Top 10 Best Air Hammers in 2019

For years now, air hammers have been relied upon by homeowners and professionals to manage jobs that the regular hammer cannot handle effectively. These air chisels are known for their efficiency and ability to reduce the hassle and effort involved when using a regular hammer. Since the introduction of these pneumatic tools, more and more devices with great features continue to dominate the market giving you the freedom to choose your preferred tool that suits your application. However, each tool is designed to perform differently. Making decisions on the best air hammer to buy can be sometimes hard. We have made the process simpler for you and here are some of the quality air chisels you should invest in.

Our Best Pick

Ingersoll Rand 118MAXK Long Barrel Air Hammer Kit Ingersoll Rand 118MAXK Long Barrel Air Hammer Kit features a quick chisel retainer, five chisels set to select from and able to delivers 15% impact power while reducing vibration levels by 30% making it Our Best Pick. Check Latest Price on Amazon

Our Budget Pick

DEWALT DWMT70785 Air Chisel Hammer
DEWALT DWMT70785 Air Chisel Hammer is an affordable pneumatic tool with shock absorbing handle, and a control trigger making it Our Best Budget Pick.
Check Latest Price on Amazon

Quick Comparison Between The Best Air Hammers

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1. ​Ingersoll Rand 118MAXK Long Barrel Air Hammer Kit

Ingersoll Rand 118MAXK Long Barrel Air Hammer KitCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Air powered
  • Reduces vibration
  • Measures 1 X 1 X 1 inches
  • Has 15% impact power compared to standard hammers
  • Comes with a carrying case, quick change retainer, and five-piece chisel set
This tool has been ergonomically designed to help you get the job done faster. With its quick change retainer, you can effortlessly exchange the chisels, giving you the freedom to manage the project at hand. The hammer has anti-vibration functionality which minimizes vibration of the tool by 30% compared to competitor tools. With this great feature, the hammer makes a perfect choice for general bolt cutting, front-end jobs, body shearing jobs, exhaust and pin driving. Check Latest Price on Amazon

2. DEWALT DWMT70785 Air Chisel Hammer

DEWALT DWMT70785 Air Chisel HammerCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Rotates at 2,600 BPM
  • Air-powered with ¼” air inlet
  • Weighs 5.55 pounds
  • Average air consumption 4.5 CFM
  • Accommodates .401” standard chisel shanks
  • Lightweight and comfy
Are looking for a lightweight and quality air chisel that will allow you to manage the project at hand properly? Then DEWALT DWMT70785 may be an ideal choice for you. The pneumatic tool has great features which allow you not only complete your job faster but also to add fun to it. The tool boasts of a lightweight aluminum body which has a medium designed barrel allowing you to complete demanding jobs faster while minimizing fatigue levels. One thing we love about this device is its control trigger which will enable you to have proper control of the tool each time. Another feature that adds a plus to the tool is its shock absorbing handle which adds extra comfort. The hammer accommodates .401” standard chisel shanks and comes with three chisels for you to choose from. However, you cannot use a quick change retainer on this model. Check Latest Price on Amazon

3. Astro Pneumatic Tool 4980 0.498" Shank Super Duty Air Hammer/Riveter

Astro Pneumatic Tool 4980 0.498- Shank Super Duty Air Hammer-RiveterCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Has ¼” air inlet
  • Stroke of 2 -11/16”
  • Bores ¾”
  • Weighs 4.8lbs
  • Rotates 1800RPM
  • Designed for heavy-duty applications
This super riveter is specifically designed to help you complete the heavy-duty off-road jobs, automotive and industrial applications. The hammer rotates at a speed of 1800RPM which is good enough to manage the most demanding projects. With this tool, you can carry out heavy-duty servicing jobs on kingpins, springs and truck brushings. You can also install or remove rivets on work site equipment and I-beam suspensions without much hassle. Customers who gave this riveter a try were satisfied by its performance and ability to allow them to complete demanding jobs faster. Check Latest Price on Amazon

4. Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Air Hammer

Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Air HammerCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • 4.5 CFM air consumption
  • Delivers 2100BPM
  • 3 1/2” piston stroke length
  • Powerful and ideal for heavy-duty jobs
  • Chisel shank opening of .401”
  • Air powered
  • Weighs 5.2 pounds
This device delivers an excellent power required to complete heavy-duty applications. The tool features heat treated parts and a long barrel which provides enough power to chisel ferrous metal, steel and concrete faster. The hammer has a spring retainer which allows you to change simple accessories. The device has 2100BPM and accommodates .401” standard chisel shanks. When using the tool, the integral muffler minimizes exhaust sound which makes it stand out. Check Latest Price on Amazon

5. PowRyte Medium Stroke Air Hammer

PowRyte Medium Stroke Air HammerCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • .401” shank capacity
  • ¼”-18NPT air inlet
  • 4.5 CFM average air consumption @ 90PSI
  • 2 -5/8” stroke length
  • Maximum air pressure 90PSI
  • Comes with ¼” male plug and four chisels (Weld Buster,  Splitter, Flat, and punch)
  • Constructed using high-quality materials
  • Air powered
  • Weighs 4.4pounds
PowRyte air hammer is fitted with an extra-long cylinder which helps deliver great power for heavy-duty applications. The tool delivers 3500BPM and has an inbuilt regulator which allows you to control the speed to suit the application at hand. The heat-treated piston and alloyed steel barrel gives it power and ability to withstand the test of time. Through its touch control trigger, you can have maximum control over the device each time you are working. PowRyte hammer has a coil spring retainer that allows users to change chisel faster. When using this device, you do not have to worry about how to get along with large projects. The tool is ergonomically designed to give you extra comfort hence reducing fatigue levels. Check Latest Price on Amazon

6. Sunex SX243 HD 250-Mm Long Barrel Air Hammer

Sunex SX243 Hd 250-Mm Long Barrel Air HammerCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Delivers 2,200 blows per minute
  • ¼” air inlet with 4.0 average consumption 90PSI
  • 110 sound level
  • Delivers 3- ¾ strokes
  • 10.63 long
Sunex SX243 features a long barrel design which delivers great power to complete your job. Like any other Sunex air power tools, the device is flexible, powerful and exceptional. The hammer has a hardened steel barrel and aluminum housing for utmost durability. For great results when working on different applications, the tool through its inbuilt regulator allows you to control your working speeds to suit the project at hand. With this tool, you do not have to worry about demanding jobs. The hammer through its ergonomic grip helps you complete your job faster without much hassle. Check Latest Price on Amazon

7. Chicago Pneumatic CP717 Super Duty Air Hammer

Chicago Pneumatic CP717 Super Duty Air HammerCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Air-powered bare tool
  • 7.0 average air consumption
  • ¾” bore diameter
  • 2 11/16” Stroke length with 1800 blows per minute
  • 3/8” hose size
Are you looking for the best air hammer for automotive? Then this pneumatic tool from Chicago may be a good choice for you. This Pneumatic CP717 is one of the powerful air hammers recommended for trucks, automotive and off-road equipment. The tool boasts of a heavy-duty long stroke piston which is powerful enough delivering up to 1800 blows per minute. Chicago CP717 air chisel has a .498" chisel shank opening which helps you manage the project that requires more power. Through its positive action trigger, you can change and adjust your working speeds giving you better control and great result. Check Latest Price on Amazon

8. Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 114GQC

Ingersoll Rand Air Hammer 114GQCCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Delivers 3500 blows per minute with 2-5/8” stroke length
  • Air-powered
  • .401” chisel shank
  • ¼” air inlet with average air consumption of 4CFM
  • Bore diameter of 11/16”
  • Weighs 4.1 pounds
  • Silver in color
Are you looking for the best chipping hammer? Then this pneumatic tool from Ingersoll may be an excellent choice for you. The tool features a preheated piston and a durable alloyed steel barrel. The air chisel is handy with an ergonomic grip which gives users a secure clutch hence reducing fatigue levels.  Aside from being comfy to use, the hammer is also compact, rugged and lightweight. These great features allow the tool to deliver exceptional torque required for the job. Ingersoll 114GQC features a professionally designed touch trigger and inbuilt power regulator which helps you to manage the project at hand. The 4.1 pound hammer comes along with three chisels for you to select from. To get the job done the tool has a quick changer retainer that allows you to change your chisels to suit the project at hand easily. Aside from chipping, you can still utilize the hammer to scrap surfaces, cut metals or exhaust work. Check Latest Price on Amazon

9. Ingersoll Rand 122MAXK Short Barrel Air Hammer Kit

Ingersoll Rand 122MAXK Short Barrel Air Hammer KitCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Delivers 3500 blows per minute
  • Reduces 30% vibration with a vibration rating of 7.5 meters squared
  • Air-powered
  • Comes in a protective carrying bay for easy portability
  • Quick chisel retainer
  • Comes with five chisels set to choose from
  • Delivers 15% impact force
  • Weighs 4 pounds
This short barrel hammer has been tested and recommended for body shearing jobs, front-end jobs, pin driving and general bolt cutting among other jobs. Compared to standard hammers, the tool is known to deliver 15% impact force allowing you to complete your job faster. The tool boasts of a carrying case, a five chisel set for you to choose from and a quick chisel retainer for easy chisel swapping. Another welcoming feature that adds a plus to this hammer is its anti-vibration feature which helps reduce tool quivering by 30% as compared to another tool of the same level. Customers who gave this hammer a try were satisfied with its performance and the impact force the tool delivers. The 4-pound hammer is handy, comfy and delivers up to 3500 blows per minute allowing you to complete your tasks faster. Check Latest Price on Amazon

10. Ingersoll Rand 121K6 Super Duty Air Hammer

Ingersoll Rand 121K6 Super Duty Air HammerCheck Latest Price on Amazon

Highlighted Features

  • Durable
  • Easy to maintain
  • Delivers up to 3,000 blows per minute
  • Comes with six superior quality chisel set
  • Air-powered
  • Touch control trigger for managing your working speeds
  • 3. CFM air consumption
  • .401” shank diameter
  • 2 9/32 stroke length
  • Weighs 4.2 pounds
This pneumatic tool is specifically designed to help you complete heavy-duty jobs without much effort. To manage different jobs, the tool comes with six superior quality steel chisel set for you to choose from. The super duty hammer features a professionally designed touch trigger which allows you to manage your working speeds and have better control over the tool. The pneumatic hammer can deliver up to 3,000 blows per minute with a maximum pressure of 90PSI. Its powerful and sturdy design makes the tool ideal for demanding jobs. The Rand 121K6 air chisel is easy to maintain and comes inside a blow-molded plastic case which makes it convenient to move around with. In case you may be in search of the best air hammer for front-end work then this may be an excellent choice for you. Check Latest Price on Amazon

Reasons Why You Should Use an Air Hammer

Air hammers are pneumatic tools that are known to offer substantial benefits compared to a standard hammer. The tools have great features that allow you to manage the task at hand without much hassle. Just take a look at some of the reasons why you should own one.

Air Hammers Are Handy

You do not have to be a professional to use an air-powered chisel. These tools feature a simple design which allows you to manipulate it and successfully manage the job at hand without much hassle.

Economical

Pneumatic tools like air hammers do not require electricity to operate them. They use air to deliver the exceptional torque required to get the job done. This helps save on energy bills and minimize any delays on job completion time. An air chisel is an ideal choice to use in fringe areas that do not have electricity supply.

Speed Customization

Modern air chisels have a speed regulator which allows you to control your working speeds to suit the project at hand. This helps you complete your jobs faster while achieving the desired results at the same time.

Versatile

Pneumatic hammers are designed to be used in different applications. This ranges from standard jobs to demanding and heavy duty applications. Most of these tools come with quick chisel retainers for easy swapping of your chisels helping you complete your job faster.

Efficient

As compared to regular clobbers, air chisels deliver great impact power required to get the job done. This is measured regarding blows per minute. Due to their efficiency, these tools have been relied upon by professionals to complete demanding jobs.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Air Hammer

Air clobbers are versatile tools that are designed to help you complete your jobs faster without using much energy and effort. However, not every tool in the market will help you achieve this. Different hammers are specifically designed to help you complete specific jobs. This guide will focus on the most critical factors that you should look at each time you are shopping for these tools.

Areas of Application

Each air chisel is designed to be used on specified jobs. This will depend on performance, sturdiness and its design. Before choosing your preferred pneumatic hammer, try to have a look at the application the tool is recommended for.

Weight

The material used and its size will dictate the weight of your air chisel. Typically, working with a heavy tool will force you to take breaks in between working sessions which will affect the job completion time. Always ensure that you can manage the weight of the selected hammer to minimize fatigue levels.

Vibration Levels

It’s normal for a pneumatic hammer to vibrate especially when in use. However, when the vibration levels are high, you may lose control over the tool. Air chisels with anti-vibration feature will help you minimize the vibration levels.

Air Consumption

Pneumatic hammers rely on air to generate kinetic energy which I delivered in the form of impact power. Typically, the air consumption is measured in Cubic Feet per minute (CFM). Hammers which are designed for heavy-duty application will have higher air consumption. Heavy duty hammers require higher pressure levels in order to deliver enough impact power to get the most demanding jobs done. This is contrary to chisels designed for standard or medium applications.

Size of the Barrel

Longer barrel hammers are specifically designed for heavy-duty and most demanding jobs while medium and short are constructed for less demanding jobs. The size of the barrel should guide you in selecting an air chisel that perfectly matches the type of jobs to be executed.

Attachments

Some air chisels are sold individually without any accessories while other come with all the attachments required for you to get started for the job. Tools that are sold separately will eventually increase the expenditure. Always be sure what is included in the package before spending on any tool.

Control Trigger

Pneumatic hammers operate at high speeds which need to be customized to suit the project at hand. A control trigger helps you control your working speeds effectively without getting overwhelmed by the speeds.

Impact Power

Pneumatic hammers impact power is measured in blows per minute. The higher the number of blows, the higher the impact power delivered. This helps deliver the required torsion for the job to be done.

Design

Pneumatic hammers feature different designs. Regardless of the design, you may opt to choose; the chisel should be ergonomically designed to help you complete the job without much hassle.

Care and Maintenance of an Air Hammer

Tool maintenance is one of the best practices for extending the lifespan of your tools. Air chisels like any other tool require proper care. Though pneumatic chisels do not require much maintenance, improper care can deteriorate its quality calling for a new one. The following surefire tips will help you keep your air chisels in good shape.

Lubrication

Inadequate lubrication of your hammer can slow down its performance. For optimal results, it is advocated for one to lubricate the air chisel before and after use. Always use pneumatic oil for hammers.

Adjust Your Pressure Levels Properly

High pressure is known to deliver high impact power. However, increasing the pressure can damage the tool. Lowering the pressure below the recommended limit can lower the impact force, and you may take longer to complete a job that would have taken a shorter time. Check your preferred pressure levels recommended by your manufacturer and avoid overwhelming the hammer with high-pressure levels.    

Keep the Air Supply Clean

Pneumatic hammer vibrates causing dust and other debris to accumulate in the air supply. This with time will reduce the pressure level and eventually may block the air supply. Once the tool is not supplied with enough air, it will not deliver the impact power required hence reducing its performance altogether. Once you notice your hammer performance has been reduced, this is a clear indication that the inner working of the tool has been clogged with dust and debris. To clean the mess, simply disconnect the air supply and soak your hammer for hours inside an oil reducing solvent. You can use Naphtha or kerosene. After several hours of soaking, remove your hammer and let the solvent to completely drain. Apply several drops of air lube around the air inlet before connecting the air supply. If this does not improve the performance of your hammer, contact your manufacturer for assistance.

Handle Your Tool with Care

Operating your hammer without a chisel can cause internal wear and burrs. This will eventually impact the durability of your tool. Always ensure the chisel is well fitted before running your tool.

Storage

Pneumatic hammers are designed using metal. Improper storage can cause these metallic parts to rust deteriorating the quality of the tool. To keep your hammer in good shape, ensure you wrap it with a clean, oiled cloth to prevent any oxidation from taking place.

Final Verdict

Whether you are experienced professional or an amateur there is no better way to break into hard surfaces other than using a pneumatic hammer. Due to their versatility, the tools have been relied upon by many. However, these tools may differ in size, performance, price, quality, material, and features making it hard for you to choose the best air hammer for your applications. To ensure you get the best from your pneumatic hammer, you should choose one that is ergonomically designed, lightweight, durable, has control speed features and above all matches the type of application you intend to use it for.

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