Before choosing your pneumatic hammer, whether it is a rotary or demolition hammer, it is important to know the main characteristics that can influence your purchase.
Guillaume Boisvert, buyer at Outils Pierre Berger, will guide you in selecting the best hammer for your work.
The 2 main types of air hammers
Several sizes of hammers are available at Outils Pierre Berger.
"Our best sellers are mainly the SDS-Plus and SDS-Max products, which are standard for all manufacturers. This characteristic refers to the types of connecting bits, according to the sizes of the bits and chisels", begins Guillaume.
1. SDS-Plus hammers
SDS-Plus hammers are much smaller and are mainly used for anchoring. They are also designed for minor and mostly occasional demolition.
"Many customers use them to remove ceramic tiles during a renovation," says Guillaume.
Although the maximum capacity of the SDS-Plus is 1″, it is recommended that they not be used repeatedly with bits larger than ¾″.
"It is possible to go to the maximum capacity of the SDS-Plus hammer only sporadically," he emphasizes.
SDS-Plus Hammer Suggestions
- DHR171ZB has a good price-performance ratio and is very compact.
- DCH273P2DHO has an integrated vacuum system.
- 2912-20 is battery operated and has anti-vibration handles.
What to remember about SDS-Plus bits:
- 5/32″ to 1-1/8″ bits;
- Small, thin-walled core bits;
- Fairly short, thin chisels.
2. SDS-Max hammers
There are two types of products in the SDS-Max: demolition hammers, which do not rotate and only break up concrete, and the more complete rotary hammers with rotation and demolition options.
SDS-Max hammers also have more capacity than SDS-Plus.
"Some SDS-Max hammers are available with batteries, but corded models are still popular for this type of tool," Guillaume adds.
SDS-Max hammer suggestions
- 11264EVS drills with a 4″ core bit and remains relatively light for the user ;
- DH40MCM powerful for basic work, lightweight to reduce fatigue;
- 2718-22HD performs for a long time thanks to its long runtime offered by 12 Ah batteries.
Things to remember about SDS-Max bits
- Drill bits from 3/8″ to 2″;
- Core bits up to 6″ ;
- Complete chisels including rod drivers and shovels.
Why select a demolition hammer instead of a rotary hammer?
So why choose a pneumatic demolition hammer over a pneumatic rotary hammer that has all the options in one tool? It's simple! The internal mechanics of the product are different.
"If my customer does demolition work more than 30% of the time, I suggest a demolition hammer to reduce premature wear.
"Yes, it's an investment since you have to get two different hammers, but you'll win in the long run because it will reduce early maintenance costs. You should know that a tune-up on an SDS-Max is worth around $350 to $400," says our buyer.
If the above-mentioned products do not meet your needs, our experts at Outils Pierre Berger will be happy to guide you.
You will find high-performance hammers and all their accessories for your toughest concrete jobs!
Guillaume's final advice:
"Don't forget that the selection of a hammer must be considered on the long term in order to reduce maintenance costs. It is essential to work with the right tool for your job site."
