Air Hammer Uses – What are the Specialties of an Air Hammer

Before approaching any DIY projects, it is essential to know you have all the right tools in your toolbox. And learning about the uses of different tools is similarly important; otherwise, you will use the wrong tool to accomplish your DIY project.

An air hammer is one of the versatile tools in automotive, DIY projects, and industrial plants. You will wonder about learning the air hammer uses because it can complete nearly any project such as demolishing tasks, renovation projects, tile breaking, etc.

We will discuss the best uses for air hammers in this article and how to use an air hammer.

So, let’s begin.

What is an Air Hammer?

An air hammer is categorized as a pneumatic tool that is much handier in accomplishing a variety of tasks.

It contains a chisel that helps to break and cut any material. This is the reason it is also known as air chisel. Uses of an air hammer are

• Stone carving
• Brick removing
• Masonry stone breaking
• Tiles and paint chipping
• Nuts, bolts, or joints breaking

And many others.

This tool is different from a regular hammer since it is a pneumatic tool and can do many tasks that a regular hammer can’t.

An air hammer is a widely used tool in the automotive industry. It uses a different type of accessories and bits for metal cutting and shaping. Even with a chisel, it allows a user to straighten any dents.

What Are the Best Uses for Pneumatic Air Hammer?

When buying an air hammer, consider the task that you will be completing with it. With the right attachment, an air hammer is much efficient in delivering an effective result.

Below are the most common pneumatic air hammer uses

• Metalworking shops need to shape and cut metal daily. And they accomplish these tasks using an air hammer. Whenever your project requirement is to flatten, shape, or cut any metal such as copper, aircraft-grade aluminum, 10-gauge structure steel, and many more, choose an air hammer. Metal deburring and smoothing also can be done using an air hammer.
• Cutting exhaust pipes, unbolting frozen fasteners are cumbersome work. And these tasks will become much more comfortable when you have an air hammer in your hand. Split ball joints and rubber bushings are other tasks where an air hammer plays a vital role in finishing them successfully.
• Air hammers are a faster tool and penetrate hardly on tile, mortar, stone, concrete, and other masonry materials. As a result, when the task is to remove strong and robust materials, an air hammer is the best tool to do this easily.

You can choose multiple attachments for your selected air hammer according to your project.

Air hammer attachments are universal, and different manufacturer’s attachments easily fit another maker’s air hammer.

How to Use an Air Hammer to Get the Best Output?

Learning about the working process of a tool will assist you to get the best output from it. Read below to learn more on-air hammer how to use.

Step 01: Ensure a Clean Work Area

Before starting your project, clean the work area thoroughly. Confirm the area is properly enlightened. Also, the pressurized air pipe is accurately trimmed in order to avoid tripping issues.

Since it is a powerful tool, avoid working with it besides the flammable materials. Ensure wearing goggles and ear protection.

Step 02: Determining the Required Bits

According to your job requirement, select the drill bit. Pick a clean and sharp bit.

If the required bit is unavailable in the box, buying the ideal bit is mandatory. If you are familiar with using an air hammer, check the sharpness of the bit. You will get an uneven result when the bit is blunt. This will be a waste of valuable money and time.

Make sure to sharpen and clean the bit to get the expected result.

Step 03: Lubricating and Installation of the Bit

Lubricating the air hammer is necessary before every use. Generally, 2 – 3 drops of oil are enough to lubricate a brand new air hammer. In addition to assembling the air hammer, you will also need to apply a thin film of oil. This way, abrasion, wear and tear will be prevented.

Moreover, you can work with the tool for a longer period without any problem if you apply a few oil drops every 2 – 3 hours.

Now you might be thinking, can I use any oil? Before selecting the oil type, read the instruction manual available with the air hammer.

Next, the retainer spring needs to be unscrewed, and the bit needs to be inserted into the cylinder bit. Then properly screw the retainer spring.

Tag your bits to make sure it is safely placed. You may hear some noise, which works by vibrating the bit back and forth, considering it perfectly fine.

Step 04: Making a Connection Between the Air Hammer and Pressurized Air Tank

First, make sure the air connector is the right one for your air hammer. If you own an air hammer with an air connector, you are the luckiest person.

The bad news is; most air hammers don’t come with an air connector. Inspect the seams thoroughly if any leakage is available. 90 – 110 PSI is the range of pressurized air of handheld air chisels. Keep the pressurized air limit to a maximum of 200 PSI. The tool may explode if you apply more than 200 PSI pressurized air to it.

Confirm the air is clean and dry. Don’t try to go with any type of pressurized gas like oxygen or carbon-di-oxide. You can severely damage yourself since an explosion may happen if you do so.

Step 05: Turning the Air Hammer On

After attaching the air hammer to the pressurized air tank correctly, turn the air hammer on.

Hold the air hammer using both hands. Place one hand on the cylinder and the other one around the handle. Thus, adjusting the air hammer will be much easier. When working, keep the air hammer as steady as possible. This will let you work with the air hammer for an extended period.

What Safety Gears Do I Need to Use When dealing with an Air Hammer?

When handling a power tool, it is significantly essential to wear safety gear. Also, following other precautions are mandatory. Follow the below points.

• Throughout the working process, don’t avoid wearing safety gears such as goggles, hand gloves, earplugs.
• Start working with lower settings. Then gradually increase it as you go. Adjust the air pressure according to the project.
• If you require to change the bit in the middle of a process, turn the air hammer off, disconnect it from the pressurized air tank. Then change the bit.

FAQ

Will an air hammer break concrete?

The chisel of air hammers is fast-moving and powerful. So, an air hammer can easily break concrete. All you need to do is look for a model of air hammer that suits your project.

What are the differences between rotary hammers and air hammers?

Below are the key differences

• Rotary hammers are bulky, while air hammers are lightweight.
• Rotary hammers are suitable for larger projects. But air hammers are mostly used for smaller projects.
• You can use a rotary hammer either as a hammer or drill or in both modes. In contrast, an air hammer is compatible with different bits depending on the project.

Last Words

A demolition work can’t be easier without an air hammer. Hopefully, understanding the air hammer uses will let you accomplish any project that requires an air hammer.

Safety should get top-priority when working with a hammer. Read the instruction manual intently and ensure you are well-equipped with safety gear to deal with a project using an air hammer.

Best of luck!