Best Demolition Hammers In 2023/2024

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.

 

View On Amazon

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?

 

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?

 

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?

 

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?

 

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

View On Amazon

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:

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/

 

Friendly Disclaimers 

 

Tooljuice.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

Additionally, Tooljuice.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

Leave a Comment