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A jackhammer is a powerful demolition tool that breaks up hard surfaces like asphalt, brick, and tile. Many consumers view jackhammers as loud, hard to control, and reserved for construction workers, but these tools can come in more compact and manageable designs suitable for the handy homeowner.
While professional-grade jackhammers derive power from air compressors, DIY-friendly jackhammers utilize electricity. Electric jackhammers are easier to control than their pneumatic counterparts and come in various sizes to fit jobs both large and small.
To help you zero in on the best jackhammer for the job, our team took a look at the highest-rated jackhammers on the market. Here are our top picks.
Top 5 Jackhammers
- Best Value: XtremepowerUS 2,200-Watt Electric Jackhammer
- Best Speed Control: Makita 35-Pound Demolition Jackhammer
- Best Handling: Mophorn Electric Demolition Jackhammer
- Most Durable: Bosch 35-Pound Jackhammer Kit
- Best Mobility: TR Industrial Electric Jackhammer
Compare Top Jackhammers
| Product | RPM | Power Level | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XtremepowerUS 2,200-Watt Electric Jackhammer | 1,900 | 2,200 watts | 31.1 x 13.8 x 8.3 inches | 45 pounds |
| Makita 35-Pound Demolition Jackhammer | 1450 (BPM) | 1,500 watts | 35.4 x 7.2 x 14.7 inches | 38.2 pounds |
| Mophorn Electric Demolition Jackhammer | 1,400 | 3,500 watts | 37 x 24 x 10 inches | 38 pounds |
| Bosch 35-Pound Jackhammer Kit | 1,300 | 850 watts | 17 x 17 x 20 inches | 35 pounds |
| TR Industrial Electric Jackhammer | 1,800 | Not listed | 26 x 4 x 10 inches | 35 pounds |
| Product | RPM | Power Level | Dimensions | Weight |
Best Value Jackhammer
XtremepowerUS 2,200-Watt Electric Jackhammer
- $127.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 2,200 watts
- 1,800 BPM
- Point and flat chisel included
- Comes in a carrying case
What Customers Are Saying
Some positive reviews we found applauded the XtremePowerUS jackhammer’s equal performance to other leading demolition tools at a more affordable price. Other reviewers expressed their pleasant surprise over the model’s power output. Critical reviews stated that while the product produced adequate force, it died after continual use. Some reviewers also expressed concern over the jackhammer’s tendency to leak oil.
Best Speed Control
Makita 35-Pound Demolition Jackhammer
- $899
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Up to 1,450 BPM
- 16.4-inch power cord
- 14-amp motor
- 1-year limited warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Many positive reviews our team found endorsed the jackhammer’s heavy-duty claims, saying the product has a powerful output over prolonged periods. One reviewer even updated a 2014 review to inform readers that their product was still going strong. Customer complaints on Amazon focused less on the jackhammer’s performance and more on the poor delivery experience, with reports of customers receiving the wrong product.
Best Handling
Mophorn Electric Demolition Jackhammer
- $181.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Available as a 2,200- or 3,600-watt model
- Up to 1,800 revolutions per minute (RPM)
- 110 volts
- 42.5 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
Our research showed us customers’ comments on the jackhammer’s effectiveness as a homeowner-centered demolition tool, with many reviewers saying they used the jackhammer to break up sidewalks or remodel bathrooms. Additionally, many customers were satisfied with the product’s output, given its affordable price. Negative reviews centered around the product’s lack of power, with one user experiencing chisel bits deflecting off the concrete during a demolition project.
Most Durable
Bosch 35-Pound Jackhammer Kit
- $999
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 120 volts
- 1,300 BPM
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- 30-day, money-back guarantee
What Customers Are Saying
Some positive reviews we encountered praised this Bosch jackhammer’s impact force, remarking on its usefulness for a range of at-home demolition projects, including making post holes and breaking up concrete. Some professionals even highlighted the tool’s quality performance, with one reviewer praising its ability to demolish an aging sidewalk.
Best Mobility
TR Industrial Electric Jackhammer
- $249.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 1,800 BPM
- 13-amp motor
- 35 pounds
- 1-year limited warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Positive customer reviews for this jackhammer centered around the tool’s effectiveness in breaking up hard objects for medium-sized projects. Many customers we found even highlighted the product’s affordability compared to its competitors. Most critical reviews focused on the jackhammer’s bit, with customers experiencing frequent jams and expressing concerns over the tool’s incompatibility with universal jackhammer bits.
Jackhammer Buying Guide
From removing kitchen tile to breaking up concrete, jackhammers can make demolition-heavy projects easier. While jackhammers are necessary for many DIY projects, it’s important to select a jackhammer designed for your unique needs. In this buying guide, we discuss the factors influencing a jackhammer’s operation to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Impact
The impact of a jackhammer refers to two specific measurements: impact rate and impact force.
The impact rate is the number of times the jackhammer’s bit makes contact with the pavement per minute. While impact rate is important in breaking through material, a higher impact rate doesn’t mean you can break through denser material; rather, it just means that the machine works faster.
Impact force, typically measured in joules, is the key indicator of a jackhammer’s power. Jackhammers with a high-impact force deliver a more powerful blow but are typically harder to control.
Equipment Protection
To ensure your jackhammer is protected over time, look for features like a carrying case and standard manufacturer warranty coverage.
Type
‘Jackhammer’ is a broad term that encompasses all jackhammer variants, including hydraulic jackhammers, pneumatic jackhammers, and electric jackhammers.
Hydraulic and pneumatic jackhammers are industrial-grade models that professional road crews or construction workers use on job sites.
All of the recommended products in this review are electric jackhammers. These jackhammers are more manageable than hydraulic or pneumatic ones and are geared toward homeowners.
Weight
Weight determines the intensity at which the jackhammer runs and the length of time you can operate it.
A heavier jackhammer allows you to power through concrete, tile, and other materials with ease, but it can’t be run for lengthy periods.
A lightweight jackhammer doesn’t deliver as much force but is easier to maneuver.
When weighing your options, consider the specific job you’ll be performing with the jackhammer. A heavy jackhammer may be a good option if you need to break up a small area full of dense material. However, a lightweight jackhammer might be a better choice if you need a jackhammer for a job like chipping thin ceramic tiles.
Jackhammer Safety Considerations
Before using a powerful tool like a jackhammer, it’s important to understand how to use it safely. Here are some safety tips our team thinks you should consider before operation:
- Clear the area you’re working in of loose objects to prevent the jackhammer from damaging any items and keep you from tripping while operating the tool.
- Inspect your jackhammer before every use to ensure the tool isn’t damaged. Signs of damage include a broken electrical cord and rusted mechanical parts.
- Safety goggles and gloves should always be worn while operating a jackhammer to shield your eyes and hands from loose debris. Additionally, ear protection should be worn to protect against hearing loss.
- Make sure that the electrical cord is safely out of the way before operating the jackhammer to prevent electrocution.
Jackhammer FAQ
How heavy are jackhammers?
Jackhammers vary in size and weight. Electric-powered jackhammers weigh around 40 pounds, while commercial-grade, pneumatic jackhammers can weigh more than 75 pounds. Our five recommendations in this review run on electricity and weigh between 35-45 pounds.
What are jackhammers used for?
Jackhammers are used to break up concrete, asphalt, and many other materials. One benefit of a jackhammer is the power that it provides, as it easily cuts through dense materials that would take a while to break up by hand.
Are jackhammers dangerous?
Like many tools, jackhammers can be dangerous if they aren’t properly used. When using a jackhammer, you should always wear protective eyewear, earwear, and gloves to prevent injury. Additionally, if you’re breaking up material that emits hazardous dust, consider wearing a respirator.
How We Selected the Best Jackhammers
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of jackhammers with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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