means it is compatible with almost all standard chisels.
As far as comfort is concerned, the tool leaves no stone unturned. Firstly, the air hammer weighs 2.9lbs only. Moreover, it comes with a rubber-like comfort grip handle, which reduces the strain on the user’s hands. Finally, a great vibration absorption capability makes the tool very comfortable to use for a prolonged time.
The air hammer comes with 2,600 BPM, which is a great in-between. You will be able to do a wide range of tasks ranging from light duty to medium duty without worrying about the air hammer giving up halfway through.
At 3.1 cfm air consumption, the tool operates at great efficiency and allows you to get work done faster, which is one of the most important features of this particular model. This compact tool makes use of 3.1 cfm at 90 psi to give you great efficacy.
Overall, this is a great place for beginners to start their journey with air hammers. However, that is not to say professionals cannot benefit from having this basic air hammer in their toolbox
6. Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Air Hammer
Our next pick combines ease of use with heavy-duty performance – it is almost too good to be true. This model from the famous manufacturer is able to able to withstand the ruggedness that comes with heavy-duty work and offers a great service life.
What we love about this tool is that it is very simple to use and a great place for beginners to start. The simple pistol-style grip is easy for anyone to get around. Additionally, the power of the tool is enough to get many heavy-duty tasks done but not intimidating for the layman.
The tooltips the scale at a little over 5lbs, which is heavier than an average air hammer. However, the extra weight can be disregarded once we look into the power to weight ratio. The weight helps the air hammer deliver impressive power without having the tool come loose or disintegrate due to impact and vibration.
With a standard round 0.41 shank, the tool is compatible with most standard chisel attachments. The shank is also great in withstanding rugged use and enables fast action, adding to the overall power and speed of the air hammer.
At 6.25 cfm, the tool has much more air consumption than we generally recommend for beginners. However, for a durable tool that is great for starting off and will last well into the future, this is a great investment. 6.25 cfm allows for much heavier tasks to be taken up once the user becomes comfortable with the tool.
The air hammer also has an integral muffler, which helps dampen any noise that results from the operation. Overall, this is a great tool with impressive quality and simple features. Handymen from any level of expertise will surely find this to be a great first buy or even an upgrade!
7. Dynamic Power Short Barrel Air Hammer
We have saved one of the best air hammers for last – and we assure you this model is far from being the least. Coming in a set complete with 4 chisel bits, this air hammer kit is set to be the one-stop solution you may be looking for.
Firstly, the tool is incredibly durable. It has a piston, which is incredibly strong and durable due to its being heat treated. This greatly amplifies the performance and life span of the air hammer itself.
Moreover, it has an alloyed steel barrel. Alloy steel is one of the most lightweight yet strong materials to construct a barrel out of. This gives your tool a great balance of power and convenience.
To make the air hammer even more powerful and resistant to wear, it is occupied with anti-vibration features. These features help absorb vibration so you and your air hammer both do not feel the strain of vibration resulting from the operation. As a result, the longevity of your tool becomes much longer.
Moving on, a special feature of this air hammer is that it has a speed regulator. This feature ensures that the speed your tool is operating at matches the job that you are doing. As a result, the tool does not over-exert, neither does it leave much to be desired.
So as you can see, the tool comes last on our list but packs quite the punch. It helps you get several different tasks done without too much elbow grease. To wrap it all up, you can get this exceptional air hammer at under 40 dollars!
What To Look For Before Buying?
What sets a great air hammer apart from sub-par ones? Let us look at some features that should be looked into before buying an air hammer.
Power
This, to no surprise, is one of the most important features to consider when buying any power tool. When it comes to air hammers, power is an indication by air consumption. It is the value you will find in ‘cfm’ or cubic feet per minute. Air hammers can be anywhere between 3 and 13 cfm.
We recommend opting for a minimum of 4 cfm to get all basic tasks done. If you are taking on larger or more intense projects, you can go for higher power and air consumption. Low cfm models work well with projects that need better control and precision rather than speed and power.
Blows Per Minute (BPM)
BPM is, in simple words, the speed at which the air hammer works. Higher BPM does not always mean the air hammer is great. Too low a BPM can lead to inefficient work whereas the precision of work may be hampered if it is too high.
Thus, always assess the nature of work you are likely to take up before deciding on a range of BPMs to settle on. For average medium-duty air hammers, we recommend a BPM of between 2000 and 3000.
Ergonomics
Let’s face it, no matter how much money you spend on a power tool; it is never pleasant to use one for a prolonged time. Thus, we suggest investing in air hammers that have bonus features you make your experience as smooth as possible.
You may look into models with ergonomic handles, so your grip fits the handle perfectly. This will prevent your hand from cramping up, and the tool will not exert pressure. Additionally, models with vibration absorption features will also greatly boost the comfort you enjoy from the tool.
Vibration and Noise
Several air hammers have incredible vibration-dampening features. These features not only make the air hammer more comfortable for you to use; they also prevent the tool from deteriorating prematurely due to constant vibration and strain.
Similarly, some air hammers do not get the recognition they deserve because they produce a lot of noise during operation. While not everyone can withstand the same level of noise, we always recommend opting for low or no noise models to amplify comfort.
Material of Housing
One of the features that make air hammers so popular is its weight. The tool is so lightweight that you will not feel the strain on your hands. However, this benefit can be completely lost if the housing of the tool is made with the wrong material.
It is preferred that the housing be made of aluminum alloy – durable and lightweight, this material will allow the tool to be convenient and lightweight without skimping on quality.
Single Piece Barrel
Barrels made of a single piece of alloy tend to be more durable than those with several pieces joined together. Even with considerable vibration, single-piece barrel models do not break or come apart easily.
Heat Treated Pistons
Treating mechanical tools with extreme temperatures is not a new trick in the book, but it remains nearly foolproof. Heat-treated pistons are stronger and more durable, and they also make the performance significantly better!
Type of Trigger
When it comes to air hammers, we love gradual progressive triggers. This type of trigger serves two purposes. Firstly, it makes it easier for you to control the speed of the tool. Additionally, air hammers with this type of trigger have lower chances of switching on by themselves, thus allowing you to avoid accidents.
Stroke Length
Stroke length determines the velocity achieved by the piston in each cycle. In simpler words, the stroke length is the distance traveled by the piston in each cycle.
For beginners, we recommend purchasing medium-duty air hammers, which come with stroke lengths between 2 5/8 inches to 3 inches and can handle a massive range of projects.
Shank Diameter
Shank diameter determines the chisel bits the hammer is compatible with. If you are purchasing a kit complete with chisel bits, you need not worry about the shank diameter.
However, if you buy the tool only, you will have to purchase chisels separately. In that case, the air hammer will need to have a standard shank diameter (typically 0.401 inches) to accommodate readily available standard chisels.
Kits vs. Single Tool
This is where personal preference comes into play. Whether you want a complete kit or just a great air hammer depends entirely on you. There are great options available under both categories – and we’ve got some on our list of 8!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still, got questions? Lucky for you, we’ve got all the answers! What kind of protective gear should be used with air hammers?
For any power tool, we highly recommend wearing protective gear. Earmuffs/plugs, gloves, and goggles can help in preventing accidents.
- How much do air hammers weigh?
The average is between 4 and 8 pounds. Please remember that weight and build quality of air hammers are not directly proportional; thus, do not base your decision on the weight only!
- What can I do to increase the lifespan of my air hammer?
A great tip is to oil your air hammer at regular intervals. This tip is not limited to air hammers – oiling will keep all your power tools happy and healthy for a long time (unless the tool is not meant to be oiled!).
- How can I install a chisel?
Firstly, cut off power by removing the air hose for safety. Next, remove the spring and insert the chisel. Once that is done, check that the piece is sitting securely. Slide the spring on the tool in the opposite direction. For a more detailed tutorial, there are several resources online to make it a cakewalk!
- Is it possible to over oil tools?
That is definitely possible. To prevent damage from over-oiling, apply small amounts of oil throughout the day instead of piling on oil at the end of the day. This keeps the oil moving and prevents accumulation.
Final Words
It does take some effort to find the best products – especially when they are something as deceptively daunting and pneumatic tools. However, we hope our guide has made your search for the best air hammer a bit easier!
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