Understanding the Mechanism of Jackhammers

Home Improvement

When it comes to construction, mining, and demolition projects, jackhammers prove to be an indispensable tool. Made to break through tough materials like rock, concrete, and asphalt, they make quick work of even the hardest surfaces. Without them, workers would be left with sledgehammers and pickaxes, which are not only slow but can also cause physical strain and injury.

Jackhammers are essentially a mechanized combination of a hammer and a chisel, and are among the most iconic and ear-shattering tools on construction sites. They are unwieldy, with some weighing up to 100 pounds, requiring a user with significant muscle to operate them safely. However, even with these challenges, jackhammers are necessary for countless major projects.

The first jackhammer was invented by Charles Brady King, an inventor and engineer from Detroit, in the late 1800s. King had already created over 60 different machines in his lifetime, including the first motorized carriage. Jackhammers proved to be a godsend for miners, making their work far easier and less physically taxing than using pickaxes and shovels. Steam engine technology of the day might have helped expedite the process, but because these machines required combustion, they were far too dangerous for use in tight quarters that often filled with explosive gases.

Today, modern jackhammers have come a long way from their humble beginnings. They are thoroughly evolved and refined machines, designed to handle even the toughest of surfaces. While they remain a straightforward and brutal tool, their importance to the construction, mining, and demolition industries cannot be overstated.

King developed the first pneumatic jackhammer, which uses compressed air and is considered a safer option. The inner workings of jackhammers are complex, but they all function similarly. Electric jackhammers are lightweight and best for small jobs, while gas versions are used on job sites with no power or compressed air. Pneumatic jackhammers became popular due to their nonflammable power source and ability to maintain power over long delivery hoses. The device uses highly compressed air to power the tool, which strikes the surface and fractures rock. Hydraulic jackhammers work similarly but use fluid instead of compressed gas. Jackhammers are percussive drills that pound away at a surface and break it into smaller pieces. The mass of the tool and gravity help keep it in contact with the target, while the bit pulverizes fragments into a fine powder or granules that crack the rock.

Jackhammers are powerful tools that can break rock into small pieces. As the bit retracts, it leaves behind a small crater and pulls along many of the rock chips. The operator moves the tool back a few inches and triggers the jackhammer again to propagate the initial smaller cracks into larger ones. There are several types of bits for different jobs, such as point bits and flat bits. It’s important to avoid going too deep into the rock and to sharpen the bit regularly for maximum efficiency.

Jackhammers can be hard on the human body due to their weight and vibration. Workers should be rotated to save their strength and spare them from the constant work of controlling the powerful machines. Hearing protection is necessary for both the jackhammer operator and anyone nearby, as jackhammers are one of the noisiest tools on a construction site. Excessive vibration from jackhammers can cause fatigue, headaches, stomach issues, insomnia, and muscular and skeletal issues. It can even lead to Raynaud’s phenomenon, affecting the blood vessels in the extremities.

Protect Yourself

When using a jackhammer, it’s important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from the potential dangers. Dust clouds are a common problem, especially when breaking up concrete which can release crystalline silica that is known to cause lung cancer. To prevent dust levels from getting too high, workers can spray a mist of water on the work area to create a safer breathing environment. It’s also recommended to wear protective clothing such as long pants and shirts, as well as steel-toed boots to prevent shrapnel injuries. Some jackhammers have lift-assist technology to make it easier to move around in the work area, but it’s crucial to be aware of any buried gas or electrical lines that could be damaged during demolition. Although jackhammers are powerful tools, they aren’t always the right choice for every demolition job.

Lots More Information

Author’s Note: How Jackhammers Work

Working with a jackhammer can be physically demanding and time-consuming. There are automated jackhammers available that can make the process easier and more efficient, but unfortunately, not all employers may be willing to invest in them.

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Sources

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Noise.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Noise/
• Detroit Historical Society. “King, Charles Brady.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/king-charles-brady
• The Family Handyman. “Concrete Demolition Tools and Tips.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.familyhandyman.com/masonry/concrete-repair/concrete-demolition-tools-and-tips/view-all
• Hyde, Justin. “March 6: Charles King Drives the First Automobile in Detroit on this Date in 1896.” (Oct. 14, 2014) https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/march-6-charles-king-drives-first-automobile-detroit-141225354.html
• King Motor Car Club of America. “Charles King Brady.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://clubs.hemmings.com/kingmotorcar/king.html
• Montabert Corporate Page. “Hydraulic Rock Breakers.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.montabert.com/en/hydraulic-rock-breakers.html
• OnGuard Safety Training. “Jack Hammer.” 2010. (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.onguardsafetytraining.com/samples/2Jack_Hammer_Instruction.pdf
• OSHA Fact Sheet. “What is Crystalline Silica?” 2002. (Oct. 14, 2014) https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/crystalline-factsheet.pdf
• Priester, Michael, Thomas Hentschel and Bernd Benthin. “Tools for Mining.” GATE. 1993. (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.gate-international.org/documents/publications/webdocs/pdfs/g10toe_1.pdf
• Raghavan, Vijaya. “Analysis of Performance of Jack Hammer to Determine the Penetration Rate on Different Rocks.” The International Journal of Engineering and Science. Aug. 5, 2014. (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.theijes.com/papers/v3-i8/Version-1/B038108017.pdf
• Safety Services Company. “Construction Safety: Using, Handling and Maintaining Jackhammers.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://www.safetyservicescompany.com/industry-category/construction/construction-safety-using-handling-and-maintaining-jackhammers/

FAQ

1. What is a jackhammer?

A jackhammer is a powerful tool that is used for breaking up concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces. It is also known as a pneumatic hammer or a demolition hammer. The tool operates by using compressed air to drive a piston up and down inside a cylinder. The piston is connected to a chisel or a pointed steel bit that is used to break up the surface.

2. How does a jackhammer work?

The jackhammer works by using a combination of high air pressure and rapid hammering action. When the air compressor pumps air into the cylinder, it pushes the piston up and down. This, in turn, moves the chisel or steel bit back and forth at a high speed. The repeated impact of the chisel or bit against the surface breaks it up into smaller pieces, which can then be removed.

3. What are the different types of jackhammers?

There are two main types of jackhammers – electric and pneumatic. Electric jackhammers are powered by electricity and are typically used for smaller jobs. Pneumatic jackhammers, on the other hand, are powered by compressed air and are more powerful. They are commonly used for larger demolition projects.

4. How do you use a jackhammer?

Using a jackhammer requires proper training and safety precautions. The operator should wear protective gear, such as earplugs, safety glasses, and a hard hat. The chisel or steel bit should be positioned at a 45-degree angle to the surface being broken up, and the operator should hold the tool firmly with both hands. The tool should be turned on and allowed to warm up before starting to use it. The operator should then begin breaking up the surface, starting at the edge and working inward.

5. What are the safety precautions when using a jackhammer?

When using a jackhammer, it is important to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents and injury. The operator should wear protective gear, such as earplugs, safety glasses, and a hard hat. The work area should be clearly marked off to prevent anyone from entering. The operator should also avoid using the tool near electrical wires or gas lines.

6. What are the benefits of using a jackhammer?

The main benefit of using a jackhammer is its ability to break up concrete and other hard surfaces quickly and efficiently. It is also a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of demolition projects. Additionally, it is more environmentally friendly than other methods of demolition, such as explosives.

7. How do you maintain a jackhammer?

To maintain a jackhammer, it is important to keep it clean and well lubricated. The chisel or steel bit should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and replaced when necessary. The air filter should also be checked and replaced as needed. It is also important to store the tool in a dry, secure location.

8. Can a jackhammer be used for other purposes?

Yes, a jackhammer can be used for other purposes besides breaking up concrete and other hard surfaces. For example, it can be used for digging holes, trenching, and even for drilling through rock.

9. What are the alternatives to using a jackhammer?

There are several alternatives to using a jackhammer, depending on the size and scope of the project. For smaller jobs, a sledgehammer or a hammer drill may be used. For larger projects, such as building demolition, explosives may be used.