Are you a demolition contractor, construction worker, landscaper, plumber, or electrician? If so, you’ve likely spent a buttload of money on one or more demolition hammers. Buying them is practically an investment so if one breaks or malfunctions, replacing it won’t be as easy as replacing something like a normal hammer. It will cost you a fortune. Even Repairing it is not as easy or cheap. So, it’s only wise to prevent damage as much as possible and invest time and energy into your jackhammer maintenance. Let’s see what you can do to keep this precious, expensive tool safe.
Is There Any Difference Between Maintaining Different Types of Demolition Hammers?
As you know, there are various types of jackhammers out there. You might have a pneumatic one, an electric one, a hydraulic one, or one that works on gas. For the most part, the maintenance process is the same for all these types. But there are some minor differences which we’ll cover first for your convenience.
Pneumatic Demolition Hammer Maintenance
As it works with pneumatic force and is connected to an air hose, check the hose to make sure there are no leaks or cracks. Drain the air compressor from any condensation to prevent rust and damage to the hammer. Also, these hammers require the lubrication of the air inlet and internal components.
Hydraulic Demolition Hammer Maintenance
Check the hydraulic fluid level regularly and change it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, check the hoses and fittings for leaks or damages. As for the lubrication, there are specific points that need to be lubricated: the piston and cylinder, seals and o-rings, bushings and bearings, and tool retainer mechanism.
Electric Demolition Hammer Maintenance
Inspect the power cord to see if there’s any damage. Also, check the brushes on electric motors periodically and replace them if necessary, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This tool also just needs to be lubricated in specific parts. The parts of an electric demolition hammer that need to be greased up are hammer mechanism, bearing and gears, motor bearings, and trigger mechanism.
Gas Demolition Hammer Maintenance
This depends on whether the manufacturer has given you any specific maintenance instructions such as spark plug inspection and cleaning.
Now that we know the difference in demolition hammer maintenance between ones with different power sources, it’s time to take a look at the general steps you need to take to keep your tool in the best shape possible.
There are several steps for a jackhammer maintenance and we’re going to take you through them one by one. And don’t worry, you can easily do them yourself!
Regular Cleaning
Except for maybe your iron cast pan that you shouldn’t wash, anything you need to have maintained needs to be cleaned regularly; including your mind and of course your demolition hammer! So, each time you use your tool, get a soft, dry cloth or a brush and remove any leftover dust or debris from your hammer and vents that have done their time on your precious device.
Inspection and Checking for Wear
To keep things in check, first do a visual inspection to find any wear, crack, fraying, damage, or loose components. This is just a mere check-up to see if there is anything that can be wrong and then get it checked out and fixed by a professional. Things you should watch for are the power cord, plug, and housing. Also check the handles, switches, and triggers to make sure they function properly.
Lubrication and Greasing
In devices that have moving parts, it’s important to keep them greased up for smoother function. In the process of demolition hammer maintenance, this also is an important step. The hammer mechanism, bearings, and other moving parts need to be greased up regularly. Note that you should do this according to the manufacturer’s instructions to see if there are any specific points you need to keep in mind.
Proper Storage
Though you might not think that it matters, one of the main steps of jackhammer maintenance is when your tool is just sitting in a corner, resting. When you’re not using it, try to keep it in a clean, dry place away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Keeping it in its carrying case or storage box will protect it from dust and debris.
Also, as tough as they may seem, avoid leaving them in harsh weather conditions because they will be worn and corrupted.
Checking the Chisel and Bit
Check the chisel or bit for wear or damage. If they are worn, the jackhammer performance will be affected and can be dangerous to the operator. Make sure to replace dull chisels for the best performance. You should also check the chisel retainers and springs to make sure they are secured and in good condition. If any of them are loosened or damaged, you might face malfunction or safety hazards.
Professional Maintenance
In the inspection process, you might face troubles you can’t fix yourself. This is where professional maintenance comes to your aid. You can do small demolition hammer maintenance and take care of some small fixations but don’t risk the livelihood of your tool and leave it to the pros.
Following Manufacturer Guideline
Last but not least, don’t overlook the manufacturer’s guidelines as it will greatly help you and give you tips and recommendations for your jackhammer maintenance. This includes proper operating procedures, maintenance intervals, and safety precautions.
You can also consider regularly having your tool checked out by a technician or service center. They might find problems you might not have been able to spot.
Hopefully, this guideline gave you a clear idea of what you need to do to keep your precious demolition hammer maintained. Don’t forget that it’s always easier to prevent than to cure.
FAQs:
What are the essential maintenance tasks and routines that should be followed to keep a demolition hammer in optimal working condition?
To keep it short, cleaning, lubrication, and inspection are what you need to do for demolition hammer maintenance. For more information, read the article above.
Can the proper maintenance of a demolition hammer lead to cost savings and improved safety on construction sites?
Yes. Demolition hammer maintenance leads to the prevention of accidents and costs you less than replacing the tool altogether. Also, this will leave you with enhanced resale value.
