The best demolition hammer for your needs will vary – based on the material you want to break, and how you will actually use the hammer.
You could be a regular homeowner or DIY’er, or a professional tradesman…
In either case, are just looking to remove ceramic tiles, and/or chip some concrete?
Or, do you regularly need to break large hard slabs and pavements, and perform landscape and hardscape work like digging and trenching for example?
If you fit into the second scenario, you might like to read our guide on jackhammers and breakers for a more heavy duty demolition tool.
Demolition hammers in particular can be used for tile removal, some digging, some concrete, and for breaking up most walls and floors.
Whatever your usage requirements – the following list, reviews and buyer’s guide/FAQ will have the demolition hammer suitable for you – from brands like Bosch, Makita and Dewalt.
If you are short on time, you can simply check out the top demolition hammer list immediately below.
Otherwise, feel free to read this guide in full.
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Top Rated Demolition Hammer List
Best Cheap Demolition Hammer For Lighter Breaking – Makita HM0870C 11-Pound Demolition Hammer SDS-Max (on Amazon)
Best Demolition Hammer For Heavy Breaking – DEWALT D25901K 23.4 LB SDS Max Demo Hammer with Shocks (on Amazon)
Best Small/Compact Demolition Hammer – DEWALT D25330K L-Shaped Compact SDS Chipping Hammer (on Amazon)
Best Cheap Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal – Makita HM0870C 11-Pound Demolition Hammer SDS-Max (on Amazon)
Best Demolition Hammer Reviews
Makita HM0870C 11-Pound Demolition Hammer SDS-Max
The Makita HM0870C is an electric jackhammer.
Who Is This Demolition Hammer For?
- Those who want to a perform mainly horizontal work
- Those who want a lighter demo hammer – only 11.1 lbs
- Those who are working in a smaller surface area/on smaller jobs and want to be more precise
Who Is This Demolition Hammer Not For?
- Those wanting a big powerful jackhammer
- Those wanting to demolish large jobs and large surface areas
What’s Good About It?
- 8.4 feet per pound of force impact
- Weighs only 11 pounds – easy to handle and manoeuvre
- Speed control means motor power stays consistent regardless of load
- Soft start prevents jerking
- Variable speed – can control speed by the speed dial
- LED notifies you when the carbon brush filter needs to be changed over
- Includes Side Handle, Bit Grease, Cleaning Cloth, Tool Case
What’s Not So Great?
- Lacks the force impact of the largest demo hammers and jackhammers
What Else Do You Need To Use This Demolition Hammer?
- Demolition bits…
-
Scaling Hammer Chisel Bit – Hitachi 724966 SDS Max 3-by-12-Inch Scaling Hammer Chisel (On Amazon)
- Flat Hammer Chisel Bit – Hitachi 724962 SDS Max 1-Inch x 18-Inch Hammer Flat Hammer Chisel (On Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the Makita HM0870C 11-Pound Demolition Hammer SDS-Max on Amazon
DEWALT D25899K 21 LB SDS Max Demo Hammer
The DEWALT D25899K is an electric demolition hammer that is operated horizontally.
It is the most basic model when compared to the D25901K and D25891K.
Who Is This Demolition Hammer For?
- Those who want to hold their demolition hammer horizontally and want a lighter tool
- Those who are working in a smaller surface area/on smaller jobs and want to be more precise
- Mostly for chipping, demolition and chasing of brick, concrete and stone
Who Is This Demolition Hammer Not For?
- Those wanting a big powerful jackhammer
- Those wanting to demolish large jobs and large surface areas
What’s Good About It?
- 14 Amp motor with overload protection
- Impact force is 13.2 feet per pound
- Design stops debris dust from entering unit – dust seals and non air pumping beat piece
- Has rear and side handle – Rubber handle is comfortable and provides extra control – allows 360-degree rotation and 150-degree adjustment for ease of use
- Chisel can be adjusted to 12 different positions/angles
- Loaded speed is 2040 Bpm
- Comes with case and handle
What’s Not So Great?
- No vibration control
- Tool weighs 21.2 pounds
- No variable impact control dial
- Not a cheap tool
What Else Do You Need To Use This Demolition Hammer?
- Demolition hammer bits…
- Flat/Thin Chisel Bit – SEPTLS115DW5835 – Dewalt SDS-Max Steels – DW5835 (On Amazon)
- Scaling Hammer Chisel Bit – SEPTLS115DW5838 – Dewalt SDS-Max Steels – DW5838 (On Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the DEWALT D25899K 21 LB SDS Max Demo Hammer on Amazon
DEWALT D25901K 23.4 LB SDS Max Demo Hammer with Shocks
The DEWALT D25901K 23.4 LB is an electric demolition hammer that is operated horizontally.
The main differences between this model and the DEWALT D25899K is that the D25901K is a couple pounds heavier, has vibration control and imapact force variable settings.
For these extra features you pay extra.
Who Is This Demolition Hammer For?
- Those who want to hold their demolition hammer horizontally and want a lighter tool
- Those who are working in a smaller surface area/on smaller jobs and want to be more precise
Who Is This Demolition Hammer Not For?
- Those wanting a big powerful jackhammer
- Those wanting to demolish large jobs and large surface areas
What’s Good About It?
- 14.0 Amp motor with overload protection
- 19-setting variable impact control gives you between 3.7 and 18.5 foot-pounds of impact energy
- Has Active Vibration Control which reduces vibration
- Non-air pumping beatpiece eliminates debris dust entering the unit
- Design stops debris dust from entering unit – dust seals and non air pumping beat piece
- Chisel can be adjusted to 12 different positions/angles
- 1,020 – 2,040 BPM loaded speed
What’s Not So Great?
- Comes with just the tool – need to purchase case and bits
What Else Do You Need To Use This Demolition Hammer?
- Demolition hammer bits…
- Flat/Thin Chisel Bit – SEPTLS115DW5835 – Dewalt SDS-Max Steels – DW5835 (On Amazon)
- Scaling Hammer Chisel Bit – SEPTLS115DW5838 – Dewalt SDS-Max Steels – DW5838 (On Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the DEWALT D25901K 23.4 LB SDS Max Demo Hammer with Shocks on Amazon
DEWALT D25891K SDS MAX Demo Hammer
The DEWALT D25901K 23.4 LB is an electric demolition hammer that is operated horizontally.
It is a more powerful version of the DEWALT D25899K with more features, and is very similar to the D25901K, except this model only has 7 variable settings, not 19.
It is the lightest of the three tools at 19 pounds.
Who Is This Demolition Hammer For?
- Those who want to hold their demolition hammer horizontally and want a lighter tool
- Those who are working in a smaller surface area/on smaller jobs and want to be more precise
Who Is This Demolition Hammer Not For?
- Those wanting a big powerful jackhammer
- Those wanting to demolish large jobs and large surface areas
What’s Good About It?
- 15 foot-pounds of impact energy
- 15 Amp motor provides with overload protection
- Side and rear handles for extra control
- SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control reduces total vibration by up to 50%
- Variable impact control dial – 7 settings
- 1,152 – 2,304 BPM loaded speed
What’s Not So Great?
- Not a cheap tool
What Else Do You Need To Use This Demolition Hammer?
- Demolition hammer bits…
- Scaling Chisel – Bosch HS1910 Scaling Chisel 3-Inch by 12 Inch SDS max (On Amazon)
- Tile Chisel – Bosch HS1915 2″ X 11 1/2″ Tile Chisel for SDS-Max (On Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the DEWALT D25891K SDS MAX Demo Hammer on Amazon
Bosch DH1020VC Inline Demolition Hammer
The Bosch DH1020VC is an electric demolition that can be used horizontally, or vertically.
Who Is This Demolition Hammer For?
- Those who want to hold their demolition hammer horizontally and want a lighter tool
- Those who are working in a smaller surface area/on smaller jobs and want to be more precise
Who Is This Demolition Hammer Not For?
- Those wanting a big powerful jackhammer
- Those wanting to demolish large jobs and large surface areas
What’s Good About It?
- 17 feet per pound of impact energy
- 15.0 Amp motor
- No load 850-1,800Bpm
- Vibration Control™ technology for reduced vibration while in use
- Weighs 22 pounds
- Constant Response™ circuitry for constant power under load
- Variable-speed dial allows the operator to match the hammering power to application – from 900 BiM to 1,700 BiM
- Vario-Lock™ positioning for rotating and locking the chisel with precision
- 360° rotating auxiliary handle and a padded rear handle.
- SDS-max® chuck system provides tool-free bit changes.
- Includes carrying case
What’s Not So Great?
- Quite pricey – but the features and quality justify the price
What Else Do You Need To Use This Demolition Hammer?
- Demolition hammer bits…
Where Can I Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the Bosch DH1020VC Inline Demolition Hammer on Amazon
DEWALT D25330K L-Shaped Compact SDS Chipping Hammer
The DEWALT D25330K is a small/compact electric demolition hammer designed specifically for using horizontally.
Who Is This Demolition Hammer For?
- Those who are OK with low power compared to other demo hammers – this one is specfically for chipping – use on light masonry material
- Those who want to hold their demolition hammer horizontally and want a lighter tool
- Those who are working in a smaller surface area/on smaller jobs and want to be more precise
Who Is This Demolition Hammer Not For?
- Those wanting a big powerful jackhammer
- Those wanting to demolish large jobs and large surface areas
What’s Good About It?
- L shape design specifically for handheld use
- 6.3 amp motor with overload protection
- Very lightweight – only 6.5 pounds
- 0 – 4,100 BPM (blows per minute)
What’s Not So Great?
- Not very powerful – only 2 feet per pound of impact force
- No vibration control
What Else Do You Need To Use This Demolition Hammer?
- Demolition Hammer bits
Where Can I Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the DEWALT D25330K L-Shaped Compact SDS Chipping Hammer on Amazon
Best Demolition Hammer Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
Other Names For A Demolition Hammer
Demolition Hammer Drill
Concrete Breaker
Demo Hammer
Demolition Breaker
Hammer Breaker
Pneumatic Drill
What Is A Demolition Hammer?
There is a difference between a hammer used for construction, and a hammer used for demolition.
A hammer tool used for construction is used to fasten screws or drill holes (or any other construction based activity) – in the process of building something.
A demolition hammer on the other hand is a tool usually operated and held horizontally (not vertically like a heavier jackhammer), and used for demolition and breaking activities.
What Is A Demolition Hammer Used For, and What Does It Do?
Demolition hammers are used to break, remove and demolish materials like concrete walls, tiles, stone, rock, bricks and other hard materials that can’t be removed with manual tools and smaller demo tools.
The bit in the end of the hammer tool strikes materials with enough force to break the material.
Types of Demolition Hammers
Electric Demolition Hammer
Pneumatic Demolition Hammer
Demolition Hammer Bits & Chisels
Demolition hammer bits or chisels can be exchanged out of the end of the demo hammer to achieve different objectives:
Spade – provides flat finish for concrete or edging in asphalt or dirt
Flat tip Chisel – allows direction control or finer edge finish
Bull Point Bit – general breaking
Stake driver – drives concrete form stakes
Scabbler – finishes surface smooth or for cleaning prior to bonding
Flex chisel or lifter – flexible metal blade (attached to shank with bolts) for tile removal and scraping
Bushing tool – multiple carbide points for cleaning up seams and knocking down rough spots in concrete
You can read a full guide of jackhammer and demolition hammer bits here.
What Size Demolition Hammer Do I Need…How To Choose A Demolition Hammer?
They come in a range of sizes – with the main things changing with the size being the weight, force in the chisel, and
Get a smaller demolition hammer IF:
You are mainly using the tool horizontally
The jobs are smaller in size (both in surface area and how tough the surface is e.g. removing a few tiles)
You need a lighter tool for the job
Get a bigger demolition jackhammer IF:
You are mainly using the tool vertically
The jobs are larger in size (both in surface area and how tough the surface is e.g. demolishing a large concrete slab)
You need a heavier and more powerful tool for the job
What Grease For Demolition Jackhammer?
It depends on the manufacturer – they usually tell you what grease or oil your demolition jackhammer takes in the operation manual.
A demolition jackhammer will usually have an oil window which you can check the oil level with, and re-fill as necessary.
Features To Look For In A Demolition Hammer
Level of vibration control – what % of overall vibration is reduced?
Enough power to do what you want it to do – how many feet per pounds of impact force does it have?
Is the housing unit hardened plastic or metal? Metal tubing is better for jobsites and professionals
How many handles are there, and are they rubber or another vibration absorbing material?
Is it operated horizontally or vertically – you want a lighter tool for horizontal work
Oil level window (if it takes oil)
What bits can it take
Safety Tips For Using A Demolition Hammer
Make sure you wear protection glasses 100% eye coverage to protect against flying debris,
Wear gloves to shield against vibration
Wear steel-capped boots
With electric corded hammers, keep the cord away from hazards
Avoid breaking or demolishing materials directly overhead which can fall on or collapse on you
Make sure to have earmuffs or earplugs on hand if your demolition hammer operates at high decibel levels
Best Demolition Hammer For…
- Best Demolition Hammer For Digging
Generally, the vertical jackhammers are best for digging large surface areas, especially the breakers when used with a spade/digging bit.
You can get away with a smaller demolition hammer for small holes here and there.
- Best Demolition Hammer For Concrete
The best tools for concrete from the above list are the vertical jackhammers – used with a pointed bit.
Use the ExtremePowerUS or TR Industrial for odd jobs here and there.
Use the DeWalt and Bosch premium jackhammers if its a regular thing for you.
- Best Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal and Ceramic Tile Removal
If its just a few tiles, the horizontal demolition and chipping hammers are fine.
For entire bathrooms or bigger surface areas, use the vertical jackhammers.
- Best Demolition Hammer For Excavator
Large pneumatic demolition jackhammers are used for excavators.
Best Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal
Tile removal might include removing tiles from splash backs, countertops in a kitchen for example, or floors and walls in wet areas like bathrooms and laundries.
A demolition hammer will help remove both small and large areas of tiles in these areas quickly.
If the tiles you are trying to remove are very strong and a demolition hammer/rotary hammer isn’t getting the job done, read this guide about heavy duty jackhammers and breakers.
Makita HM0870C 11-Pound Demolition Hammer SDS-Max
We picked this demolition hammer because:
a) it is great value for money
b) it comes with all the features needed to remove all types and applications of tiles
In terms of tile removal, you would really only need another demolition hammer or jackhammer for more power.
OR, you might choose a rotary hammer if you want a lighter tool and slightly more precision and control.
What Makes This Demolition Hammer Good For Tile Removal?
- 10 Amp Motor
- Variable speeds for different hardness of surfaces – 1,100 – 2,650 BPM
- 8.4 feet of force per lbs – lots of force for tougher tile breaking and removal
- Only 11 lbs – lighter than most demolition hammers…good for holding for extended use in a horizontal position
- Has speed control to maintain speed under different loads
- Soft start for less kickback force
- L.E.D lights to alert you of both when the brushes need to be changed or when the cord is damaged
- Comfortable rubber grips
- 12 bit angle settings – let’s you get the perfect angle for the tile removal you are performing
- 98 Decibels – less than most jackhammers and breakers
- Makita internal ball bearings and armature seem to be tight and engineered well
- Comes with Side Handle, Bit Grease, Cleaning Cloth, Tool Case
What Bits Do You Need For Tile Removal With This Demolition Hammer?
This demolition hammer accepts SDS max bits. Good SDS max bits for tile removal include:
- Bull Point Chisel for breaking tiles from above – Bosch HS1904 SDS-max 16″ Rtec Bull Point Chisel (on Amazon)
- Tile Chisel for sliding under tile and popping them off the surface they are adhered to – Bosch HS1915 2″ X 11 1/2″ Tile Chisel for SDS-Max (on Amazon)
The tile chisel in particular is good because it is 12 inches long. It can easily slide under common 8 by 8 inch tiles to remove them, so you have plenty of bit to work with.
Where To Check Out This Demolition Hammer?
View the Makita HM0870C 11-Pound Demolition Hammer SDS-Max on Amazon
What Is Tile Removal?
Tile removal, is usually the removal of ceramic tiles from an inside the house area (like a bathroom/laundry – countertops, splash backs, floors, walls), or outdoor patio area.
The removal can include different types, sizes and square feet of tile removal.
What Is A Demolition Hammer Used For When Removing Tiles?
A demolition hammer is used, usually with a chisel or bull point bit, to break and remove tiles from a concrete base.
For a DIY’er or professional, they may then re-lay tiles or another floor surface after any floor prep has taken place.
As a measure, a standard demolition hammer can usually absolutely rip through a normal 8 by 8 inch tile within seconds.
You can get about 200 square feet of tiles removed within roughly 4 hours – although this depends on the demo hammer you have though, and howthe tiles are adhered to the area you are demo’ing.
Tile removal differs depending on if it’s:
- An inside or outside area
- The size of the tile – small, medium or big tiles
- The type of tile – ceramic tiles are easy to break
- The strength of the tile adhesive
You can check out the different types tools for tile removal in this quick list.
Types of Demolition Hammers For Tile Removal
Demolition hammers for the most part are the same – electric power tools.
They may have slightly different features, settings and power.
Demolition Hammer Bits & Accessories For Tile Removal
Pointed bit or flat chisel – for breaking
Tile Chisel – for lifting
How To Choose A Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal
All you really need to be concerned about though is if you have the right tool for the job. As a guide:
Chisel and Hammer – for smaller areas like splash backs and countertops
Rotary Hammer – for smaller areas, but will not wear you out as much, and remove tiles quicker
Demolition Hammer – for floors mainly and concrete surfaces. Quicker for floors and concrete walls than a rotary hammer.
Jackhammer and Breaker – For the strongest tiles and quickest removal. Jackhammers are the most powerful, but also the most heavy.
Features To Look For In A Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal
Variable speed
Ability to take different bits
Light enough to carry
Powerful enough to break and remove the tiles you want to remove
Vibration control
Safety Tips For Using A Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal
Knee pads
Long pants
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Gloves
How To Use A Demolition Hammer For Tile Removal
1. Have a wheelbarrow ready
2. Secure a bull point bit into your demo hammer
3. Plug in your demo hammer to a power source
4. Put on the right PPE
5. Break the first few rows of tiles from the wall
6. Remove the bull point bit, and insert a tile chisel bit
7. Get on your knees, and slide the chisel bit under the tiles, and up – popping the tiles up. But, let the tool do the work, you just guide it.
8. You can do this for the rest of the tiles until you clear the entire area.
NOTE: for splash backs or countertops, some people prefer to use smaller rotary hammers, but it’s up to you.
Can You Use A Hammer Drill For Demolition?
To use a drill (hammer drill or rotary hammer) for demolition, usually it has to have the following features:
Have the hammer feature (as opposed to just the rotary feature of most drills) and be able to take a chisel/hammer type piece
Be designed for demolition in terms of how much impact force it delivers – usually if it isn’t called a demolition hammer drill, it isn’t designed or built for demolition
Note that most horizontal and hammer drill type tools lack the absolute power of a vertical jackhammer, but can be better controlled
Best Demolition Hammer Resources
1. http://www.dewalt.com/
2. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/
3. https://www.makitatools.com/
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