Power consumption
The power of the engine used in an electric or
gasoline demolition hammer. This parameter is used to indicate the total power consumption (useful power is less due to losses in the mechanisms) and, accordingly, it determines the connection requirements: the power grid must be able to deliver the required current without overloads and failures.
In general, the more powerful the tool, the better it is able to handle hard materials or large volumes of work. High power values make it possible to provide adequate energy for each individual impact and/or numerous strokes per minute. At the same time, we can say that power is a secondary parameter, and when choosing, you should look primarily at more practically significant characteristics — the same impact energy or impact frequency.
Impact energy
The greatest kinetic energy that a demolition hammer is capable of delivering on each individual blow.
The higher the impact energy, the stronger each blow is and the easier it is for the demolition hammer to “bite” into complex hard materials. On the other hand, there is not always a real need for high values, despite the fact that this parameter significantly affects the total cost of the tool. Therefore, it is worth choosing a demolition hammer according to the impact energy, taking into account the specifics of the materials for which it is planned to be used. Detailed recommendations for specific cases can be found in special sources.
It is worth noting that since recently, many manufacturers (primarily well-known ones) have been testing impact energy according to the new EPTA standard, which on the same tool gives lower energy values than the old standards. Therefore, when choosing, as well as when directly comparing different models (especially those with similar characteristics), it's ok to clarify by which standard the power was measured.
Impact rate
The maximum number of blows that a demolition hammer can deliver in a minute.
The higher this indicator (with the same impact energy, see above) — the more performant the tool, the better it is suitable for large volumes of work. In addition, the high frequency of operation is also able to compensate to a certain extent for the low impact energy: the pike can overcome a small amount of material in one blow, but if there are many such blows, the difference from a more advanced demolition hammer may not be so noticeable.
For different types of work, the optimal number of strokes will also be different; specific recommendations can be clarified by special sources.
Chuck size
The nominal size of the SDS Hex chuck (see Chuck Type) installed in the demolition hammer.
The larger the cartridge, the heavier the tool, usually, and the more complex and voluminous the work for which it was created. The minimum SDS Hex size in modern demolition hammers is 10mm, the same as SDS+; accordingly, similar mounts are found in light class models (see "Weight"). And in heavy professional units, the cartridge size can exceed 30 mm.
Weight
The total weight of the tool — usually, without taking into account the installed nozzle.
In the case of demolition hammers, weight depends not only and not so much on the comfort of holding in hands, but on specialization. The specifics of the work carried out by this tool is such that a large weight is often an advantage, not a disadvantage. Therefore, modern demolition hammers are conventionally divided into three "weight categories":
— Lightweight — models weighing up to 6 – 7 kg. Designed mainly for work on vertical surfaces, when the tool has to be held on weight.
— Medium — up to 10 – 12 kg. Used primarily for horizontal surfaces.
— Heavy — up to 30 kg or more. They are used in road works, when laying the foundation and for other similar tasks where high power and productivity are required.
