Jackhammers, also called demolition hammers or breakers, are powerful tools that are used for various demolition tasks. One of the most common demolition tasks is breaking and jackhammers are often used for this task, but “How thick a concrete can a jackhammer break?!”
Follow us as we talk about all the factors that affect the depth of concrete you can penetrate with a jackhammer.
How Thick a Concrete Can a Jackhammer (Demolition Hammer) Break?
This is a question that does not have a straight answer. The answer to this question depends on two important factors.
Not including the skill of the operator, the answer to the question of “How thick a concrete can a demolition hammer break?” relies on these two things: the concrete you desire to break and the type of jackhammer that you are using.
Ultimately, the most basic handheld jackhammers can penetrate about 3 inches into concrete. The most capable handheld models can handle 6 to 8 inches of depth and large, often machine-operated, hydraulic jackhammers may even go up to 18 inches or even more.
In the following sections, we will first talk about concrete and the factors that make them strong. Then, we will talk about the three types of jackhammers (electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic) and how deep each of them can break a demolition hammer.
Concrete Strength, Mix, and Reinforcement
Different types of concrete take more time and power to break. There are high-strength concretes and lower-strength concretes.
- The strength of the concrete relies on the overall mix of the concrete. Concrete consists of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone), and chemical admixtures. The percentage and the way that each of these elements are used in the concrete mix are significant factors in determining the strength of the concrete and consequently the difficulty of breaking it with any jackhammer.
- The age of the concrete is also a significant factor. Concrete goes through a process called curing that makes it harder, the more time it has passed since pouring. The strength of the concrete will continue to increase years after pouring and curing.
- One other thing that has to be considered when it comes to the type of concrete is whether the concrete is reinforced or not. Some types of concrete are reinforced with things like steel rebars which makes them significantly more difficult to cut or break.
Type of Jackhammer (Demolition Hammer)
The type of jackhammer (demolition hammer) you use is a significant factor in how deep you can break into concrete with it. The main three types of jackhammers (electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic) are each suitable for a range of depths and they should be used for that range of depth.
- Electric Jackhammer: The demolition hammers powered by electricity are usually handheld and they come in two types: corded and cordless. Corded models generally have more power but they are less mobile than cordless models.
Electric jackhammers are ideal for light-duty demolition. Smaller models can break concrete to a depth of up to 3 inches. Larger models can reach maximum depths of 5 or 6 inches in concrete.
- Pneumatic Jackhammer: These demolition hammers are powered by compressed air and they are capable of handling moderate-duty demolition tasks. They can break concrete with thicknesses from 6 to 12 inches. These tools are ideal for general demolition, trenching, and scaling applications.
- Hydraulic Jackhammer: These tools are ideal for heavy-duty demolition like breaking thick concrete, breaking rocks, and large-scale construction projects. The largest of these types of demolition hammers are mounted onto heavy machinery and operated this way because of their size and power. These types of tools can break concrete to depths of over 12 inches.
Alt: Hydraulic breaker mounted on excavator used to break rocks
- Of course, there are also gas-powered jackhammers but they are similar to electric models in power!
Techniques for Better Operation when Breaking Concrete with Demolition Hammers
This section is like a bonus track! If your question is “How thick a concrete can a demolition hammer break?” this is the last thing that needs to be talked about but it is extremely important. A skilled operator can use optimized techniques to break concrete more easily and to a higher depth.
Of course, the most important tip or technique that always needs to be considered is adhering to safety principles. Breaking concrete with a jackhammer is a difficult and dangerous operation. Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, gloves, dust masks, ear protection, and proper footwear.
- First and foremost, you should prepare the work area by clearing debris and marking the breaking zone.
- Keeping a stable stance, using controlled bursts, and working systematically are the way to go.
- Jackhammer maintenance is essential. Sharpen the bit regularly and lubricate the jackhammer.
- To make it easier to penetrate thick concrete, you can create fault lines along the area that you want to break by using a drill or rotary hammer!
FAQ
What is the maximum thickness of concrete that a typical demolition hammer can effectively break?
Small handheld demolition hammers (often electric) can break up to 3 inches deep. Medium-duty models (mostly pneumatic) can reach anywhere from 6 to 12 inches. Hydraulic models are ideal for heavy-duty demolitions and they can break through concrete with a depth of more than 12 inches.
Are there tips or techniques for breaking thicker concrete more efficiently and safely?
Wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE) is always essential. Other tips for easily breaking concrete are keeping a proper stance, using controlled bursts, and pre-drilling holes to create fault lines in concrete. Maintenance of the jackhammer and the bit
