When people think about busting up their old walk or driveway, the first thing that enters their mind is work. Hard work. However, you can get around this hard work by using a Jackhammer, also known as a “pneumatic drill.”
A Jackhammer can be a valuable tool. You can rent them at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or at any major tool rental center. Some places charge by the hour and some by the day. Most Jackhammers run by electricity. If you use one, make sure that the cord you use is heavy enough to handle the power needed. A small cord will easily get too hot and melt.
Jackhammers are usually mounted on a two wheel cart. They can easily be put in the back of your truck or even the trunk of your car.
There are five bits that go with a Jackhammer. However, most rentals will supply only two at best. The five bits are 1. Spade (It provides a flat finish for concrete). 2. Flat Tip (It allows for direction control or a finer edge trim). 3. Point ( General breaking). 4. Stake Driver (drives concrete form stakes). 5. Scrabbler {allows for a smooth surface for finishing).
Protection;
You will need boots, hearing protection, gloves, and safety glasses. Sound is the worst in most cases. Good boots are necessary because the breaking away of the surface makes balance and steadiness of your body very important.
Use
Always lift the Jackhammer by the handle that the trigger is not on. The trigger is usually located on the grips. Lean it at a slight angle. The top should be close but not resting on your waist area. As you apply the Jackhammer to your project, always have the point at a small angle. Notice, I said small. By going in straight up and down, you will find it hard to remove once you break through the concrete or surface. When it is at an angle, it is easier to drag out to another location.
Always start from the outside and work inward. You may want to choose a new crack to start your breaking work. You will find that this makes the work go easier for you.
From time to time, give the Jackhammer a rest. After you break out a section and remove the hammer by pulling (dragging) it away, turn off the power, Only run the hammer when it is actually working.
Once you have your area all broke up, use a metal bar to pry some of the rock away. If it doesn’t move, apply the Jackhammer again.
In some cases you might run into construction wire or rods. Wire can be cut easily with a large strong pair of hand cutters. Rod is different. You may have to use a hand grinder to cut it. It isn’t hard to do but, is time consuming.
Always let the Jackhammer do the work for you. It might mean repeating an area. You should just balance and guide the Jackhammer. Don’t try to go too fast. Some surfaces are harder than others and may take longer. Also, don’t break it up too fine. You just want to make the rock manageable to move. Bigger pieces are easier to move and load instead of smaller rocks and dust.
Lastly, be sure you are totally finished before you take the Jackhammer back. In some cases, if you have to go back and get it again, they will charge you again. If you get tired of dragging the hammer, take a break every now and then.
When finished, clean up the tool and return it the way you got it.
