Jack hammer drills, also known as rotary hammers or demolition hammers, are powerful tools used for breaking and demolishing concrete, masonry, and other hard materials. These versatile tools come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different jack hammer drill types, their technical specifications, and their suitability for various demolition and drilling tasks.
SDS Plus (Slotted Drive System Plus)
SDS Plus jack hammer drills are designed for lighter to medium-duty applications, typically used for drilling and chiseling in concrete, masonry, and brick. These drills feature a shank type that is compatible with SDS Plus bits, which range in size from 1/4″ to 1″ in diameter.
Key Specifications:
– Shank Type: SDS Plus
– Bit Size: 1/4″ to 1″ in diameter
– Drill Power: Lower impact energy, typically 2-4 joules
– Applications: Suitable for smaller demolition tasks, such as removing tile, breaking up small concrete areas, and drilling into masonry
SDS Max (Slotted Drive System Max)
SDS Max jack hammer drills are designed for heavier-duty applications, typically used for more extensive demolition and drilling in harder materials. These drills feature a shank type that is compatible with SDS Max bits, which range in size from 1/2″ to 1 9/16″ in diameter.
Key Specifications:
– Shank Type: SDS Max
– Bit Size: 1/2″ to 1 9/16″ in diameter
– Drill Power: Higher impact energy, typically 8-12 joules
– Applications: Suitable for larger demolition tasks, such as breaking up thick concrete slabs, removing large sections of masonry, and drilling into hard stone
Spline
Spline jack hammer drills are designed for heavy-duty applications, typically used for extreme demolition and drilling in the hardest materials. These drills feature a shank type that is compatible with Spline bits, which range in size from 1 1/2″ to 2″ in diameter.
Key Specifications:
– Shank Type: Spline
– Bit Size: 1 1/2″ to 2″ in diameter
– Drill Power: Highest impact energy, typically 15-20 joules
– Applications: Suitable for heavy-duty demolition tasks, such as breaking up thick, reinforced concrete, and drilling into extremely hard materials
Size Rating and Drill Power
The size rating on a jack hammer drill (e.g., 1 ¾”) refers to the maximum diameter of the bit that can be used with the drill. This rating is directly related to the drill’s power, as more powerful drills can handle larger bits and more demanding tasks.
Compatibility Between SDS Max, Spline, and SDS Plus Bits
- SDS Max and Spline Bits: These bits are not compatible with drills designed for SDS Plus bits, as they require more powerful drills to operate effectively.
- SDS Plus Bits: These bits can be used with drills designed for SDS Max bits, but the drill’s power may be reduced, and the bit’s performance may be limited.
Technical Specifications
Here are some examples of high-performance jack hammer drills and their technical specifications:
| Model | Shank Type | Bit Size | Impact Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 1-9/16in SDS MAX Combination Hammer Kit | SDS Max | 1-9/16″ | 22.4 joules |
| Bosch 1-7/8in SDS-max Combination Hammer | SDS Max | 1-7/8″ | 22.4 joules |
| Bosch 1-9/16in SDS-max Combination Hammer | SDS Max | 1-9/16″ | 22.4 joules |
These drills are suitable for heavy-duty demolition tasks, thanks to their high impact energy and compatibility with large-diameter bits.
References
- Live Oak Construction Supply. (n.d.). Rotary & Demolition Hammer Drills. Retrieved from https://liveoaksupply.com/power-tools/corded/rotary-demolition-hammer-drills/
- YouTube. (2022, September 1). Jackhammer Chisel Bits Explained. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaaOqh2HTBw
- Home Depot. (n.d.). Demolition & Breaker Hammers – Concrete Drilling Tools. Retrieved from https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tools-Concrete-Drilling-Tools-Demolition-Breaker-Hammers/N-5yc1vZc2cn
- House Of Contractors Inc. (n.d.). Rotary / Jack Hammers. Retrieved from https://houseofcontractors.com/collections/rotary-jack-hammers
- YouTube. (2023, February 5). Need A Jackhammer?? Try This Tool + Bit Combo Instead!! (Hammer Drill + Viper Chisel Bit!). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwj8d9HgoNY
This comprehensive guide on Jack Hammer Drill Types provides detailed information on the different types of jack hammer drills, their technical specifications, and their suitability for various demolition and drilling tasks. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right jack hammer drill for your project.