Also known as an air chisel, an air hammer can break or cut metals and carve stones. In fact, owning an air hammer is quite necessary because it can help you repair home items and gadgets. However, not all air hammers are created equally. They may have a similar appearance and characteristics, but not all can work efficiently. So, what features should you look for in an excellent air hammer?
One of the most important features you need to consider when buying an air hammer is its power. If you’re going to do heavy-duty tasks, it is imperative that you get an air hammer with a power of 2,000 to 3,000 blows per minute (BPM). Aside from that, you also need to consider the barrel size. Short-barreled air hammers are typically compact and lightweight. As such, they are best for light to medium tasks. For heavy-duty tasks, an air hammer with a long barrel is more preferred.
Another important feature you need to consider is the product’s grip. Because air hammers produce vibrations, it is essential that you pick a product with a rubberized or ergonomic handle. This will help reduce fatigue, and at the same time, it will make your task more comfortable.
Of course, the product’s quality and durability are also vital. Hence, you need to pick an air hammer that is made of premium materials, such as aluminum or steel. Added features, like chisel bits and a case, are also a plus.
With all these factors in mind, Here we have compiled a list of the 10 best air hammers.
Ingersoll Rand 114GQC Air Hammer
The Ingersoll Rand is one of the most popular products on this list not only because of its reasonable price (less than $50). It also offers great features that will surely catch your attention.
First, this air hammer is powered by compressed air. As such, it delivers a lot of power – about 3,500 blows per minutes (BPM) with a 2-5/8-inch stroke. Aside from that, it is also equipped with a quick change retainer that allows you to swap chisels quickly and easily. Plus, it has a diffused handle exhaust that helps prevent overheating. This product also comes with three chisel bits.
For its construction, this air hammer features an alloyed steel barrel and heat-treated piston. These features guarantee that this product can last long even if you use it frequently. Additionally, it also has an ergonomic grip and a lightweight design, so it is comfortable to use. The best part is that you can use this product for various purposes, such as chiseling, cutting metals, and scraping surfaces.
Considering its price and great features, the Ingersoll Rand 114GQC is certainly one of the best air hammers available on the market. However, it has a few limitations. For one, the quality of its chips is not excellent. Aside from that, its handle is not able to absorb most of the tool’s vibrations.
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Sunex SX243 Air Hammer
If you’re looking for a high-performance hammer, the Sunex SX243 air hammer is an excellent choice. This product has a long barrel design. As you know, a long barrel can help produce more BPM while demanding less air pressure. As such, this product can deliver 2,200 BPM, which is enough to get a lot of jobs done. In fact, you can use this product for several applications, such as drilling, sanding, grinding, driving, and cutting.
Aside from those features, this air hammer also has a built-in regulator knob for easy adjustments. Moreover, its housing is made with aluminum alloy, which increases the product’s durability. It also has an ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain caused by the continuous vibration of the tool. Lastly, it accepts standard 0.401-inch shanks; thus, it is compatible with a lot of chisel sets.
The Sunnex SX243 is definitely a great product you can purchase. However, it has a few disadvantages. For one, it has a weight of 5.7 pounds, which is a bit heavy. As such, you may feel some discomforts when you use this air hammer for a long period. Additionally, this product doesn’t come with chisels and a case. Nevertheless, these are minor drawbacks compared to this product’s quality and optimum performance.
DEWALT DWMT70785
DEWALT is a well-known company that produces high-quality tools. As such, you are guaranteed that the DEWALT DWMT70785 is durable and can last for many years. But, that’s not all. This air hammer also offers several eye-catching features.
For one, this air hammer has an aluminum body. As you know, this material is not only durable but lightweight as well. Another great feature of this product is its shock-absorbing handle that provides comfort and ease. Thus, you can use this tool for an extended period without feeling any discomforts. Moreover, this product is also equipped with a touch control trigger for quick and easy operation.
For its power, this air hammer operates at a speed of up to 2,600 BPM. Aside from those features, it also accepts standard 0.401-inch chisel shanks. Also, there are three different chisels included in the package. Lastly, this product is backed by a three-year warranty.
With all these great features, the DEWALT DWMT70785 is definitely an excellent product you can purchase. However, this air hammer is only meant for light to medium-duty projects because of its lightweight design. Additionally, a few customers have noticed that this air hammer vibrates too much.
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Chicago Pneumatic CP714 Heavy-Duty Air Hammer
The Chicago Pneumatic CP714 is designed to endure rugged uses without causing any inconveniences. Thus, it is one of the best air hammers for heavy-duty purposes or applications. In fact, this tool can remove concrete easily.
For its features, the Chicago Pneumatic CP714 operates at a speed of 2,000 BPM. Aside from that, it also has a positive action trigger that provides precise control over its speed range. Moreover, this product features versatile-handles for the widest range of applications, giving you the most comfort while you’re using it. Plus, this air hammer comes with a two-year warranty.
Another great feature of this product is its weight, which is 3.3 pounds. Because of this feature, you can use this tool for an extended period without experiencing any discomforts. As such, this air hammer is an excellent choice if you need to do a project for a long period.
One downside for the Chicago Pneumatic CP714 is its high price, which is more than $250. Nevertheless, you’ll get all your money’s worth, considering this product’s features and optimum performance.
Performance Tool M668 Air Hammer
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly air hammer, the Performance Tool M668 should be one of your top choices. This tool is ideal for basic repairs, panel cutting, and hole punching. Plus, you can also use it to remove rivets and exhaust work.
Aside from being a multi-purpose product, this air hammer also has some great features. First, it operates at a speed of 3,000 BPM. It also has a built-in regulator that ensures precise speed control. Moreover, it also has a quick change spring retainer that allows you to swap chisels with ease.
Another great feature of this product is its rubber-coated housing that reduces fatigue and ensures better handling. It also has a weight of 3.1 pounds, so you can maneuver this tool easily. The best part is that you can purchase this product for less than $30.
Overall, the Performance Too M668 air hammer is the perfect product for beginners and DIY-ers. However, according to one review, this product has a shank size of 0.380 inches. Thus, it is not compatible with a lot of chisel sets. So, if you have a chisel set, this product is not an ideal choice. Nonetheless, this product comes with five heat-treated chisels.
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AIRCAT 5200-A-T Air Hammer
The AIRCAT 5200-A-T has various unique features that enable it to stand out from other air hammers on this list. First, this product has a metal valve instead of plastic. As such, it is not easily damaged, which is an excellent feature because these tools tend to vibrate a lot. Speaking of vibration, this air hammer produces low vibrations, and it has an ergonomic grip and handle. Combining these two features, you’ll get one of the most comfortable air hammers available on the market.
Aside from those features, this air hammer produces a power of 2,200 BPM with a 3 7/8-inch piston stroke. It also has a quick-change retainer that allows you to swap chisels easily and quickly. This tool also works with a standard 0.401-inch shank opening, so it is compatible with a lot of chisel sets. Lastly, it comes with a two-year warranty.
With all these great features, the AIRCAT 5200-A-T air hammer is definitely a great product you can purchase, especially for heavy-duty applications. However, it has a few limitations. For one, this product has a weight of five pounds, which is a bit heavy. Furthermore, it is a bit loud. So, you may need ear protection when using this product. Even so, this is still one of the best air hammers on the market, especially if you’re not specifically looking for a quiet product.
Astro Pneumatic Tool 4980 Air Hammer
The Astro Pneumatic Tool 4980 is a big and powerful tool that combines a riveter and an air hammer. So, you can use this product for various purposes, such as drilling, chipping, cutting, punching, and sanding. But, there’s more. As a riveter, this tool can easily and quickly install or remove rivets in I-beam suspension, as well as servicing kingpins, springs, and many more.
Aside from that, this tool is also extremely durable, thanks to its body, which is made entirely of metal. To be specific, its handle is made of aluminum, while its barrel has a steel construction. Speaking of the barrel, this air hammer has a long barrel, so it is suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
For its other features, the Astro Pneumatic Tool 4980 operates at a speed of 1,800 BPM with a 2 11/16-inch stroke. It also features a trigger control handle that improves its torque efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Moreover, this 4.8-pound air hammer also has a spring retainer that allows you to change chisels quickly and easily. Lastly, this product is backed by a one-year warranty.
Although a great product, the Astro Pneumatic Tool 4980 has a few limitations. For one, this air hammer produces a lot of vibration. Additionally, it doesn’t come with a case and chisel bits.
Campbell Hausfeld XT101000 Air Hammer
Another budget-friendly product on this list is the Campbell Hausfeld XT101000 air hammer. Although it has a price of less than $35, this tool has several eye-catching features that make it a high-quality product.
This air hammer operates at a speed of 2,600 BPM, allowing you to tackle projects efficiently and with ease. Aside from that, it has a medium-length barrel that delivers power that enables you to finish light to medium-duty tasks, such as chipping, cutting, punching, and scraping.
Another great feature of this product is its soft, rubberized surface that helps to absorb tool vibration and reduce fatigue. Plus, it has a lightweight and user-friendly design, allowing you to maneuver this 2.9-pound tool with ease. Moreover, its 0.401-inch standard shank diameter makes this hammer compatible with a lot of chisel sets.
The Campbell Hausfeld XT101000 air hammer is definitely one of the best air hammers on the market, especially considering its features and price. However, this product doesn’t come chisel bits and a case. Furthermore, this product is a bit loud, so ear protection may be necessary.
Ingersoll Rand 122MAXK Air Hammer Kit
If you’re searching for an air hammer kit, the Ingersoll Rand 122MAXK is an excellent choice. This is not only because Ingersoll Rand is known for its durable and high-quality products; this product also has a lot of great features.
First, this air hammer has an anti-vibration feature that reduces tool vibration by over 30% compared to other air hammers. Plus, it has an ergonomic grip and a weight of pounds. These features will not only make your task more comfortable. It can also help reduce fatigue, so you can use this tool for a long period without feeling any discomforts.
Aside from those features, this air hammer also has a power of 3,500 BPM. This product is also durable, thanks to its alloyed steel barrel and aluminum barrel cover. It also has a quick-change retainer that allows you to swap chisels quickly and easily. Furthermore, this product has a shank opening of 0.401 inches. Lastly, this product comes with a five-piece chisel set and blow-molded case.
Overall, the Ingersoll Rand 122MAXK air hammer kit is an excellent product perfect for various applications, such as hammering, punching, cutting, chipping, and scraping. Plus, it also makes body shearing and front-end work easier to finish.
Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 Air Hammer
The Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 air hammer is a powerful tool, yet it is easy to use. Plus, it can withstand rugged use, so it’s perfect for heavy-duty tasks. But, that’s not all. It is also packed with great features.
For one, this air hammer operates at a speed of 2,100 BPM with a 3-1/2 -inch piston stroke. It also has an easy change retainer so you can swap chisels quickly and easily. Moreover, this product also has an ergonomic grip that adds comfort, making this tool easy to use. It also has a shank opening of 0.401 inches, so it is compatible with a lot of chisels. Lastly, this product comes with a one-year warranty.
Although a great product, the Chicago Pneumatic CP7150 has a few drawbacks. First is its weight, which is eight pounds. This weight is heavy compared to other products on this list. Furthermore, this product also produces a lot of vibrations. These two drawbacks can pose a problem if you don’t have enough hand strength. Nonetheless, this product is still one of the best air hammers on the market, considering that it’s a durable and multi-purpose product with great features.