I have an old concrete slab patio, approx 12' x 18' that needs to be removed. I don't have any way to tow a compressor so thinking of renting an electric jackhammer. The one I'm looking at looks about the same size as the pneumatic models, I think it said 1 1/8" bits(?). This is not a small hand held unit. Anybody ever use one of these things?
Jackhammers
- Thread starter Fullmetaljacket
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I've used one..it's a workout. Not quite as..agressive as the air units..but it will break concrete up like no tomorrow. Much easier and faster than a 20lb sledge hammer..
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Rented an electric one back in 2011 to remove two sidewalks.
It worked well and was about the same size as an air driven one. Took me about 3 hours to remove both,one was 15 ft long the other about 20 ft long.
It worked well and was about the same size as an air driven one. Took me about 3 hours to remove both,one was 15 ft long the other about 20 ft long.
Ivan the Butcher
Member
A man at church had a small concrete company. My youngest started working for him between 11th and 12th grade. He and another HS kid would bust out driveways with 2 20-pound sledgehammers. They would each start at opposite ends and race to the middle! They were faster than the Bobcat could load the debris!
We were talking about each of our "Glory Days" a couple of years ago, he told me a story. He was in a thrift store, and they had a large stack of white T-shirts size Girls Medium, with the "Brownie" logo on the front, and the name KATRINA on the back. At 25 cents each he bought them all. He used a razor on the base of the neck band and the inside of the sleeve bands. He would be sitting at a bar, and someone would make a wisecrack about a boy named Katrina. He would jump up, inhale, and flex all in the same instant. The shirts would disintegrate!
That's what the old fashion way can do for you! Or give you a stroke!
Ivan
We were talking about each of our "Glory Days" a couple of years ago, he told me a story. He was in a thrift store, and they had a large stack of white T-shirts size Girls Medium, with the "Brownie" logo on the front, and the name KATRINA on the back. At 25 cents each he bought them all. He used a razor on the base of the neck band and the inside of the sleeve bands. He would be sitting at a bar, and someone would make a wisecrack about a boy named Katrina. He would jump up, inhale, and flex all in the same instant. The shirts would disintegrate!
That's what the old fashion way can do for you! Or give you a stroke!
Ivan
I have used an electric Bosch jack hammer various times. Get the largest unit that you feel comfortable with ,weight of the unit helps with the demo
.Dont get one that you are constantly bending at waste that will wear you out.Make sure you wear protective boots also. Best of luck on the project hearing Protection also
.Dont get one that you are constantly bending at waste that will wear you out.Make sure you wear protective boots also. Best of luck on the project hearing Protection also
OP
Thanks for all the replies. My days of swinging a 20 lb sledge are decades behind me, I'm going to give the electric jackhammer a try.
When I was an electrician and worked in the field I used both the big Bosch electric jack hammers and 80 pound air compressor driven jack hammers, the Bosch hammers are good for smaller jobs where you couldn't get a compressor into, both will give you a work out, the last time I used one was 20 years ago
What are you going to do with all the old concrete once it's broken up?
Hire or draft a young guy…..
You'll trash your back!
You'll trash your back!
Squarebutt
Member
I've worn out a few of the medium size Bosch demo hammers like the 11305, etc., and used the big ones fairly often. Couple of tips: start at an edge and hit the slab a few inches from the edge. Working across the slab, break off small chunks toward the open. You'll get it done faster that way. Second, wear the best ear protection you've got, along with eye protection and a dust mask. I blame jackhammers for more of my hearing loss than any firearms.
Gunhohulk
Member
There is nothing that compares to a 90lb air hammer if you can find a way to get one. The electric ones always seemed like an exercise in jerking off to me. But you gotta use what you can get.
