Welcome to the jackhammer rental guide. It is here where we will discuss things such as: definition, uses, types, safety, pricing, and rental versus purchasing of what now has become a safer and more efficient way of busting stuff apart.
A jackhammer is a tool that basically joins various types of chisel tips or bits with a hammer that is powered by: air pressure or pneumatics, hydraulics – similar to what controls a back-hoe or tractor bucket, and/or electricity. The chisel tip is controlled by the various forms of power in an up and down motion by an internal hammer moving up and down in a shaft. A powerful spring is used to assist with the stroke. The jackhammer’s effectiveness relies on the amount of force applied to the device. There are typically four different shaped bits which are used for specific purposes, they are:
- Pointed tip – for breaking things up
- Flat tip – for superior control when things needing a finer finished edge
- Spade – similar to a flat tip but wider creating a flat edge for dirt, asphalt, or concrete
- Scabbler – which provides a smooth surface to things before bonding
- Stake Driver – which drives stakes into concrete or asphalt
Hydraulically powered jackhammers are large and very powerful. They are usually attached to construction equipment. And are usually seen on construction equipment used in breaking up thick things such as thick pieces of concrete on highways. They also are seen on skid loaders which rent depending on size for around $215 for 4 hrs. $305 per day and $1025 per wk.
Medium sized jobs are usually handled by jackhammers powered with compressed air, the pneumatic version. You usually seen these attached with an air hose to a large gas or electrically powered compressors which is transported on a trailer pulled by a truck. Prices for these are usually based on CFM, cubic feet per minute, size for a 185CFM is approx. $77 for 5 hrs. & $115 per day and a 250CFM unit is approx. $100 for 5 hrs. and $115 per day, these units usually come with hammer, hose , bit, and compressor
There are hand operated and come in various sizes to handle different sized jobs. The smallest versions are usually powered by electricity, but some use a smaller air compressor. The type people may have in their garage; they also come in different sizes different tasks. These units are much cheaper renting at $46 for 4 hrs. and $ 60 per day.
Jackhammer Rental Safety
Jackhammers Rentals can be very cost effective but also very dangerous to operate. It would be wise to observe the necessary safety practices while using one, especially if you’ve never operated one before. Anyone with average knowledge of power tool usage should be able to accomplish the task. If you’re uncertain about any safety precaution please ask someone with prior experience. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Protective eye gear is a priority. Wearing protective goggles is a must. Not just safety glasses as rock chips and dust can enter your eyes around the side of the lens. Goggles protect your eyes from damage from all angles.
Many jackhammers are over 100 dB. Constant use can damage your ears. So it would be a good idea to wear earmuffs, like one’s used on a gun firing range. Individuals with sensitive ears may consider wearing both protective ear plugs and earmuffs. Continued noise at this level without protection can give the operator tinnitus, a very unpleasant, high-pitched noise that is continuously heard only by the individual experiencing it. This may be temporary or permanent. So it’s best to protect oneself prior to injury.
Protective clothing should also be worn such as boots, long pants, long shirt, and gloves. There are gloves that are designed to absorb vibration. Continued use of any vibrating instrument may cause loss of blood to the fingers and hands.
Another item of perfection you may want to consider is a dust mask. If you’re in a confined space the mask will provide cleaner air to breathe as well as protect part of your face from getting hit by rock chips. If you are closer to the area you are breaking are you using a powerful machine a total face shield may be appropriate.
Renting a Jackhammer Versus Purchasing
There are several deciding factors to consider prior to the purchase or renting of a jackhammer. The first thing to keep in mind is the depth or thickness, and hardness of the material to be broken or removed. Harder and thicker matter will require a larger jackhammer. The size of the area you have to break or remove is another thing to consider. It may be cheaper to buy a Jackhammer if you have to use it for a long period of time, or it is a project that you be unable to finish in one afternoon. However purchasing a larger pneumatic jackhammer would be a lot more expensive than a smaller model requiring the use of a smaller air compressor. Extremely small projects, like busting out a couple of bricks or mortar could be accomplished by using a pneumatic air hammer or an electric hammer drill. However, when it comes to breaking large sidewalks or patios built with either concrete or asphalt you might want to use something called a pavement breaker. These are the big daddy of jackhammers. Also know as heavy-duty jackhammers, brute breakers, or hex breaker hammers.
A quick trip to the jackhammer rental center at your local building store or tool renter center and a discussion with the store representative could be very helpful in determining the correct tool to use. The next step will be to determine how long it would take to accomplish the task and at what cost to rent the tool compared to purchasing the tool.