Air hammer bits & attachments can be used for a range of tasks and purposes.
We discuss these bits and attachments in the guide below.
11 Air Hammer Bits & Attachments and Their Uses
As we mentioned in our Buyer’s Guide & Reviews to Air Hammers and Air Chisels, these tools are mainly for:
Chipping and removing loose masonry and other similar materials
Performing metal modification work (like smoothing and cutting metal)
Automotive work such as front end work, bodywork and suspension work
Joint work such as separating ball joints and a range of other joints
Whilst air hammers can do minor concrete work, a demolition hammer or jackhammer is better for concrete removal and demolition in the long term (they are more powerful and their bits are better suited to breaking and demolition type work – especially for large surface areas).
The standard air hammer shank/bit is a .401 shank, and the heavy duty shank is a .498-Inch diameter shank – so keep that in mind if standard shanks keep breaking on you, or wearing out very quickly.
There are also two types of retainers to attach the bits and hold them steady in the air hammer:
Retainer Spring – the standard retainer that comes with most air hammers
Quick change retainer – allows for quick changing of bits and usually has to be purchased separately. Make sure to get a good one that holds bits stable though – otherwise they can be more trouble than they are worth.
But, onto the different types of bits, and what you can use them for…
1. Smoothing Hammer
Has a flat hammer end.
A smoothing hammer is used to pound, flatten and smoothen out surfaces like metal with bumps and irregularities.
2. Pointed Bit & Pin Bits
Has a pointed end.
Used on masonry, tiles, stone, concrete and rendered walls to break, chip and demolish.
Can also be used to hit joins and bolts to loosen or break.
3. Flat chisel/Flat Cutter
Probably the most common air hammer bit, and also the most versatile.
There can be wide chisels, narrow chisels and extra long chisels.
Used mainly for chipping, cutting and separating materials, metal and joints.
4. V Shaped Chisel/Tapered Punch
Used moreso for cutting.
Particularly useful for cutting sheet metal.
5. Spot Weld Breaker
For breaking and chipping welds and slag.
Has a chisel end with a small half moon shape in the middle of the chisel.
6. Sheet Metal Trimmer
Has a separated prong end.
Used for cutting and trimming sheet metal
7. Pickle Forks (Front End Bits)
Used to separate the following common joints and arms during front end work –
Ball Joint Separator
Tie Rod Separator
Pitman Arm
8. Pitman Arm Pullers
Looks like a C shaped claw/clamp.
Used to work on pitman arms.
9. Ball Joint Separators
Looks like a regular bulldog clip/clamp.
Used to separate ball joints.
10. Tie Rod Pullers
Another clamp looking bit.
Used for tie rod removal and separation.
11. Straight Punch Chisels, Bolt Breaker Bits & Drift Sets
These bits are all quite similar and use standard round bit with a flat or cylindrical end
They will hit the surface directly with force to break bolts, joints, sockets, nuts, suspension bolts, roll pins and more.
This is in comparison to chisels which apply an edge (and not a rounded end) to get under or in between joints.
Air Hammer Bits & Attachments – Resources
1. http://tooljuice.com/best-air-hammer-chisel-buyers-guide-reviews/