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.
In box
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Additional handle. The presence in the design or delivery set of an additional handle — in addition to the main one. This feature makes it easier to hold the tool with two hands; theoretically, the second hand could hold on to the body directly, but in fact it is inconvenient, and often unsafe. Almost all modern demolition hammers involve a two-handed grip during operation, so this feature is found in the vast majority of tools. The only exceptions are certain models of the light class (see "Weight"), in which there is nowhere to put an additional handle — it is easier to provide a case that is comfortable to hold.
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Pika (chisel). Availability of a working nozzle in a set of delivery of a demolition hammer. The purchase of such a kit can save the user from the need to buy a nozzle separately — in other words, by purchasing a hammer with a pike, you will immediately receive a tool ready for work. However, it must be borne in mind that there are many types of nozzles, with their own specialization, and it is not a fact that the complete version is suitable for the types of work for which it is planned to use the tool. Therefore, it's ok to clarify the features of the complete nozzle separately. Note that the common name "peak" is technically more correct. Nozzles are often combined under the term “chisel”, however, a pick-chisel is just one of the varieties of peaks that has a flat, pointed blade a
...nd is designed to cut through metal parts and punch through hard surfaces. In addition to it, there are also pick-scrap (for crushing and loosening), pick-blade (for processing flat surfaces), pick-rammer (for compacting soft materials such as soil or putty), etc.
— Case. The presence in the delivery set of a hard suitcase — a case — designed for storage and transportation of a demolition hammer. Of course, other devices can be used for these purposes — bags, boxes, etc. — however, complete cases are perhaps the most convenient option. So, they are quite comfortable to carry in your hands, the hard case protects the contents of the case and surrounding objects well from each other, and the tool and accessories for it most often fit tightly into separate recesses and do not hang around the suitcase. Note that in the absence of a case in the kit, the possibility of its separate purchase, usually, is not provided.Noise level
The noise level produced by a demolition hammer during operation. The lower the noise, the more comfortable the instrument will be to use. However, it must be said that this parameter is quite approximate: the actual noise level depends on the specific mode of operation, the nozzle used, the material being processed, etc. Nevertheless, the indicators claimed in the characteristics make it quite possible to evaluate the overall “loudness” of the instrument – for example, in order to choose the appropriate noise protection means.
When evaluating the noise level, you need to keep in mind that the decibel is a non-linear quantity. Therefore, it is easiest to use comparative tables for evaluation. Here is a simplified version of a similar table for the noise range covered by modern demolition hammers:
75 dB — loud scream at a distance of 1 m;
80 dB — ringing of a mechanical alarm clock at a distance of 1 m;
85 dB — motorcycle engine with muffler in close proximity;
90 dB — freight car at a distance of 7 – 10 m;
95 dB — noise in the subway car on the stage;
100 dB — industrial shop;
105 dB — mid-range home theater at full volume.
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.
